USA Fencing

Let’s face it. Having conversations around identity can be difficult.

Whether the topic is about race/racism, gender/sexism, religion, or countless other topics, most people shy away from the conversation because of fear of resistance, guilt or shame.

Here at USA Fencing, we believe that engaging in meaningful conversation around these subjects fosters a place of understanding and inclusion.

Remember, give yourself and your peers some GRACE! We’re on this journey of continuous learning, TOGETHER!

Disarm your audience with relatable language. When discussing topics that may be uncomfortable, the key is to make your audience feel comfortable. However heated a conversation can be, incorporating an easygoing demeanor can neutralize high-intensity people and emotionally charged moments. This will help shift the dynamics of the situation overall to one that’s more positive and productive.

Don’t forget to keep your reactions in check as well. Being defensive, aggressive, critical or dismissive is not productive. 

Speak from YOUR perspective. When you’re speaking for understanding, it's important to remember that you are only an expert of our own experiences. Avoid speaking for others by using “we,” “us,” or “them.”

Actively listen. Listen with the goal of understanding, not to respond. Sometimes we are tempted to begin formulating what we want to say in response, instead of giving 100% of our focus to the speaker. So let’s make sure we are listening 100%.

Respect silence. Don’t force yourself to fill in any awkward silence. Silence can be an indication of thought and process.

Validate opposing points of view. Make sure you’re authenticating the opposing argument. If you don’t agree with the opposition’s point of view, simply acknowledging the other party’s firm beliefs (respect) in their position can put things on a better track. Use collaborative words when sharing your views, and avoid making assumptions — ask questions to clarify. This will help with empathy engagement. 

Uphold confidentiality. Treat the candor of others as a gift. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them.

Framework: Use the Challenge Based Learning framework to help organize your thoughts, ask questions, and conduct and synthesize research in order to design your solution. 

Engage

Connect with the big idea, consider the impact on you personally, consider new viewpoints, and focus on the challenge’s call to action. Why does this matter? Why should I care?

• Big Idea: Think about the universal theme or concept that can be explored in multiple ways and is important to you and your community.

• Essential Questions: Consider which questions will help guide your thinking to inform possible solutions. Choose one question that you connect with the most.

• Challenge: Identify the essential question that becomes the call to action.

Investigate

Find ways to research these questions, and analyze your findings to help define your solution. While you’re investigating consider questions like:

• What do I need to know to help develop a solution?

• How can we have a common vocabulary about equality, equity, and justice?

• What barriers prevent me from engaging in the conversation?

• How can I become a better listener during difficult conversations? 

Act

Your investigation will help you define your solution. It may be personal or something that impacts your broader community. Don’t stop at defining your solution—make sure to put it into action!

• Based on what I’ve learned, what specific tasks can I implement?

• How can I make a difference?

• What’s actionable evidence? 

• What’s measurable evidence? 

• What’s impactful evidence?