Ask open, respectful questions
Invite people to describe their needs or concerns in their own words. Avoid turning a conversation into an interrogation or rushing to give advice.
Make room for perspectives beyond your own.
Empathy & Understanding
Empathy means trying to understand how another person may experience a situation. You do not have to agree with someone to listen carefully or treat them with dignity.
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Notice assumptions
When you catch yourself drawing a quick conclusion, consider what information you may be missing. People’s circumstances are often more complex than they first appear.
Offer practical support
Sometimes the most helpful response is a small action: sharing information, providing a ride when appropriate, or connecting someone with a trusted local resource.
Put learning into action: Choose one practical idea from this page, try it this week, and reflect on what you learned.