Just Us: Having Human-Centered Dialogue When it Matters Most (Peace In Practice Learning Series)

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*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.

Target Audience

The Peace in Practice Learning Series, hosted by Mecklenburg County Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC, is designed for community-based organizations, non-profits, community leaders, county service providers, and behavioral health, public health, and clinical professionals working to prevent violence, promote healing, and strengthen community well-being in Mecklenburg County.

Description

Join us for Session 1 of the Peace in Practice Learning Series.

Just Us: Having Human-Centered Dialogue When it Matters Most

How do we stay in hard conversations with grace, truth, and understanding? The JUST US Model, created by Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins, offers a practical framework for having authentic dialogue across lines of identity, culture, and experience. In this 2.5-hour in-person session, community leaders will learn how to approach sensitive or high-stakes topics with courage and care, grounded in the belief that justice and healing start in relationship.

Through guided activities, small group discussions, and real-world examples, participants will experience how the JUST US Model creates space for connection without compromise and understanding without avoidance. This session equips leaders to communicate more openly, navigate tension with intention, and foster environments where every voice can be heard and valued.

Speaker

Ashley Gaddy Robbins, PhD
Speaker. Author. Community Reformer

Date/Times/Location
Friday, April 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lunch will be provided.

South Piedmont AHEC / Center for Learning and Development
5039 Airport Center Parkway
Building K
Charlotte, NC 28208

Credit Information
Partial credit will not be provided.
CEUs
This Activity fulfills the requirement of 0.3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Contact Hours
This Activity fulfills the requirements for 3.0 Contact Hours.

This training is funded by the Office of Violence Prevention, Mecklenburg County.
The Office of Violence Prevention aims to reduce violence in Mecklenburg County by collaborating with County, City, partners, and community to increase opportunity and build healthier, more resilient communities.
To learn more, visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/population-health/ovp

Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have concerns, please speak with a South Piedmont AHEC team member. By registering for this training you are granting permission for South Piedmont AHEC to share your information with MCPH / Office of Violence Prevention.

Objectives

• Understand the core components of the JUST US Model and its approach to human-centered dialogue.
• Recognize barriers that make conversations about identity and culture difficult and how to move through them with grace.
• Practice communication strategies that balance honesty with empathy in group settings.
• Apply the JUST US Model to real scenarios within their organizations or communities.
• Commit to one relationship-based action step that strengthens understanding and trust within their leadership context.

Sessions