Attending Challenges

What are challenges that people have for getting to the Empathy Circle meetings?

Facebook Poll:

What are blocks that may hinder you in signing up to take part in a left-right Empathy Circle?

(We have 50+ people in this group saying they want to take part in Empathy Circle but only a few actually sign up. Help us understand why so we can address the concerns.)

add more.

• 1. No concerns in particular. Very busy at the moment. +15

  2. Don’t check Facebook frequently enough to receive invites and perhaps another mode of communication such as e-mail or messenger is better! +4

  3. Two hours is too long for me for a circle +2

  4. None of the times have worked for me so far.

  5. Concern about my safety if others see the recording online.

  6. Concerns that I might not be familiar with the topic e.g. US politics/ everyday reality

  7. Concerns I will not do the empathic listening process correctly.

  8. I don't want to speak with others thru technology. Just in person.

  9. Added by Sandy Grant

  10. I don’t know who the other people are.

  11. Concern about being recorded and it being publicly posted..

  12. I don't have a good computer, webcam, and microphone.

  13. The name ‘Empathy Circle’ is strange. I don't get what it is really about.

  14. I usually plan out my whole week in advance, so any opportunities that arise with less than a week’s notice, I tend not to have time for.

  15. I have not wanted to discuss the specific topics proposed thus far.

  16. Added by Greg Myers

  17. Concerns that I may lose my temper with others.

  18. Concerned I may get into a shouting match or verbal fight.

  19. Concerned I may not be able to honestly express myself.

  20. Have concerns about meeting new people.

  21. Concerns the dialogue will become a shouting match like many political discussions.

  22. Concern about my emotional safety from other participants.

Others

• 1. Sorry won’t be there this morning, need to go to gym class

  2. I would like to join the empathy circle again, but I have another meeting right now and I simply don't know if I would manage to find a peaceful place for listening and reflecting.

  3. Sorry to say that I have to back out of this one today. Still interested in doing one of these in the near future, however.

  4. I’m doing all I can to be on time

  5. I'm not going to make it to this one. Out of town this weekend and it is too much to manage.

  6. Sorry folks. I’m also going to miss today.