Unlike debates, a pod is aimed at deepening understanding. It encourages discovery by welcoming participants to express their own interests while also determining and fostering common values. The expectations of being in a pod are that participants will grow through combined efforts to reach a mutual understanding while increasing the potential power of working together to create a direct impact in the community. In pods, participants can question theories, reevaluate their assumptions, and engage in honest dialogue about their experiences. Through this process, we hope people learn to collaborate while aspiring to improve themselves and any community they aspire to improve.

Photo: Ting Barnard grabbing her annual cup of coffee with fellow LRI Lambda II graduate, David Fogerty. Though the two share contrasting views on various subjects, they have grabbed a cup of coffee each year since 2017 to have in-depth discussions. It is through these discussions, as well as open perspectives, that they have achieved greater understanding of one another and progress. From this progress, the idea for the pods was formed. Pods offer an opportunity for robust dialogue and an intense exchange of ideas. Those who are willing to have conversations with people who offer different, sometimes even opposing viewpoints, are able to make change even if it is slow and gradual.

“Whether we agree or disagree Ting, I understand where you are coming from.” -David Fogerty