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Boulder HRC agrees to pursue training to host CU 'difficult dialogues'
Summary
Commissioners agreed to express interest in facilitator training offered by Dr. Jennifer Ho at the University of Colorado, with an April planning window and a larger fall dialogue under consideration.
The Boulder Human Relations Commission (HRC) on Feb. 18 reached consensus to express interest in training to facilitate "difficult dialogues" led by Dr. Jennifer Ho of the University of Colorado, commissioners said.
Commissioners and staff described a pilot session they attended with Dr. Ho and discussed whether the HRC should both be trained to facilitate conversations and participate in planning a larger public dialogue next fall. Commissioners said the effort was prompted by public comments urging action amid tensions tied to the Israel–Gaza conflict and by interest in locally led, facilitated conversations.
Members said the pilot emphasized careful listening and a structured format that limited cross-talk, and several commissioners said they valued the focus on speakers' perspectives. The HRC discussed two possible next steps: seek facilitator training for a number of commissioners in the near term, and determine whether to participate in planning a larger fall dialogue the facilitator is assembling. Commissioners identified April as the likely planning timeframe for Dr. Ho's schedule and suggested confirming commissioner availability for training before then.
Christian, a city staff member who attended the pilot, offered to help coordinate with Dr. Ho and to check whether any city approvals or costs would be required. Chair Jay H (Commissioner) and other commissioners said they wanted clarity on the HRC's goal for such dialogues and on measurable outcomes for attendees before committing to a larger role.
No formal motion or vote was recorded; the group agreed to express interest, to ask Christian to follow up with Dr. Ho about training availability and timing, and to seek any necessary city-side approvals if costs or formal partnership were required. Commissioners also discussed whether to seek council or stakeholder input before taking larger commitments.
Commissioners said training could allow the HRC to host multiple formats — small, repeated dialogues or a single larger public event — and noted that larger public sessions previously run by Dr. Ho have included 20–30 participants. Several commissioners said they preferred taking an immediate, modest step (training) while reserving judgment on committing to broader community events.
The HRC asked staff to report back with Dr. Ho's availability, any city approvals or costs, and a clearer statement of the HRC's intended goals for facilitating or co-hosting dialogues.
