How does Discussions Matter work?
I’m glad you asked!
- Identify a discussion facilitator. Your facilitator may be a law enforcement leader, internal trainer, police academy trainer or educator with a law enforcement background. The Discussions Matter Facilitator Guide provides step by step guidelines to support successful discussions, as well as the FREE Discussions Matter Facilitator eLearning.
- Distribute Discussions Matter Workbooks. Each facilitator and LEO participating in discussions should receive their own Discussions Matter Workbook. The Workbook provides each with an interactive learning experience. It’s not just a read and go workbook, but a read, discuss, plan and apply what you’ve learned through facilitated discussion of 5 specific topics: 1) To Protect and to Serve; 2) Understanding Police Legitimacy & Followership; 3) Demonstrating Values-Based Performance; 4) Visible Active Engagement & Vision and 5) Making the Decision to Change.
- Schedule Discussions. The ideal discussion time per topic is 60 minutes. However, you are able to flexibly engage in discussions in the time it works best for you. You could pose ONE discussion item during a stand-up meeting and ask individuals to quickly share 1 thought related to the item. For example, one question in Topic 1 is: Share how implicit bias has impacted you personally; both when you’ve been subject to it and when you have demonstrated behaviors that could have been implicit. The topics are designed to ignite discussion in a safe space. There are various ways to facilitate discussions outside of traditional classroom training.
- Apply Discussion Points. Use Discussions Matter tools and resources, within the workbook and on the http://www.discussionsmatter.com website, to help members capture learning, plan for action and apply what they’ve learned through discussions with others.
- Continue Discussions. Not taking the time to talk through common challenges is a missed opportunity to improve relationships and impact positive change. Discussions Matter is designed for continuous dialogue beyond the content of the Workbook. Apply the Discussions Matter approach to ANY topic.
- BE the catalyst for change. Help members turn challenges into positive changes. Topic 5 provides discussion points and guidelines designed to support this step.
What do you need for Discussions Matter?
- A committed facilitator
- LEOs committed to discussions toward making positive change
- A Discussions Matter Workbook per participant
- A Discussions Matter Facilitator Guide per facilitator
- A commitment of time
What you do not need
- Expensive training materials
- Costly external facilitators
- Multiple training days
Need more information? Contact drsherrill65@gmail.com.
Coming soon to Northeast Ohio!!!
JOIN ME FOR COFFEE AND DISCUSSIONS THAT MATTER
INTRODUCTION TO DISCUSSIONS MATTER CONTENT
NETWORKING
DISCOUNTED RESOURCES FOR PURCHASE (WORKBOOKS, FACILITATOR GUIDES, SHIRTS)
DISCUSSIONS MATTER GIVE-AWAYS
FOLLOW DISCUSSIONS MATTER via http://www.discussionsmatter.com to stay informed!
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As I commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, I reflect on the WHY of Discussions Matter. The quote in this image is the answer to WHY now, WHY Discussions Matter. I designed and developed the Discussions Matter Guide and Workbook, with accompanying Facilitator Guide and resources, not with significant financial gain in mind, but genuinely with a focus on providing a platform for law enforcement officials to TALK…REAL TALK…among themselves. The healing required to reconnect law enforcement with the communities they serve, authentically, in a joint non-stereotypical manner, building partnerships and embracing the future over the present, begins with discussions INSIDE-OUT. I am not the facilitator of those discussions; law enforcement are both the facilitators and the participants. I have provided the resources to support those discussions that need to happen. Because, “the time is always right to do what is right”. I believe that. I receive that. Discussions Matter is no fancy, expensive, off duty all day, training approach. It promotes REAL TALK, in real time, on your time, where there is time. Back to basics, LEOs…it’s time for DISCUSSIONS.
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Continuous Improvement
You will notice a change in the look and feel of the Discussions Matter website. I continue to update and upgrade for the present and future, but the past content remains the same and is always available for reflection! Continuous improvement is important in our everyday lives. While we’d like to stay in our comfort zones and do what we’ve always done, the way we’ve always done it, if we change nothing…nothing changes.
Speaking of continuous improvement…are you providing your Members with resources to ensure they are continuing to grow personally and professionally? This is one intent of the Discussions Matter venue – to provide tools and resources that facilitate dialogue among law enforcement officers, developing various areas of awareness and identifying opportunities to change the status quo.
Discussions Matter is a gateway to continuous improvement.
Visit http://www.discussionsmatter.com for more information on how you can begin Discussions at your Agency.
