Small conversation host, moderator, and storyteller training is now available
By NCJWC – Edmonton Section
(Edmonton) – A new pathway to helping to curb antisemitism has opened for people willing to host or moderate small conversations or to tell a story about their own experience.
The Power of Small Conversations, a Canada-wide initiative of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC), encourages groups of 8-10 people to have honest and respectful discussions about antisemitism.
Edmonton storyteller, Ashley Kravetsky, sharing about the safety and acceptance she has found within the Jewish community.
Funding from Heritage Canada makes The Power of Small Conversations possible, but to reach the goal over the next three years (until the end of 2028), NCJWC needs volunteers and participants of all ages, nationalities, and walks of life.
“Each conversation has a common shape to it,” says NCJWC – Edmonton Section president Jodi Zabludowski. “A host sets up the conversation in person or online and invites a small group of participants to listen to a storyteller share their experience with antisemitism. A moderator, who could also be the host, helps people to have safe and fair discussions based on that story. Every role gets free training through NCJWC.”
Small conversations began on October 14 with a nationally co-ordinated launch broadcast across Canada. A panel of speakers at the Toronto Holocaust Museum, moderated by journalist Ellin Bessner, shared their personal experiences of antisemitism as Jewish people and allies.
Each participating city, including Edmonton, hosted its own small conversations immediately following the broadcast. Ashley Kravetsky served as Edmonton’s local storyteller, sharing her experience of the drag community following the events of October 7. The participants at Beth Israel Synagogue then gathered in groups of up to 10 people to talk about Ashley’s story and their own, including hope for a more understanding future.
A special thanks to all those who attended and participated in the Oct. 14 launch. Thanks as well to the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation (EJCCF) and Advanced Entertainment who helped ensure the Toronto panel discussion could be seen and heard by all those who attended.
Jill Shillabeer was one of Edmonton’s four moderators. “Participating in the Power of Small Conversations as a moderator allowed me the opportunity to both learn more about the lived experiences of community members facing antisemitism and to contribute to inclusion by holding space for these important conversations,” said Jill. “The program materials and training were detailed and supportive, making it welcoming for anyone to take on the moderator role, with or without experience.”
Jodi of NCJWC-Edmonton agrees. “The training is free and thorough, led by people who have been held conversations with people of different faiths and backgrounds. The Power of Small Conversations is a needed resource against antisemitism, which is a problem too big for any of us to handle alone. Everyone in Alberta who is interested in joining a small conversation as a host, storyteller, moderator, or as a participant should reach out for details.”
NCJWC-Edmonton will continue to host small conversations through 2028. Meanwhile, the National Office is hosting three upcoming online conversations that are open for people in Edmonton and Alberta to attend:
- Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 pm (Alberta time)
- Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 pm (Alberta time)
- Wednesday, December 9 at 6:00 pm (Alberta time)
To learn more about hosting, moderating, or storytelling, contact ncjwc.edmonton@gmail.com or check out the website: www.ncjwc.org.
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