![]() ![]() Therefore, we can view civil discourse as a strategy that takes practice and skill building.Īs defined by the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona in 2011, civil discourse is the “robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest.” However, to achieve a successful outcome, participants need to be willing to listen to another viewpoint. That protection enables civilians freely to discuss government, injustice and justice, war and peace, freedom and power, and other topics concerning life “one amongst another.” Conversations may go awry when participants are so impassioned, they refuse to listen to one another. In the United States our governing documents protect the right to freedom of religion, assembly, publication, petitioning, and speech. These discussions, known as civil discourse, are a foundational element critical to sustaining a democracy. Being able to confer as citizens about subjects that may be divisive helps to advance the goals of a civil society. In the 17th century, English philosopher John Locke noted that while a group of individuals may agree to talk about a specific topic, their interpretations of it will inevitably vary. By creating a strong foundation for civil discourse about pressing issues and using viewpoint‐diverse subject matter, you will empower the next generation to improve civic culture in America. This toolkit is intended to support you in establishing a civil discourse framework to promote discussions of a wide range of topics, including those covered in our modules on Foundations of Civics and Economics, Policy and Current Events, and Human Progress. In this primer, you will find introductory information on skills, best practices for establishing discussion norms and brave learning environments for students, methods for encouraging civil discourse outside the classroom by establishing a school‐to‐home connection, and helpful tips for sharing the positive impacts of bringing civil discourse to your school community. Each resource is designed to be interdisciplinary and adaptable for all learning audiences. ![]() In this unit, you will find a suite of materials you can use, including lesson plans, helpful handouts, and classroom displays. The aim of the Sphere Education Initiatives’ Principles of Civil Discourse unit is to help empower you as an educator to foster civil discourse in your school community.
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