The University of Idaho Women’s Center campus conversations program provides a monthly outlet for students and community members to discuss controversial issues.
“We thought maybe we can get the community together to open up dialogue and increase understanding about issues that matter,” said Heather Gasser, Women’s Center director.
Gasser, along with Denise Carl and Bruce Mann, developed the program during spring 2011 after hearing about a fraternity party.
“It started as a catalyst with the Beta White Trash Party,” said Carl, student engagement coordinator. “I happened to see the party and was attending a conference the next day where we were asked what is the social change you will make on campus?”
Carl said Gasser and herself discussed the implications of such a party, and came up with the idea for campus conversations. She said the first session occurred the next week.
“The three of us decided to continue it as a monthly thing,” Carl said.
The next conversation did not occur until the following semester, when the group hosted four sessions on varying topics.
“There are often things on campus where we wonder how people can have a face to face conversation that evokes a lot of emotion,” Carl said.
Gasser said the conversations have no real format apart from a few basic rules.
“It is open to everyone to find (an) area of mutual respect and understanding,” Gasser said.
Carl said it can also tie into leadership training.
“It can help everyone develop communication skills and engage in challenging dialogue,” Carl said. “People in general are going to discuss controversial subjects, so if they can practice and develop opinions it can be helpful.”
Although the events are monthly, Gasser said topics are not arranged in advance.
“We don’t plan in advance because we want to be responsive to what’s happening on campus,” Gasser said. “We might say this month is religion, but it might not be relevant at the time.”
Gasser said topics are generally decided a week and a half in advance based on what’s buzzing on campus or social media sites.
“… We welcome ideas but we intentionally don’t plan them so the commentary is relevant,” Gasser said.
Gasser said the most recent conversation about rape on campus was successful.
“Last week we had 20 or so show up, so it broke down into three groups of six or seven at round tables,” Gasser said.
Gasser said the attendance varies, and although a larger audience would always be nice, the events have been beneficial.
“Each topic draws different crowds based on personal perspective,” Gasser said.
Gasser said the next conversation is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 8 in the Horizon Room on the fourth floor of the Commons. Anyone seeking more information can go to the group’s Facebook page.