Gender Across the Ages – Different Views

April 3, 2018

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Portland Public Library

5 Monument Square, Portland, Maine

How do people of different ages see gender roles differently?

What do YOU think about gender roles?

Should people be treated differently based on their gender?

What’s okay and not okay?

What do you think of #MeToo?

Is it important to maintain some traditional gender roles?

Is it important to break down traditional gender roles?

What do you think of “Ladies first?” Or “Hey you guys?”

What do you think about men holding doors open for women?

What do you think about men and women having a specific division of labor in the home?

Do you care what bathrooms people use, based on gender?

Is it okay for a person to determine their gender?

As in all Make Shift Coffee Houses, we want to hear your thoughts and feelings AND how your thoughts and feelings were shaped by your childhood, your education, and other influences on your life.

This Make Shift Coffee House is part of a three-part series at the Portland Public Library all about how we see each other and treat each other.

Come tell us how you would like to be seen. And treated

With Special Musical Guest, Dustin LeVasseur!

Format

We begin with free food and live music; a chance to get a snack and chat with in pairs or small groups to get things started.

The heart of the event is the next hour where the full group will engage in facilitated discussion. Following guidelines for a civil conversation, we learn from each other by asking questions and hearing what’s important to the “other side.” All that’s required is a desire to understand and the willingness to listen.

After the full group discussion we’ll strike up the music again, get another cup of coffee, and talk in small groups about specific topics. Some of us will talk in pairs. It’s informal. It’s a coffee house!

Before wrapping up, Craig will bring the group back together in one last group dialogue. This time could be used for a wrap up with a summary of key concepts as well as any more input from the group. Depending on the topic and the people involved, the time frame may vary. It might look like this.

6:00 pm      Live Music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Small informal conversations.

6:15 pm      Full Group Conversation

7:15 pm      Live music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Small informal conversations.

7:45 pm      Full Group Conversation

8:00 pm      End

Click here to learn about the Make Shift Coffee House culture and why understanding each other is so useful.

This Make Shift Coffee House will be moderated by Craig Freshley of Good Group Decisions. A professional meeting facilitator, Craig will manage a civil exchange of ideas as a neutral third party. It’s not about judging right or wrong or good or bad, it’s about understanding