Navigation Team Meeting Recap: How to Have Conversations Even When You Don’t Agree

At the May 16 Max Loves Midland Navigation Team meeting, community members gathered to explore how we can build stronger connections—even when we disagree. Framed around the theme “Building Community: How to Have Conversations Even When You Don’t Agree”, the session emphasized the importance of civility, curiosity, and connection in shaping an inclusive Midland County.

Speakers shared strategies for fostering respectful dialogue through self-awareness, group dynamics, and cultural norms that support open communication. Insights from Jon Lynch, Ann-Marie Shibley, and Erin Patrice underscored the value of listening to understand, not to “win”, and encouraged attendees to shift from reactive responses to mindful engagement.

Jon Lynch: Understanding Civility

Jon Lynch, of Three Rivers Corporation, offered a deep dive into the concept of civility—not as a superficial nicety, but as a foundational value for community life. Drawing on history, neuroscience, and philosophy, he showed how incivility has taken root as trust in institutions has declined. He emphasized that civil discourse isn’t about agreement, but about the respectful exchange of ideas. His session reminded us that how we listen matters even more than how we speak—and that true dialogue begins with curiosity, not judgment.

Ann-Marie Shibley: The Power of Mindful Conversations

Ann-Marie Shibley is the owner of Resolutions Midland PLLC and member of the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition as well as the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition. Ann-Maria nvited attendees to examine how their own self-awareness shapes the way they show up in difficult conversations. Through mindfulness practices and personal reflection, she encouraged participants to notice emotional reactions and choose curiosity over reactivity. Her message was clear: meaningful dialogue starts with regulating our own responses and being open to truly hearing others—even when their values differ from our own.

Erin Patrice: Listening Beyond the Divide

Erin Patrice, founder of The Breaking Bread Village, closed the session with powerful storytelling and insights rooted in her work. She spoke about the discomfort, and necessity, of engaging with those who think differently. Erin challenged us to approach conversations not to win, but to understand. In a world of division, she reminded us that bridging hearts matters more than bridging political platforms, and that authentic connection starts with showing up human-first.

Participants also learned about the collective impact framework guiding the work of Max Loves Midland and the Communities of Excellence curriculum, which helps align community efforts toward shared goals. The meeting concluded with a reminder that the strength of our community lies not in uniformity of thought, but in our ability to stay connected and human, even across our differences.