Connecting through Civic Dialogue (Leadership Edition) (Civic Engagement & Interpersonal Competence)

Connecting through Civil Dialogue is a workshop developed by the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment. The workshop is part of a wider program we are building to support, uplift, and be part of efforts to foster civil discourse (CD) and an environment of connection and dialogue. During the interactive session, activities will prompt learners to consider and share their thoughts on the value of civil discourse/civic dialogue. After a brief review of terminology, facilitators will engage learners in scenario-based activities to explore outcomes of different ways to engage around topics both civic and interpersonal. Scenario topics will be chosen in ways that, hopefully, both invite humor and shared connection (does pineapple belong on pizza?) as well as provide opportunities to explore more pressing, civic engagement topics (should currently protected national forests and parks be put up for sale?). Rather than reaching consensus on the topics themselves, learners will ideally explore how it feels to experience contentious vs. productive discussion on the topics. Learners will then participate in discussion and activities related to barriers and facilitators for engaging in dialogue: what are their observations and experiences of what makes it difficult? And what tools could be useful for easing these difficulties? Different strategies will be explored, such as: deep listening, managing discomfort when speaking up, identifying mis/disinformation, and more.

Presented by Desmond Davis and Gerlander Bost, Office of Engagement and Enrichment

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Co-hosted with: Student Activities, Office of University Engagement and Enrichment