Over the last six years, TIRRC has seen the power of deep canvassing – a two-way conversational technique based on story sharing, empathy, and connection – to move people away from bias, towards a better understanding of complex social issues and support for social progress.

Social connection is critical for a functional democracy. But as the U.S. becomes increasingly politically and socially polarized, we must collectively commit to inviting others to engage with us, overcoming those divides, and building a shared vision for a better future.

Transformative Conversations will take a closer look at each of the 9 insights from our recent toolkit. We'll hear about canvassers' experiences in applying these insights during their conversations with others. We’ll also discuss TIRRC’s findings from a cutting-edge public opinion and messaging study conducted in 2018 that utilized deep canvassing to identify what moves conflicted individuals towards favorable and supportive views of immigration.

Even if you're not canvassing door to door, you can learn to be a deep canvasser in your own life and everyday interactions!

You can download the corresponding toolkit, Transformative Conversations: Nine Insights from Deep Canvassing to Foster Empathy, Counter Bias, & Strengthen Democracy, here: https://www.tnimmigrant.org/publications/transformative-conversations