Can We CHAT

Can We CHAT (Conversations about History, Awareness and Transformation) is a facilitated group discussion process designed to advance and deepen conversations about any topic or issue related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Different than a classroom setting or stock presentation, Can We CHAT relies on mining participant wisdom in the form of lived experiences, differing viewpoints and shared objectives to determine what to convey, question, absorb and apply. The benefits of such an investment is proven to boost employee satisfaction, retention and productivity.

Each session is designed as a standalone experience. Participation is voluntary. Well aware that some participants may have fears of being criticized or offending each other, detailed planning goes into creating a
safe and welcoming space for participants to explore diverse viewpoints.
All registrants receive an advance agenda with their organization's purpose statement, recommended topic resources, group discussion guidelines, and personal communication tips. The actual session concludes with and evaluation poll to measure ongoing impact and sentiment. Those results, along with key participant observations, are included in the session content summary.

Discussion topics are selected based upon the expressed interests of our client. Those topics are then tailored to generate an experience that strengthens workplace cohesion, resolve and allyship. We recognize certain information and data can produce varying degrees of interest and emotion. As expert practitioners in dispute resolution, Lang & Associates facilitators shape these opportunities to prepare for and channel discomfort. Participants especially value the chance to practice and build skills related to inquiry, empathy, trust, vulnerability and ambiguity.

Can We CHAT sessions are currently available online and in-person.

Can We CHAT At-A-Glance

Guiding principles

The POWER of conversation

Can We CHAT conversations are explicitly designed to provoke new thoughts, exchange different viewpoints without judgment, and stimulate enough curiosity to help us better understand, keep talking, and move forward. Recent topics of conversation include: “Systemic Racism: A Historical Perspective,” “Can We Really Talk about Race?” “The Difference between Equity and Equality,” “Allyship,” “Racial Color Blindness"and “The Anti-Racist Workplace.”

Knowing Can We CHAT discussions can be unsettling and even triggering, each session sets aside time to highlight a point of inspiration from positive social justice initiatives and accomplishments that instill hope for the future.