In a time of fracture and disconnect
The Linden Leadership Collective is a leadership development experience for high school and college students who want to learn to lead across difference.
Over 3-6 months, you'll:
- Complete a dialogue skills training
- Have meaningful conversation with someone who feels like "the other" to you
- Reflect critically and create an artistic response
- Share your work with a community of people doing the same
This isn't about debate tactics or changing minds. It's about developing the capacity to bridge division—even when it's hard.
Who is the "other"?
The other is someone in your life whose perspectives, values, or identity create real friction. Maybe it's:
- A family member whose politics make gatherings tense
- A former friend you've distanced yourself from
- A colleague whose worldview feels incompatible with yours
- Someone you care about but can't seem to understand anymore
They're not a stranger. They're someone who matters—which is why the disconnection hurts.
This project is for people who are tired of cutting people off and want to learn how to build bridges instead.
[Note: This is about navigating difference, not tolerating abuse. If a relationship is unsafe, this project is not the right fit.]
How it works
STEP 1: LEARN
Complete the Linden Dialogue Foundations webinar (60-75 min). Learn the framework for bridging division and designing courageous conversations.
STEP 2: BRIDGE
Identify your "other" and initiate one conversation. Practice staying grounded, holding space, and listening for humanity—even when it's hard.
STEP 3: REFLECT & CREATE
Create an artistic response—essay, poem, art, film, podcast, any medium—that captures your insights.
STEP 4: SHARE
Showcase your work, receive feedback, celebrate, and receive your credential.
What you gain
✓ Linden Dialogue Foundations webinar
✓ Conversation design guide and resource library
✓ Peer feedback and community support
✓ Digital credential for your resume/LinkedIn
✓ Your work featured in the Linden archive
TIME COMMITMENT: 3-6 months, self-paced | ~15-25 hours total | 1 monthly call
COST: Free
WHO IS THIS FOR
✓ You have someone in your life who feels like "the other"
✓ Their views create friction that makes real friendship feel impossible
✓ You want skills to bridge that gap, not just survive it
✓ You're willing to be honest about your own struggle and growth
✓ You value courage, authenticity, and staying human in hard conversations
This is NOT for:
✗ People looking for debate tactics or "how to win arguments"
✗ Anyone hoping to change or fix the other person
✗ Relationships that are unsafe or abusive (this is about difference, not danger)
If you're an emerging leader navigating division—in your family, campus, workplace, or community—this is for you.
