Bridging the Divide: Communication Skills for a Fractured World

When disagreement feels impossible, connection becomes revolutionary.

In a nation struggling with polarization and division, the ability to communicate across differences has become essential. This hands-on workshop offers practical skills for engaging with people you disagree with while maintaining respect, empathy, and genuine connection.

Led by relationship coach Karen Gimnig, this intensive day will equip you with tools to:

• Navigate difficult conversations without losing relationships
• Listen deeply, even when you fundamentally disagree
• Build understanding across ideological divides
• Create spaces where honest disagreement strengthens rather than destroys community

The costs of our current divisions are evident everywhere: in our families, workplaces, and communities. But connection is possible. This workshop teaches proven techniques for building understanding across differences, skills that work in any setting where people need to work together despite disagreeing.

• Simple (but not easy) structures for effective communication
• Skills for working constructively with conflict
• Techniques for deep listening when emotions run high
• Ways to disagree while maintaining respect and empathy

You'll practice these skills with other participants and leave with concrete tools you can use immediately in your workplace, family, and community.

Karen Gimnig has worked with intentional communities for over a decade, co-authored The Cooperative Culture Handbook, and served with the Cohousing Association. Her clients consistently praise her rare ability to balance openness and compassion with frankness and accountability.

"Karen's wisdom shines through every minute of her classes. She has experienced a lot having lived and worked in the cohousing field for decades and she articulates it beautifully."

"You are the safest person to disagree with ever!"

Saturday, Nov 1 | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM (doors open at 9:00)

• Lunch provided by The Valley Organic Deli (vegan, vegetarian, turkey, beef, and gluten-free options available)
• Snacks and beverages available throughout the day (please bring a reusable mug)
• 2:30 PM Optional Tour: Visit Sharingwood Cohousing in Woodinville (transportation options being arranged)

Sunday, Nov 2 (Optional Activities)

• 10:15 AM: Guided walk on the scenic Eby Waterfront Trail
• 11:00 AM: Tour of Sunnyside Village Cohousing in Marysville
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant (individual pay)

$75 Early Bird (register by October 25) | $95 Standard | $25 Sunnyside Village Member
If you join Sunnyside Village Cohousing as a member, your workshop fee will be credited toward your membership fee.

Pricing includes lunch

This workshop is hosted by Sunnyside Village Cohousing, a community in Marysville where 32 households will share common spaces and facilities while each having their own private home. It's a model that requires neighbors to navigate differences and make decisions together, which means practicing these communication skills daily.

On Sunday, you're invited to tour the Sunnyside Village property and see the vision taking shape. You'll also have the option to tour Sharingwood Cohousing on Saturday afternoon to see an established cohousing community in action.

• You're tired of avoiding topics with people you care about
• You want practical skills, not just theory
• You believe connection across differences is possible
• You're ready to be part of the solution

The world changes when we change how we relate to each other. Start here.

Host or Publisher Sunnyside Village Cohousing