Mentee Ayushree Dahal Teams Up with The Practice Space for Civil Discourse Journey

Girls Write Now mentee Ayushree Dahal was a member of our Lead 360 Journey just one year ago. Now, she is taking her leadership skills to the next level by launching the Civil Discourse Journey with The Practice Space, an organization that seeks to build confidence and community through communication skill development.

“Being around so many driven mentees, and Jesse, our supportive lead, allowed me to develop my ideas,” Ayushree said. “The Lead community always encouraged me, demonstrated interest, and have even acted as support for initiatives outside of my project. When I saw the link between The Practice Space and… Girls Write Now, I knew a collaboration was needed.”

In a time of intense division and existential political threats, learning how to convincingly communicate your position is more important than ever. Whether you are testifying at City Hall or navigating conflict with a friend, knowing how to conduct civil discourse can be a game changer. The Civil Discourse Journey is accepting applications through April 30 for mentors and mentees.

To learn more about this Journey, we talked to Ayushree Dahal and AnnMarie Baines, Founder & Executive Director of Practice Space, about what Civil Discourse can give participants.

Why is civil discourse an important topic right now?

AnnMarie Baines: Our society is being increasingly divided, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop listening to one another. We need to pay attention to the changes that are happening around us and be able to clearly articulate our stance in a way that resonates with people. We need spaces to deliberate about issues while also promoting understanding. Without civil discourse, it is easy to oversimplify issues and make assumptions about people. In particular, we need to be able to navigate tough conversations and be able to find a path forward, but this takes effective communication and facilitation. These skills require learning and practice in a safe environment, especially for young people.

Ayushree Dahal: A world with civil discourse is a world that enacts essential change. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through my debate experience is the better you articulate your perspective the better you can be heard.

What is The Practice Space?

AB: We need kind, welcoming places to strengthen and develop our voices and public speaking skills, so that we are ready to speak when the moment calls for it. I founded the California-based nonprofit, The Practice Space, to provide people of all ages with programs and coaching that help them build confidence and a sense of community. We partner with organizations like Girls Write Now and provide our own in-house programming to meet people where they are, providing workshops and curriculum that help them become better speakers, storytellers, and advocates for the issues they care about. As Founder and Executive Director, I am especially passionate about working with young people to develop their leadership abilities through communication skill development, helping them get ready for life.

What has it been like working with Ayushree to develop this Journey?

AB: Ayushree is an incredible young leader! I’ve gotten to know her through her participation in our debate programs and camps as well as her service on our Junior Board of Directors. She is one of the most focused, organized, and dedicated leaders that I have ever worked with. Developing this Journey with her has been a fun opportunity to explore what we mean by civil discourse and create new protocols for helping her peers build their confidence and skill. Both of us were trained as debaters, so it’s been a great challenge for both of us to think about what it means to have a conversation about an issue and not necessarily try to “win” the conversation, but instead reward active listening, consensus, and collaboration.

Who do you think should join this Journey? What will they get out of it?

AD: Those who haven’t always believed in themselves and their ability to speak out on issues that pertain to them, activists, and even the everyday person would be amazing people for this Journey. Civil discourse is needed for everyone, everywhere. The art of conversation and persuasion is critical no matter your demographic. Those who do join can expect a safe and welcoming space where the use of your voice is critical! They can also expect to walk away from the Journey being more confident, understanding, and better critical thinkers.

AB: It can be intimidating to state your opinions out loud, especially if we are afraid of judgment, or when we aren’t sure what our opinions are. People should join this Journey if they want to challenge themselves to go outside their comfort zone and practice speaking about important issues. We will make it fun, supportive, and approachable! We hope that everyone will leave this Journey feeling more ready and comfortable speaking their mind and listening to diverse perspectives to create a better world.