Inspiration and demon­stra­tion moment: how to deal with social tension?

Wherever people live together, tensions can sometimes arise. Conversations can break down or people start avoiding each other. That is why Leuven Restorative City has been testing KLAP tables over the past two years: a simple method for discussing difficult topics in a safe and respectful manner. Not to convince each other, but to listen better and understand each other.

On 11 December, LRC is organising a public event with guest speaker Patrick Loobuyck. We will reflect on polarisation and look at how KLAPtafels can help to facilitate difficult conversations.

The new collection of practical tips for organising your own KLAPtafels will also be presented and handed out.

Programme

1:30 p.m. – Introduction by Patrick Loobuyck, author of Wij & Zij: een pleidooi voor combinatiedenken (Us & Them: a plea for combinative thinking)

2:40 p.m. – Poetic observations presented by Goedele Miseur.

2:45 p.m. – Presentation of the KLAPtafel concept and the inspiration guide with practical tips for setting up your own KLAPtafels.

3:00 p.m. – KLAP tables in small groups: after a plenary session, you will experience for yourself how a KLAP table works

4:30 p.m. – Reception

You can register for both the plenary session with the KLAP tables and for the plenary session only.

Patrick Loobuyck is a moral philosopher and professor at the University of Antwerp and Ghent University. He conducts research into philosophy of life, citizenship and the role of religion in society. In addition to his academic work, he is an active publicist and participant in the social debate on meaning, neutrality and living together in diversity. In his book Wij & Zij. Een pleidooi voor combinatiedenken (2023) [Us & Them. A plea for combinatorial thinking], he argues for a nuanced view of polarisation and transcending oppositions.