IACP 2017 – Discussions Matter First Show
Today is Day 2 of the 2017 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference. The conference is the official debut of Discussions Matter to Law Enforcement: A Guide and Workbook for Law Enforcement Officials Committed to Changing the Status Quo. It has truly been a great opportunity to speak to so many law enforcement officers, and validate that the Topics of Discussions Matter are aligned with needs they’ve expressed are important to their own agencies. Several ordered copies to socialize for broader opportunities back ‘home’ when they return from travels, others already committed to facilitating discussions using the materials, and some have requested time to continue conversations with me beyond the conference and stay connected. All of which I am grateful to have had the exposure to Discussions Matter.
Discussions Matter is a toolkit of resources (Participant Workbook, Facilitator Guide, Train-the-Trainer FREE eLearning for Facilitators, and more) designed to provide a simple and effective format for discussions – internal to law enforcement agencies. There are many community-policing programs that have been created, but not very many focus on discussions that occur internally to develop higher levels of self awareness, agency awareness, relationship awareness, community awareness and change agility, in a safe space – and at an affordable cost. There are no hidden costs and the format is flexible enough to use for any topic requiring discussion. The content is facilitated by a leader of law enforcement or academy instructor, and the materials have been developed to support successful implementation.
We were inspired by Simon Sinek’s opening on Day 1, during which he spoke about courageous leadership and developing a culture of vulnerable members (meaning they are not afraid to speak up, challenge what is wrong, and not fear retribution). Visits to the Discussions Matter Booth #963 prompted continued conversations picking up where Simon left off. Discussions Matter is greatly aligned to the opening messages.
I’ve heard so many good stories this week that have been tied to WHY Discussions Matter. Tomorrow is the last day of the conference. I am looking forward to continuing relationships that have been built, supporting agencies delivering Discussions Matter, and continuing to learn!
#DISCUSSIONSMATTER
Discussions Matter Introduction & IACP
If you missed the Introduction to the Discussions Matter series, this is a link to the slides shared during the sessions! An introduction to discussions matter to law enforcement.
If you are attending the 2017 IACP Conference, stop by Booth #963 to learn more AND receive a free t-shirt when you place an order, while supplies last!
IACP – Discussions Matter Booth #963!
If you are attending the IACP Conference, Stop by the Discussions Matter Booth #963!
You will be able to purchase Discussions Matter training materials at a special IACP discounted price, and will receive a FREE gift with your purchase! Come learn more about how Discussions Matter can support your agency LEOs! I look forward to seeing you there (and to having a Philly Cheese Steak Sub)!
Be safe and have safe travels!!
Robynne
We all need bifocals!!
Admittedly, I am a frequent social media browser. This has both pros and cons. The pro is that I read and view content that informs and helps build knowledge. The cons are many…including the fact that so many individuals are operating with a single lens prescription when they need bifocals.
In other words, there are people who can only see what they choose, and their vision is blurred to those items that conflict with the perspective they have chosen. During the holiday weekend, I had an opportunity to share Discussions Matter, the focus and purpose. The focus is law enforcement. The purpose is to provide law enforcement with a structured approach to engaging in discussions that build: self awareness, agency awareness, community awareness, relationship awareness and change agility. This training is designed to support changing the status quo. There’s my elevator speech.
One response: “What’s in this book about how police officers are killing Black men without cause?”…ummmm, first, I didn’t elude to the focus or purpose being in this context, so where does this question come from? My response: “There is nothing in Discussions Matter about this topic, but what gives you the impression that ALL actions have been ‘without cause’?” As you can imagine, this turned into a lengthy dialogue with someone with a single lens prescription, with no interest in investing in bifocals.
I’ve also responded to social media implications that LEOs who have made bad decisions resulting in the loss of life, should be praised no matter what the situation; and that they should consider a person of color guilty and harmful without cause. Seeing some of the responses send me spiraling down a series of exchanges (because I can’t help wanting everyone to have bifocals) that either end in parties agreeing to change their lens or (more often), damaging and hurtful comments being slung around like freedom of speech has no borders.
Before you open your mouth to make a blanket statement, no matter what ‘side’ you choose, put on your bifocals. There is always more than one way to view a situation. Your perspective is not the only perspective, and guess what? It’s not always the right perspective (surprise). Listen to Learn. Learn to Listen. Discussions Matter!
Discussions Matter to Law Enforcement: A Guide and Workbook for Law Enforcement Officials Committed to Changing the Status Quo. If you are committed, and have more than one lens – this is for you. If you are unwilling to consider bifocals…you may want to reconsider. www.discussionsmatter.com.
Discussions Matter is a Proud Sponsor of IADLEST!
I am SO PROUD to support the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards & Training (IADLEST) 2017 conference May 21-24, 2017! If you attend, look for Discussions Matter information in your bag! All attending, have a great conference and valuable discussions, because DISCUSSIONS MATTER!
