Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference

We’re coordinating a series of community events to spur community engagement, model civil dialogue, and amplify moderate voices.

Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference in greater Minnesota is a conversation program led by Project Optimist. We’re coordinating a series of community events that bring greater Minnesotans together to discuss controversial topics.

The goal is to spur community engagement, model civil dialogue, and amplify moderate voices. We know that a lot of nuance around important issues gets lost in the noise.

The Shades of Purple events will feed into a podcast series and written stories published by Project Optimist. The stories will share insights from the events that the rest of Minnesota (and the world!) can learn from.

Upcoming dialogue events

Wildfire dialogue

Project Optimist is connecting with community groups close to Superior National Forest for a conversation about managing wildfires. Read our coverage on wildfires in northern Minnesota here. And stay tuned for event details.

In fall 2024 we'll partner with universities and colleges for a series of conversations on social isolation, belonging, and connection among young adults.

Where will other events take place?

The dialogues will take place in person and virtually in Minnesota’s small cities and rural areas. We started in St. Cloud where we partnered with the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization and the Stearns History Museum for a dialogue about belonging. We are partnering with service groups, libraries, media nonprofits, and other local organizations.

What will happen at the events?

At the heart of each gathering is a moderated conversation in which people share the personal experiences that shape their views. Participants will be asked to agree to ground rules and show respect for others.

The events will include food whenever possible and a simple, collaborative art project.

The events will borrow from models used by Essential Partners and Spaceship Media, two organizations with experience leading conversations on controversial topics. Locals will help determine conversation topics during the preparation process.

What happens after the events?

Project Optimist will ask participants how they want to continue their conversations and will plan future events accordingly. We’ll survey attendees immediately after the gathering and a few months later to gauge if the dialogues have a lasting impact.

Podcast producers with Project Optimist will follow up with participants to gather highlights and reflections on the process. They will create journalism to reach a broader audience and convey wisdom gleaned from the events.

How can you help?

Become a named sponsor of the event series or podcast.
Become a volunteer moderator for these important conversations. We’ll pay for your training and any travel costs.
Become a partner to help plan and shape these events.