Bridging the Political Divide: Optimism for Moving Beyond Polarization

Political polarization in the U.S. is at a record high. As anger, fear, distortions, and social media drive
the wedge ever deeper, what hope is there for maintaining connection within families, friendships,
workplaces, and communities? Dr. Israel can offer solutions. Grounded in evidence, experience, and
skills, she will share practical and research-based strategies to help bridge the political divide. Her
approach to building understanding will leave you informed, optimistic, and empowered to take
action.

If You’re Not Listening, You’re Not Paying Attention: Dialogue as a Tool for Social Justice Advocacy

“If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention” is a rallying cry in social justice circles. Indeed,
there is plenty to be outraged about, however, outrage has its limitations, and prolonged outrage takes
a toll on health. Science points to listening as an effective tool for collaboration, persuasion, and
organizing. In this presentation, Dr. Israel harnesses psychological theory and research to offer a
blueprint for dialogue-based social justice advocacy.

Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide

It can be difficult to bridge the political divide. How do we talk with people who hold political views
that are different from our own? Is there a path forward, out of conflict, toward understanding and
healing? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Tania Israel will prepare attendees to engage in dialogue by
helping them to build skills for listening, managing emotions, developing accurate perceptions of
others, and sharing their views. This program uses an active-learning format and can be delivered in
person or via Zoom, with demonstrations, mini-lectures, polls, discussion, and role plays. People of all
political persuasions can benefit from this program.

Dialogue as a Tool for LGBTQ Advocacy

How can we advocate effectively for LGBTQ issues? Why should we listen to people who don’t support
LGBTQ rights? What can we do when we feel frustrated, threatened, or demoralized? In this
interactive workshop, Dr. Israel equips attendees to approach challenging conversations with
confidence and skills. Her dual expertise in LGBTQ psychology and dialogue across political
disagreement inform this enlightening and engaging program.

Praxis Makes Perfect: A Quarter Century of LGBTQ Psychology Research

In this engaging presentation, Dr. Israel shares her decades-long journey as an LGBTQ psychology
researcher and advocate. Integrating storytelling, research findings, and wisdom; she describes one
woman’s quest to generate knowledge during a period of rapid social change and inspires attendees to
achieve their potential as researchers.