Citizen Discourse
Citizen Discourse's technology free workshop experiences welcome participants to unplug from the online chatter and plug in to the present moment. Drawing from social psychology, brain science, and restorative justice practices, Citizen Discourse workshops help organizations cultivate respectful cultures that foster trust and belonging.
In his Atlantic Monthly article, Paul Barnwell asks, Is there any 21st-century skill more important than being able to sustain confident, coherent conversation? To that end, Citizen Discourse workshops help grow social and emotional skills. What that means is participants will: a) hone active listening skills, b) think more critically about how they show up within intergroup dynamics, c) collect new mindfulness tools and, d) connect with values and purpose.
By engaging in this work, participants develop relational connections that lead to communities built on a foundation of trust. As such, your community will feel a sense of belonging leading to greater retention and an overall happier culture.
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Karen E. Gross, JD Bio
I'm Karen and I'm the founder of Citizen Discourse. I'm a lawyer who has worked in the Austin community for two decades. I founded Citizen Discourse out of a deep concern for the state of our polarized society and the impact this polarization has on democracy and how we treat one another. I believe with more empathy we can work through differences, which is desperately needed in today's landscape. I hope Citizen Discourse helps instill a kinder and more curious way of showing up in society.
Here's a little more about me:
Native to Connecticut and raised in El Paso, Texas, Karen earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Licensed in Texas, Karen spent a few years practicing criminal defense in Austin. Prior to that she had the honor of serving as community director for the Austin Anti-Defamation League, a non-profit committed in mission to securing justice and fair treatment for all. She oversaw the strategic growth and development of the office including the launch and implementation of the Austin/Travis County Hate Crimes Taskforce. This community-minded initiative has the stated mission of reducing hate and bias throughout central Texas.
Before law school Karen served as a policy director for an Austin City Council member. This position helped instill a faith in democracy and good government. Three years ago, Karen began obsessing over an idea she called Citizen Discourse (CD). CD's mission is to further the development of an engaged, informed, and caring global society through workshops, trainings, campaigns and more. Learn more at www.citizendiscourse.org.
Karen LOVES breakfast tacos, making big things happen, yoga, delicious (spicy) food -ideally shared with friends and family-and exploring places.
Karen E. Gross, JD
Founder + CEO
512.799.0348
karen@citizendiscourse.org
Follow along on Instagram @citizendiscourse