On Sept. 22, Doane Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hosted a Bridging the Gap session. Bridging the Gap–Interfaith America is an organization that visits colleges across the country to teach students how to listen and communicate effectively. Assistant Director of Residence Life Emily Hand and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialist Wendy Huntsmann led the event, in which around 24 students participated.
The four-hour session was structured into four main parts: understanding why you were attending, learning to listen, sharing your story and resolving conflict. Hand explained that the events are “intended to help safely bridge the gap between the divisions.”
Each module had tasks that encouraged students to engage with one another, discussing their identities and life experiences. Many of these conversations required vulnerability and bravery as participants shared personal stories that shaped their lives.
One interesting statistic shared during the session was that less than 2% of people are taught how to listen. While listening may seem simple, and many people believe they are already skilled at it, the exercises and questions showed participants that listening is an area that often needs improvement.
The goal of the session was not to find common ground, which worked well, but to provide a space for participants to share their ideas and perspectives.
“We don’t all have to agree, but we still need to respect each other,” Huntsmann said.
Some of the questions discussed included, “What makes America great?” and “What’s something you would change about the world?”
The skills discussed during the event are valuable for students who want to engage in difficult conversations and learn about different values.
Doane DEI plans to host more Bridging the Gap sessions and mini-curriculums in the spring. Students can also attend Doane Dialogues, which aim to spur conversations on complex topics and share diverse perspectives.
