ABOUT THE SCHOOL
School for Risky Conversations is a nonprofit with the mission to equip and empower people to have better conversations across divides.
We enthusiastically believe better conversations are possible.
MY STORY
Hi, I'm Jill Farrar
I'm a recovering conflict avoider.
Growing up in the midwest, I learned the art of avoiding the conversation and passive aggressive quips, but never learned how to disagree effectively. A few years back I set out to learn as much as I could about conflict and communication, and I'm still learning.
In today's explosive world, I've met so many people, like me, who don't feel equipped to sit at the divided tables where we now find ourselves. I'm taking what I've learned and putting my 15 years of experience facilitating teams through creative conflict to the the larger umbrella of conflict.
I hope you'll join me in making the world better, one conversation at a time.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A "RISKY CONVERSATION"?
A risky conversation is...
That topic you see in the headlines that everyone has an opinion about
How you respond to our loved one's hot take at the weekly family meal
When you can never think clearly enough in the moment
When you feel mentally and emotionally drained after one conversation
Risky conversations are when relationships are on the line.
OUR TEAM
Meet the board
Advising Board Member
Roger Starett
Roger is a seasoned operations executive with more than three decades of leadership experience in managing business operations and driving organizational performance. Roger's expertise in operational strategy, cultivating high-functioning teams, and strategic insight make him a valued advisor.
Advising Board Member
Stephanie Dykema, PhD SEP
Stephanie is a licensed clinical psychologist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who bridges rigorous academic training with trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. Stephanie’s advisory work draws on her expertise in relational-cultural therapy. She champions and brings a deep commitment to evidence-based practices.
Advising Board Member
Drew Bonfiglio
Drew brings depth in learning design, facilitation, and training grounded in years of collaboration with purpose-driven organizations. Drew advises on developing engaging and effective educational programs that drive performance and impact. His expertise across facilitation and professional development underscores a commitment to helping leaders and learners alike thrive in complex environments.
MEET ROSCOE
What's with the raccoon?
This is Roscoe.
He helps to keep it light because tackling disagreements can feel heavy.
We promise to take better conversations seriously but not to take ourselves too seriously.
OUR VALUES
Here's how we commit to showing up...
Lead with generosity
Giving the benefit of the doubt from the start
Own your accountablity
Take responsibility for what you should
Connection over control
People over ideas
Better every day
Growth over perfectionism
Dignify uniqueness
Respecting each other's differences
WHY A NON-PROFIT?
The mission comes first.
It's really all about helping you have better conversations.
We understand there's a personal coach for just about everything now. That model just didn't feel like the right fit for the problems we face. Between the loneliness epidemic and polarization feeling like the new normal, connection is more important than ever. Plus, we get the added benefit of governance to make sure we are doing the best we can to live into our mission.
Our Address:
2221 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60618
Our EIN: 41-3976167