Human Relations Commission plans pilot 'difficult dialogues' session with CU facilitator

The Boulder Human Relations Commission on Monday discussed running a pilot facilitated dialogue with University of Colorado’s Difficult Dialogues program to create a repeatable model for handling highly charged community conversations.

The commission’s Erin (Commissioner Erin, Human Relations Commission) described talks with Jennifer Ho of CU Difficult Dialogues, saying Ho "is definitely very interested in supporting in this and it seems like there's a really meaningful potential to create a partnership between HRC and the city and, CU, difficult dialogue." The planned first session would be a roughly 90-minute trial run involving commissioners to experience the process before inviting outside participants.

Why it matters: Commissioners said a tested, neutral facilitation model could be used when local tensions spike, citing repeated public-comment clashes at city council on the Middle East as an example. Commissioner Mark (resident Mark) urged the commission to pursue a strongly facilitated, neutral forum, saying it could show "there can be a way to bring sides to talk to each other without yelling and screaming." The commission framed the pilot as a small-group test to learn the method, not as formal policy-making.

Key details and next steps: Commissioners described the pilot as a 90-minute session for 6–8 participants; Jennifer Ho offered to run an initial round pro bono as a trial, with the expectation that future rounds might need city funding. Commissioners discussed scheduling the trial between the meeting and the next commission meeting and suggested possible dates (the 4th or 11th) if they can avoid creating a public meeting. Several commissioners favored a small, closed pilot including people who regularly speak at city council meetings rather than a large open forum.

Legal and process questions: Commissioners raised concerns about Colorado’s open-meeting/sunshine rules. Elizabeth (staff member Elizabeth, City of Boulder staff) said she would check with the city attorney and reiterated that whether the pilot would count as a public meeting depends on whether the session would involve official HRC business. Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether a pilot held outside a regular meeting would trigger public‑meeting notice requirements.

Facilitator composition: Commissioners debated whether facilitators should be professional neutral facilitators or people directly impacted by the issue. Commissioner Emily (Commissioner Emily, Human Relations Commission) said a duo facilitator who can "hold multiple perspectives" would be ideal; others said they would like to explore facilitators who are themselves directly affected by the issues if available.

What was decided: No formal motion was recorded. Commissioners agreed to pursue scheduling a pilot, suggested tentative dates, and asked staff to check sunshine-law constraints and to coordinate communications with Jennifer Ho. The pilot was framed as an experiential learning step to inform whether and how the commission would sponsor larger dialogues.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to return the item to a future agenda after staff consults the city attorney and after the pilot (if scheduled) is held so the group can evaluate how to proceed.