What Are “Conversations That Matter”?

“Conversations that matter” can take place anywhere: between friends, colleagues, even complete strangers. The conversation can be as fleeting as a mutual observation while waiting for the bus, or a lengthy discussion about making changes in our lifestyle, school, community, workplace, society, and the world. Through these conversations, we create a connection with others.

I host monthly conversation ’salons’ to help make sense of our place in the world – locally, nationally, and globally. Each month sees a different topic. Each salon lasts two hours.

During Conversations That Matter, we acknowledge one another as equals, and that everyone speaks from their own perspective. Everyone comes to a salon willing to listen, and to be curious about the diversity of experiences and ideas. We are intrigued by the differences we hear, we expect to be surprised, and we treasure curiosity more than certainty. We ask “what’s possible?” not “what’s wrong?” It’s not unusual to discover that creative solutions come from new connections or that listening without judgment moves us closer to each other.

Please join us! See http://www.meetup.com/Conversations-That-Matter-Seattle for more information, to receive notification of events, and to register for a salon conversation.

What Participants Are Saying

“My pitch for CTM? Conversation is one of the basic things for good personal and social health – enjoyable as well as rewarding.” – Calvino Rabeni

“My work as a major gift officer leaves me with little time to engage in “after work” experiences for myself. When I saw that Ellia Ryan was organizing and facilitating Conversations That Matter, I suspected that my time would be well spent. I was not disappointed. The subject for the evening was provocative and stimulating. The “strangers” that I encountered were as hungry as I am for authentic connection as people navigating life in our community. Ellia plays the role of facilitator with ease and confidence. She establishes the “rules of the road” that ensures a superior experience.” – Diane Tilstra, People for Puget Sound

“If you love the art of conversation with engaged people this is the group for you.” – Norman Sigler

“It is an opportunity to have a genuine conversation with others and to learn from those who have different backgrounds and life experiences.” – Elizabeth