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Since the 1970s, presidential candidates have used energy as a key platform promise, highlighting our need to be energy independent. As our awareness of our vulnerability in relying on foreign sources of energy and the global nature of energy companies grew, we started using more alternative power and accessing more domestic resources than ever before. So what exactly do we mean by energy security? In this conversation, we talk about our evolving understanding of energy, sustainability, energy choices and how our lives are impacted by the energy we use. What can we learn about our shared stories that is similar? And where are the common themes that we all share?
Living Room Conversations offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Typically, 4-6 people meet in person or by video call for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others on one of our nearly 100 topics. Rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share, learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, though background links with balanced views are available on some topic pages online. Anyone can host using these italicized instructions. Hosts also participate.
Share your name, where you live, what drew you here, and if this is your first conversation.
These will set the tone of our conversation; participants may volunteer to take turns reading them aloud. (Click here for the full conversation agreements.)
Optional: a participant can keep track of time and gently let people know when their time has elapsed.
Each participant can take 1-2 minutes to answer one of these questions:
Take ~2 minutes each to answer a question below without interruption or crosstalk. After everyone has answered, the group may take a few minutes for clarifying or follow up questions/responses. Continue exploring additional questions as time allows..
Take 2 minutes to answer one of the following questions: