Radical Empathy: Tools for Trying Times
November 4 and 18, 2026, from 3-3:45 p.m. EST
There’s a reason Gloria Steinem calls empathy the most radical of human emotions. To truly get proximate to one another’s hurt, joy and dreams means making ourselves vulnerable in ways we are often taught to avoid. As Audre Lorde said, “When we admit and deal with difference; when we deal with the deep bitterness … it’s like looking at death: hard but possible. If you look at it directly without embracing it, then there is much less that you can ever be made to fear.”
As communications professionals, how can we apply Steinem and Lorde’s lessons to a perilous political climate where it can seem quaint — or even dangerous — to engage with those whose values seem very different from our own?
PRSA invites you to an interactive workshop on radical empathy. Participants will engage in thoughtful dialogue on empathy (and its limits); practice strategies for utilizing empathy in difficult moments; and hone tools to bring into interpersonal and professional environments.
Presenter
Agenda
Session 1: The Empathy Tool Kit
Nov. 4; 3–3:45 p.m. EST
In this first session, we will explore empathy not as an innate demeanor, but rather a specific set of tools and strategies that can be deployed to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone feels valued, relationships are prioritized and belonging is nurtured. Participants will learn about the neuroscientific basis of empathy and hone skills for 1:1 conversations and group settings.
Session 2: Empathy for Tough Moments
Nov. 18; 3–3:45 p.m. EST
In this follow-up session, we will examine how empathy tools can be applied in a challenging political and professional climate. We will review dialogue strategies that can be used to navigate tense moments, and consider what our communications work can offer in a moment where empathy is needed more than ever.
By the End of This Session, Participants Will Be Able To:
- Define “mirror neurons” and how they play a role in creating empathy.
- Distinguish between empathy and sympathy.
- Understand ring theory and models of empathic listening.
- Review facilitation skills that can be used to create empathic team environments.
- Identify common barriers to empathy in the workplace.
- Identify one new empathy practice to bring into their communications work.
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 1.0 CEU for this event (0.5 for each session). Learn more about Accreditation.
Categories:
Career: Early, Career: Mid-Level, Career: Senior-Level, Course/Workshop, Diversity & Inclusion, Format: Live Online, Techniques & Tactics