In response to the challenges facing our nation and world, and seeking a more holistic way to find common ground and understanding, faculty member Joe Poon has synthesized a method for the Trinity-Pawling community to engage in difficult conversations with thoughtfulness and empathy. Dubbed the Trinity Method, Poon’s concept culls together an array of dialogue and listening methods — from conflict resolution and psychology to Quaker practices and philosophy. The blended result is a method that fosters constructive, compassionate conversations, both in and out of the classroom.
We heard about the many ways the Trinity Method is being used on campus and caught up with Joe Poon for an interview to learn more.
In a Trinity Method session, there are three parties involved: two students and a moderator. Both sides are afforded the same amount of speaking time (two minutes) and participants agree to be respectful and attentive listeners when the other is speaking. There are two rounds of exchange on the selected topic or question.
“The Trinity Method takes no sides and offers everyone equal time to speak and to listen,” Poon explained. “Students are reminded to not use generalizations or to speak on behalf of an entire group. But above all, the goal of the Trinity Method is really to teach students to listen to each other and begin to care about their opponent’s perspective.”
Since the start of the Fall Term, faculty and students have utilized the Trinity Method in classroom discussions, club meetings, team-building exercises, school podcasts, and more. “It’s not about opinions,” shared Sam Clougher, Director of Equity and Inclusion. “It’s about listening, reflecting, and learning from one another.”
For Poon, empathy is at the heart of the Trinity Method. The end goal for every Trinity session — whether the topic is academic, political, philosophical, or somewhere in between — is to foster a sense of empathy and compassion between the participants. “The Trinity Method helps participants to accept one another’s ideas (no matter how different they may be from their own), and treat the new ideas as equal to their own,” Poon continued. “It also encourages students to embrace their blind spots and the opportunities to grow and learn about themselves and their classmates.”
And it doesn’t stop at the campus gates. Poon hopes that the Trinity Method can soon be embraced and used by all, including alumni, parents, trustees, and friends of the School. “I’d welcome the chance to conduct a Trinity session for anyone looking for an enriching conversation,” he explained. “After all, the best way to understand the Trinity Method is to experience it yourself, so I say let’s get started!”
The Trinity Method promotes acceptance, equity, open-mindedness, and respect. It provokes critical thinking and confidence while challenging students to care about other’s beliefs and perspectives. It’s not about being right or winning; it’s about acknowledging differences and finding common ground. “The Trinity Method provides our community with a way to build better bonds and hold meaningful conversations on campus. In this way, the Method can be neutral, yet rich political and philosophical discussions can be had using its techniques,” Poon concluded. “One Trinity session at a time, I think we can change the world.”
by Emma Christiantelli