Bridging Divides Through Intentional Conversation
There is a growing divide in America today that is stalling meaningful progress on critical issues. The impact of this stalled progress is directly damaging human lives now and may damage them even more in the future. Progress is needed to address systemic racism, global warming, access to education and healthcare, policing, and our current global coronavirus pandemic. There are many proven ways to address these issues for different circumstances, and direct and intentional interpersonal communication is a foundational start. Knowing some of the basic factors at play when we enter into a conversation with someone we may disagree with is crucial for knowing how to communicate effectively to move the conversation towards progress and potentially save lives. This presentation will explore the social identification approach and other significant factors as they apply to communication models and how understanding those factors can aid us in becoming better communicators to bridge the growing divide in America.
Kevin Respicio, Nursing ‘22
Prior to pursuing a career in nursing, Kevin Respicio spent over a decade doing environmental protection and emergency response work in the oil industry. He has also spent 6 years as a member of the Washington Army National Guard first as a combat engineer then in the infantry. His shift into a career of nursing is a result of his ever-present desire to help others that was the reasoning behind his initial enlistment. While working in various diverse and dangerous environments, he realized the importance of seeing past politics to develop trusting relationships and effective communications with others. As a student, Kevin is a member of Seattle University’s 2020 Alfie cohort as well as an honors graduate from Tacoma Community College. As a soldier, he was a noncommissioned officer tasked with leading a diverse group of individuals through difficult operations and a distinguished graduate of multiple military programs. As a foreman, he was responsible for the safety and well-being of diverse individuals while accomplishing dangerous and challenging jobs. Kevin hopes to apply the lessons learned from his diverse background to become a better health care professional and communicator.
