Our Work
Our work consists of direct instruction with students as well as professional development for educators.
With Students
Retreats and Can We? Connect
Our primary work with students is a series of three full-day retreats for cohorts of students in partner schools. In these retreats, students develop the mindset necessary for constructive dialogue, participate in activities that teach listening skills, consider how brain science impacts our interactions with one another during conflict, and engage in structured dialogue on topics that matter to them.
While the fall and spring retreats happen in local schools, Can We? Connect is a cross-school student conference that takes place in December, providing an opportunity for 300 students and educators to come together from across Maine and New Hampshire for a day of youth-led dialogue. Throughout the day at the Augusta Civic Center, students use inquiry and listening skills to better understand the unique identities and perspectives of their peers and to share personal hopes for the future.
With Teachers
Educator Capacity Building
Beyond the Cohort, our professional development institute, extends this work into educator capacity building through team-based training and school-based implementation. The institute consists of four full-day workshops, school visits, and consultation, supporting teams of teachers as they cultivate the transformative practice of constructive dialogue in their classrooms and schools.
With Schools & Youth Organizations
Consulting and Workshops
We support student-led events, facilitator training, and professional development for teachers, schools and other organizations.