INTRODUCTION: Shhh IS NOT for this group. Nothing is off-limits. We're talking about what others say we shouldn’t talk about, the taboo, the controversial, the crazy and weird and the things that make others uncomfortable. Although society says we need to be accepting of each other's differences, that's not the way things are when it comes to talking about certain topics or sharing thoughts and views different from the status quo. So, if you don't wear your heart on your sleeve, want a space where you're welcome to speak your mind and are willing to respectfully hear out others who think differently than you and are okay with agreeing to disagree, then this is the group for YOU. Come join like-minded individuals for Off the Chain Conversations. IN THIS CLASS: (1) In pairs or trios, you will discuss unpredictable and often avoided topics selected from a pool of student and teacher generated topics. (2) You will contribute one topic to the pool of topics to be selected from for discussion. THIS CLASS IS FOR: (1) Those 18 years old and older. (2) Those who want to discuss taboo, controversial, crazy, weird and uncomfortable topics often avoided. (3) Those who can engage in complex conversations. (4) Those who want a space where they can freely speak their mind. (5) Those who can respectfully listen to others who think differently than they do. (6) Those who can agree to disagree when you don’t agree with others AND are not easily offended. MATERIALS NEEDED: Off the Chain Conversations Note-Taking Sheet PREPARATION: (1) Choose 1 topic you would like to discuss. Write it in the form of a question. (Examples: If someone wants to identify as a cat, should they be allowed to? Do you believe aliens exist?) Then, send it to the teacher before the class start time for it to be added to the pool of student and teacher generated topics. (2) Decide the name you prefer the teacher and group members to call you during the session, and enter it as your Display Name on Zoom.

(1) You will demonstrate your ability to respectfully discuss unpredictable and often avoided topics, which others say we shouldn’t talk about, by allowing yourself and other group members to freely share each other’s thoughts and opinions and agreeing to disagree when you have differences in thoughts and opinions. (2) You will develop greater confidence to speak with others about controversial topics and find it even easier to discuss more easy-going topics.