We are happy to announce the launch of the “Dialog Workshop” program, as part of the Coming Home Project. On Saturday February 20th, 2016, the Coming Home Project conducted the first public Dialog Workshop between veterans and civilians. Twelve people – came to Gallery138, the gallery and home that Brookie created, and participated in the program.
The focus of the workshop was a “story exchange”, a process designed by non-profit organization Narrative 4, in which people swap stories, and thus exchange perspectives. The process helps build community and foster empathy, an important step in accomplishing Coming Home's mission to bridge the gap between civilian and military communities in the US.
The stories, as always, were remarkable. Somehow, there were two stories about dead deer, followed by one about a guilty vegetarian. There were two amazing stories of motherhood that blended into one extended song through the exchange. There were also beautiful stories of missing home and creating home.
We thank Dr. Jim Munroe and Clare Mottola for their assistance with this workshop, as well as all the participants. If you are interested in joining a future program or hearing more about the process, please email us at [email protected] . We look forward to more stories and exchanges!