{"id":77837,"date":"2025-08-18T12:00:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T10:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www-dev.greenpeace.org\/international\/?post_type=p4_action&p=76896"},"modified":"2026-08-03T13:56:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T11:56:38","slug":"resistance-community-conversations-guide","status":"publish","type":"p4_action","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/act\/resistance-community-conversations-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Chat to friends and neighbours"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chat to your friends & neighbours<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Corporate power is trying to silence voices, pollute our planet, and weaken our democracy. But we\u2019re not backing down. By choosing to speak up and engage in conversation, individuals can reclaim their power to challenge the status quo and contribute to a more just world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download the Guide<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\"An<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Conversations Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, more than ever we need real, open, and honest conversations. By sharing our stories and listening to each other, we build understanding, trust, and community. It\u2019s also a powerful act of resistance. Not everyone will join a protest – but anyone can start a conversation. And that\u2019s often where real change begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Greenpeace
Greenpeace volunteers from across the UK come to Canonbury Villas for the Community Gathering to brainstorm ideas and share their experiences.
\u00a9 Marie Jacquemin \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Starting the conversation<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Garden of the winner of the contest for most bee-friendly garden 2014, Martha de Koning from Hoek van Holland. She and her husband have a 300 square meter garden with fruit trees, perennials, herbs and bushes. In the garden is a glass house situated where they grow grapes and they use parasitic wasps to combat pests. They don\u2019t remove the hollow, dead plant stems so that wild bees feel comfortable in the garden as well. Critical for the jury is that Martha has many different flowering plants in her garden which are a diverse food source for bees. With this contest Greenpeace and the AVVN bring under attention the importance of the bees for the food production. 70% of the food crops are pollinated by bees and other insects. Beekeepers and scientists asks for measurements on this for years but governments and trade and industry react far too slow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Intentional & Informal Conversations<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Daniel
Daniel Bravo, chef on the Arctic Sunrise, Hannah Strange from Greenpeace US, Andre Perez from Hull, Ku’ike Kamakea-Ohelo from Kupa ‘Aina Project, and Anthony Deluze from Kaonohi Farm prepared a community dinner of plant-based Hawaiian dishes using ingredients harvested from local farms the day prior. \n\nDishes included: Vegetarian Laulau, Eggplant Luau, Ulu (Breadfruit) and Cassava Palusami, Kalo (Taro) fries, Watercress and Tofu salad, Tofu and Laupele (Pacific Spinach) stir fry, Sweet potato and Watermelon with condensed coconut milk.<\/figcaption>
\u00a9 Tim Aubry \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Community Conversations with Care<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Participants
Participants ask questions during a training session. Activists gather for a direct action camp designed to train the growing movement in Virginia against the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines. The objective is to teach participants ways to use our bodies to protect our communities, our lands, and our climate from powerful fossil fuel interests who want to carve up these beautiful mountains for profit.
\u00a9 Amanda J. Mason \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Conversation Starters<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Greenpeace
Greenpeace will be represented at the Evening of Encounter at the Kirchentag 2025 in Hannover with a stand on the topic of the billionaires’ tax. Visitors can vote hypothetically on symbolic 1 billion euro bills on how they would like to use the revenue from a billionaire’s tax for climate protection. The filled-in banknotes will be attached to a 2-metre heart, which picks up on the Kirchentag motto \u201ccourageous, strong, courageous\u201d. Engagement-led activity addressing the political power and influence of a small super-rich elite at a mass event in Hannover (biggest church convention in Germany). #timetoresist
\u00a9 Daniel Pilar \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Build a Movement<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Starting the conversation<\/h2>\n\n
\"Greenpeace<\/figure>
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Community conversations can happen anywhere. Most likely, you already have a community around you. Think about where conversations already happen in your life and who you are connected to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ideas to get you started:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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  • Host a community dinner, lunch, or afternoon tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Gather some of your colleagues during lunchtime<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Chat with people at your allotment or community garden<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Invite your parents\u2019 group, neighbours, or friends over for coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Connect through your local volunteer group, church groups, choirs, book clubs, pottery classes, knitting circles, sports clubs etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Organise a potluck picnic or walk-and-talk in your local park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
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    Intentional and Informal Conversations<\/h2>\n
    <\/section><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Intentional Conversations<\/summary>\n

    These are moments where you consciously choose to gather people around a theme \u2014 in this case, free speech and resistance. You could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \u25cf Host a one-off gathering at your home<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u25cf Organise a monthly or quarterly \u201cworld caf\u00e9 \/ conversation caf\u00e9\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u25cf Invite people for a meal with guiding questions to spark discussion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Think about your comfort level \u2014 maybe you prefer one-on-one conversations, a group of like-minded people, or maybe it is your intention to talk with people who hold different perspectives.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Informal Conversations<\/summary>\n

    Not every conversation needs an agenda. Some of the most powerful exchanges could happen spontaneously. What matters is that you are respecting your conversation partner and listening deeply without interruption. Resistance starts with connection<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n

