Civil Discourse Committee

Mission Statement

The mission of this committee is to facilitate positive and constructive public discourse through the use of open dialogue. This entails dialogue that respects differences of opinion, promotes an understanding of ways to address conflict through mutually-respectful, courteous and orderly communication. This dialogue uses fact-based discussions to learn from each other, while advancing the common good of the organization, the community, and society as a whole.

What Do Members Do?

• Attend public meetings and use a Civil Discourse checklist to determine the tenor of the meetings
• At the beginning of  public meetings during the "public comment" section read the adopted Code of Civility.
• Assist in presenting specific Civil Discourse topics at workshops
  

More Information about Civil Discourse

Click here to read the Code of Civility

The LWV Civil Discourse Committee offers presentations to community groups on topics central to our mission to facilitate positive and constructive dialogue. The following is a list of presentation topics we can present to your group. Any presentation can be adapted to fit your timetable.

• Get Your Message to Decision Makers - Tips on getting yours facts straight, speaking skills, and listening skills

• Coping with Chaotic Times - Recognizing the need to be engaged and setting a plan of action

• Unite and Rise 8.5 - A focus on empowering voters and defending democracy during our country's current political direction, including threats to our institutions and public life.

• Strengthen Democracy through Civic Engagement - A short introduction to civil discourse and its importance, as well as  how to participate in this committee.

• Politics is Not a Dirty Word - Information emphasizing the importance of participating in local, state, and national government, voting and the ability to exert influence.

• Understanding our Representative Democracy- Essentials of a representative democracy with suggestions on being an actively engaged citizen                                                     

• Bridging the Divide: Civic Dialogue in a Polarized Era - A view of the current polarized landscape with suggestions for listening, sharing and developing civil dialogue.

• Civil Discourse at a School Board Meeting - Explaining the purpose and function of school boards, participation at meetings and how to deal with difficult conversations in public.

Book and Papers
▶ The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, by Richard Haas
▶I Never Thought About It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, by Monica Guzman
▶ Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century a report by the Commission on the practice of democratic citizenship American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Organizations and Other Resources
▶ National Institute for Civil Discourse
▶ Braver Angels