New TED Talk about Living Room Conversations by Joan Blades and John Gable. 
It’s time to change the climate of our climate conversations by not huddling under our umbrellas with only those that think what we believe is true! Let’s be brave enough to curiously listen to a broad spectrum of views about the climate of our earth from fellow citizens. So, no matter how far nor how firmly you stand in your view of climate change, there is a space for you to individually facilitate a change in the climate of our Climate Conversations.
Let's Get Started!
This Living Room Conversation flows through five rounds of questions and a closing. Some rounds ask you to answer each question. Others feature multiple questions that serve as conversation starters — you need only respond to the one or two you find most interesting.
ONE: Why are we here?
What interested you or drew you to this topic?
TWO: Your core values
Answer one or more of the following:
- What sense of purpose or duty guides you in life? What is your mission statement?
- What would your best friend say about who you are and what makes you tick?
- What are your hopes and concerns for your community and/or the country, now and long-term?
What are your biggest concerns about the topic of climate change?
Remember that the goal of this Living Room Conversation is for each participant to listen to and learn about the different opinions within the group to see where you might share interests, intentions, and goals.
Answer one or more of the following:
- Do you believe that climate change is a natural cycle of the earth, man-made or both?
- Are you concerned about climate change? Share your views.
- Are you frustrated by the amount of attention given to climate change? Share your views
- Have you made any changes to your lifestyle/energy consumption due to your views on climate change?
- Are you concerned about the quality of air, cleanliness of water sources or food sources?
- Do you feel that everything is fine as it is and there is no need to worry?
FOUR: Reflection
Answer one or more of the following:
- In one sentence, share what was most meaningful or valuable to you in the experience of this Living Room Conversation?
- What new understanding or common ground did you find within this topic?
- Has this conversation changed your perception of anyone in this group, including yourself?
FIVE: Accomplishment and moving forward
Answer both of the following questions:
- Name one important thing that was accomplished here.
- Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation you just had?
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