173 Dialogue Circles to Take Place in 32 Municipalities in Latvia

What currently gives people in Latvia a sense of security and belonging? What helps us trust others and hold us together, even if we think differently? From October 26 to November 10, people across Latvia will discuss these and other questions, starting a new annual tradition - the Latvian Dialogues.

This year, 173 Dialogue Circles have been registered in 32 municipalities in Latvia. Discussions will also take place online, while outside Latvia, Dialogue Circles will be organized by compatriots in Georgia and even in the Azores. All Dialogue Circles will be united by a common theme - "What strengthens and holds us together?".

"There are many beautiful gathering traditions in Latvia. Why shouldn't one of them be conversations about what is important to us? It is a special joy that so many people are helping to shape this tradition in its first year by organizing Dialogue Circles in schools, workplaces, communities, and among friends on their own initiative. The special value of dialogue is the opportunity to better understand people whose experiences and perspectives differ from our own. Such understanding is the foundation for mutual trust and the ability to cooperate, even if we do not agree on everything. We hope that the Latvian Dialogues will become an annual meeting moment where we consciously allocate time for such conversations," says Ieva Morica, Director of the Open Society Foundation DOTS.

At a time when increasing attention is being paid to societal resilience, the Latvian Dialogues invite us to also look at its human side - mutual trust, a sense of belonging, and relationships that help people stay together.

65 individuals and 79 organizations have been involved in organizing the Latvian Dialogues. Associations, foundations, and communities are particularly active, organizing 45 Dialogue Circles together. Schools, universities, companies, municipalities, libraries, and state administration institutions are also involved.

The most Dialogue Circles have been registered in Riga - 68, in Cēsis district - 11, and in Rēzekne - 10. However, discussions will also take place in smaller places, such as Bārta, Liezēre, Matkule, Salnava, and Ugāle. Dialogue Circles will be organized both by individuals on their own initiative and by organizations and companies such as Riga TechGirls, Swedbank, the association "Tēvi", "Hospiss LV", "Tavi draugi", and the movement "Laiks lasīt".

Everyone interested is invited to participate in the Latvian Dialogues. Of the 173 registered Dialogue Circles, 56 are open to public participation.