Learn to connect across human difference and Stay Connected Across Political Divides
The Positive Communication Network is proud to present our PosComm Workshop Series -- practical training designed by experts for your everyday life.
Our November 13th event, "Skills for Overcoming Difference: Staying Connected Across Political Divides," will feature Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, Professor and Chair of Applied Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
This workshop focuses on the skills you need to transcend the perceived differences that exist between you and others.
Political differences can strain conversations and relationships, especially when the stakes feel high. In this brief, interactive workshop, April Chatham-Carpenter will introduce practical skills for understanding others and expressing convictions with clarity and respect. Drawing on her adaptation of Braver Angels’ LAPP framework (Listen, Act, Pivot, and Perspective), she will explore how to follow listening with actions that demonstrate understanding, as well as sharing one’s own perspective in ways that make it easier to hear. Through brief demonstrations, political examples, personal reflection, and chat-based practice, participants will explore ways to lower defensiveness and keep conversations constructive, even when disagreements remain.
Learn more about our presenter:
Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter is an applied communication scholar, professor, and chair of the Department of Applied Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her work connects communication scholarship with everyday practices that help people navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and work together across differences. She facilitates workshops for public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, translating research into practical skills for listening, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. As Arkansas State Coordinator for Braver Angels, she supports efforts to bridge political divides and strengthen civic relationships. She also co-hosts the television series A Braver Arkansas and the podcast On the Other Hand, bringing conversations across differences to broader public audiences.
The mission of the PosComNetwork is to inspire scholars, educators, and practitioners to study, explore, and celebrate positive communication practices and messages across communication contexts.
Register here for this free online event. Please note, this event has been standardized to the Eastern Time Zone.