Got election season anxiety? Dialogue Institute of Kansas City offers understanding | Opinion
Does the endless clamor and emotional angst of our nearing election press in on you? Do you lament: Is there any antidote for accusation, assault and acrimony?
Let me introduce you to one possibility. The Dialogue Institute of Kansas City is a not-for-profit gem of our region. In my experience, it offers a port in the storm, a space where our differences are preempted by our shared humanity, desire for mutual understanding and the prospect of making new friends.
The Institute’s stated mission is “to promote respect, understanding and cooperation among people of diverse cultures and faiths by creating opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences.” Its reach extends to universities, colleges, other nonprofits, law enforcement agencies and artistic collectives, encompassing a wide spectrum of organizations and individuals.
For example, when my husband and I traveled to Turkey several years ago with a small group led by the Institute, we found ourselves among an unusual mix of companions. One traveler was a prominent figure in Kansas politics while another an individual who regularly voiced sharp criticism of him. The group also included a couple outspoken in advocating for human rights, a progressive pastor and a devout couple of another faith. By the end of the week, we’d all developed meaningful dialogue and formed friendships, many sharing emotional goodbyes.
The Dialogue Institute offers several opportunities for people of goodwill who seek a better world to come together. The Annual Dialogue & Friendship Dinner, its annual signature event, is scheduled for Oct. 24 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Student Union Multipurpose Room, at 6 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Unity and Service in Divisive Times.” The keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Jon Pahl, received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School and is a professor at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia/Gettysburg. He is an expert on religious violence and inter-religious peace building, and he has appeared on the BBC, ABC and other media outlets.
In addition to the keynote, awards will be presented to individuals and organizations for outstanding service to our community. Among past awardees are Ascend Hospice, Avila University, Vern Barnet (founder of the Center for Religious Experience and Study), Mindy Corporon (founder of SevenDays), the Down Syndrome Innovations (formerly Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City), former Kansas City Mayor Sly James and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, to name a few.
Throughout the year, Dialogue Institute offers several additional opportunities:
- Saturday brunches with guest leaders for open dialogue
Cooking classes that explore various culinary traditions
Art classes in water marbling
Ramadan fast-breaking dinners offered with partnering organizations at various locations
Building Bridges dinners in home settings that connect individuals from different backgrounds
Annual Turkish Food and Art Festival
Coffee and Baklava days that promote cultural exchange
The Dialogue Institute is run by volunteers, notably Eyyup Esen, an upbeat friend to hundreds across the area. Numerous others are active in supporting the many events.
Established in 2002 by Turkish-Americans and their allies, the Dialogue Institute is part of an international network of similar organizations. They are inspired by the life and thought of Fethullah Gulen. Gulen, a Muslim scholar and advocate for world peace, was once named one of the world’s most influential intellectuals by Time magazine.
So, if you’ve got election anxiety or exhaustion (although that’s not required), why not join us at the upcoming Friendship Dinner? Visit the Dialogue Institute’s website at dialoguekansascity.org for reservation details, and also scan the array of activities it offers, pictured under the events tab.