ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses conversation of the heart; social justice leaders must also be able to feel safe and open. With that in mind, two activities help set the stage for the sharing of personal stories to build a sense of community among participants. Initial activity is for the facilitators to assess the makeup of the folks in the room. The second activity is to have individuals return to the posters and conduct a sticky note exploration. For a conversation of the heart, listening as a duologue will not move participants to a deeper level of reflection. The listening pair is an effective tool for conversations and it has its own process. Conversations of the heart can at times create confusion, disagreement, resistance, and withdrawal. The cycle of socialization comprises of three circles representing the manner in which the outside world has influenced the way we think about others and ourselves. They are: The Early Years, Institutions and Collusion.
