“Refreshing to see another model of looking at an issue and to hear both sides respectfully presented.”

 “Enjoyed hearing very rational, civilized, and informed views no matter how different they are.”

 “Kept me from mentally blocking listening with arguments.”

 “Efforts like this to address the polarization that exists in our country today are so important

 

“I loved people/panelists voicing their experience.”

 “Gained a broader view of complexity of immigration.”

 “(I especially liked) the process itself and paraphrasing.”  

 

“I was delighted to be exposed to concrete viewpoints from veterans and to share my reflections and hear those of others.”

 “Great interactive communal exchange of views.”

 “Dialogue aspects were great – active listening.”  “It helped me to listen.”  “Thought provoking.”

 

“(It was helpful because) I was exposed to others views without confrontation.”  

“Especially liked format used to keep things respectful.”

 “It opened my mind to the 3 areas (private, public and government) line between providing religious freedom.”

 “Made me realize how much we need dialogue as a society.”

 “Opened doors to see diversity that cannot be avoided.”

 “Dialogue process is a monumental step forward in group process.”

 “A wonderful experience.”

 

 “Good dialogue and increased awareness of different perspectives.”

 “Process and substance were useful.”

 “ Liked hearing others’ opinions.”  “

 Liked the variety of speakers.”

 “(I especially liked) the process and format of small groups – reflective listening.”  “(I especially liked) the focus on dialogue – teaching/reminding us about how to do it and importance.”  

 

 “I learned new information and was refreshed by dialogue.  There was a wonderful diversity of opinion and I enjoyed hearing that.”

 “(I especially liked) personal stories of individuals in dialogue group.”

“I realized what Cincinnati is trying to do to change poverty and it is something I need to know about since it is my city.”

 “Was VERY informative both on part of speakers and in small groups.”

 “Liked (having) inspiring young people in group.”

 “Very helpful; offered good opportunity to learn and discuss issues in an open and relaxed environment.”

 “Informative and time well spent.”

 

 “I got to meet community leaders responsible for community issues.”

 “It was a place to hear “experts” and then share ideas with concerned citizens.”  “Encouraged by speakers and ideas shared in small groups.”

  “Excellent speakers stir and stimulate the small groups which were great.”

 “(I especially liked) the entire process – large and small groups – great experience to expand belief system.”

 “(Small) group sharing allowed all to speak at their level.”  

 

“It was good to talk openly with others in a peaceful way about a sensitive issue.:

“It was a new type of dialogue for me.”

“Members of the dialogue group adapted to the format.”

“ Helped me to understand peoples’ doubts and fears that are different from my own.”

“I learned something and appreciated the small group’s emphasis on listening.”  

 

“Was helpful to have the opposing views expressed and clarified.”

“(I have) a better understanding of the issue and the meaningful dialogue about it was helpful.”

“Raised issues or facets of them that I hadn’t seen connected before.”

“Definitely opened me to understand more clearly the point of view I do not hold.”

“I liked the respectful process of listening and paraphrasing.”

 

“Small group was rich and well facilitated.”  

“Wonder speaker – people in small group were hearty, and their sense of caring was nourishing.”

  “The process of discussion – the speaker – the respectfulness of my small group.”   

“I was able to see inside the last 8 years of policy formation.”

“Reinforced my belief on the need for dialogue.”  

 

“It is good to deepen understanding of conflict and explore solutions.”

“New awareness of issues I didn’t know about.”

“It was helpful to hear the pain on both sides.”

“Extremely helpful because much information was exchanged in a respectful way.”

“It clarified a basic stumbling block for me.”

“It allowed me to see and feel the emotions and history of a complicated conflict.”

“Dialogue provides opportunity for thoughtful participation.”

“Small group was very good – educational and gave me a sense of hope.”