    Tips to Create Community Conversations with Care<\/h2>\n\n
    \"Farm<\/figure>
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    Talking about freedom, protest, and being silenced can bring up strong emotions. These topics can be deeply personal and sometimes painful \u2014 which is why it\u2019s so important to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and compassionate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are some ideas to help hold the conversation with care:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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    Create a safe space: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Choose a welcoming, calm setting where people feel comfortable to share and be vulnerable. Avoid rushed or noisy environments; aim for a moment where people can be present.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Respect boundaries & confidentiality:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Ask if there are any topics others would prefer not to talk about or whether there is discomfort around a subject. Ask for permission: before diving deeper, check in: \u201cIs it okay if we explore this topic together?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Co-create ground rules:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Agree on how you want to show up together and be present. Examples: listen fully, speak from the heart, no interruptions, put your phone away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Take turns & be mindful of time:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Let everyone have their moment to speak without being rushed or interrupted. Once the participant has ended, then another person may speak. Also keep an eye on your speaking time and how much space you are taking up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Step back and create space:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure there is space for all views, not just your own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Practice active listening:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Be present. Listen with an open mind and reflect back what you hear. It is important that you don\u2019t interrupt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Pause when needed:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    If emotions run high, take a deep breath or a short break. That\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Diffuse disagreements:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    If people disagree, acknowledge that different views and opinions are natural and should be respected. You\u2019re here to share and listen, you don\u2019t have to all agree.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Silence:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Know that silence may arise and that\u2019s okay. It doesn\u2019t need to be filled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Inactive participants:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    There may be participants who are interested in your conversation but don\u2019t have the courage to speak up. Allow for reflection time in writing or ask participants who haven\u2019t spoken yet if they would like the opportunity to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Optional – Use a talking object or raise hands:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You may want to pass a small item around to signal whose turn it is to speak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    At the end of the conversation, it may be nice to thank the other people for their time and sharing. Start the conversation with respect and end with gratitude.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n

    Conversation Starters<\/h2>\n\n
    \"Atlantic<\/figure>
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    It\u2019s important to acknowledge if your conversation partner wants to speak about the same topic as you do. If not, that\u2019s okay too and you\u2019ll need to respect that. Perhaps another time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Maybe you\u2019d like to ask: Would it be alright if we talked about freedom of speech, it\u2019s a topic I\u2019m really interested in at the moment and I would love to hear your opinion too.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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    • Should everyone have the right to freedom of speech? Why, or why not?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • What does the right to protest mean to you personally?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Can you think of a time when protest made a difference – in history or in your own life?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Do you feel free to speak your mind about political or social issues? Why or why not? Are there any repercussions to speaking your mind?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • What do you think are the biggest threats to free speech today? What needs to change?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Have you noticed ways that corporations or powerful people try to silence dissent?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Why do you think free speech and protest are under attack right now?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • How do you feel when you see people being silenced or punished for speaking out? Is it fair?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Do you ever hold back from speaking your truth? What stops you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • What would it take for more people to feel safe and empowered to speak up or protest?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • What could we do – as individuals or a group – to protect these rights?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n

      Build a Movement<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n \t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tShare your stories of resistance<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      Tell us how your conversations went and how you\u2019re resisting billionaires and corporate takeover to inspire others and build a global movement.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t \n Share your story\n <\/a>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n \t\t\t

      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tResistance Hub\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      Together we can challenge the billionaires and companies trying to silence us. Find more acts of resistance and get inspired.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t \n Choose your act of resistance\n <\/a>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n

      <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Start a conversation about why\/how we need to resist alongside people in your community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":78025,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_planet4_optimize_post_is_variant":false,"_planet4_optimize_experiment_name":"","_planet4_optimize_variant_name":"","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"action_button_text":"Get the talking points","action_button_accessibility_text":"Get the talking points","actions_task_type":"irl","actions_deadline":"2025-08-11T23:59:59","nav_type":"","p4_hide_page_title_checkbox":"on","p4_og_title":"Chat to your friends & neighbours","p4_og_description":"Now, more than ever we need real, open, and honest conversations. By sharing our stories and listening to each other, we build understanding, trust, and community. It\u2019s also a powerful act of resistance.\u00a0Not everyone will join a protest - but anyone can start a conversation. And that\u2019s often where real change begins.","p4_og_image":"","p4_og_image_id":"","p4_seo_canonical_url":"","p4_campaign_name":"Time to Resist","p4_local_project":"Resistance Hub","p4_basket_name":"","p4_department":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[144],"action-type":[112],"class_list":["post-77837","p4_action","type-p4_action","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-et-slapp","action-type-act"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/p4_action\/77837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/p4_action"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/p4_action"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/p4_action\/77837\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85200,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/p4_action\/77837\/revisions\/85200"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77837"},{"taxonomy":"action-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/action-type?post=77837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}