Civil Discourse

We’ll all stick together, in all kinds of weather.

That famous line from Nebraska U.’s fight song sums up the spirit of civil discourse.

Huskers don’t agree on everything. But we don’t judge ourselves by how neatly we all agree.

We judge ourselves by how we can disagree – sometimes passionately – and still move forward together.

About the Civil Discourse Initiative

Civil Discourse is the practice of engaging across differences in ways that seek to expand knowledge, respect perspectives, and moves us toward rediscovering common ground.

The initiative brings together campus and community partners to provide a safe and supportive space for Huskers to explore their individual comfort with different conversations, learn effective communication strategies, and practice engaging in dialogue.

For students, staff, and faculty

Learn in a workshop.

Huskers are invited to participate in a Courageous Dialogue workshop that is designed to foster meaningful and transformative conversations. The workshop weaves together concepts for discourse across differences and provides space to learn effective communication strategies and stimulate discussion around the examination and exploration of social and political norms, values, and beliefs. The program is being facilitated in partnership with LeaderShape.

Group size: 15-30 individuals

Join an upcoming open workshop Request a workshop for a RSO, department, or group.

For students, staff, and faculty

Tour and talk about Art

Tour the Voting is People Power exhibit at Sheldon Museum of Art and then participate in small group discussions to examine and explore social and political norms, values, and beliefs through shared dialogue and reflection.

At the end of the experience, individuals can create a personal button using a piece of art connected to the exhibit.

Group size: 15-30 individuals

Upcoming dates

Sept 19, 2024 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Sheldon Museum of Art

Oct 17, 2024 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Sheldon Museum of Art

For students

Be a Dialogue Fellow.

Huskers are invited to serve as a dialogue fellow to support events and advance the goals of dialogue across campus. Dialogue Fellows serve on a committee that helps with planning events and developing resources.

This is a volunteer position and the team meets bi-weekly.

Go to application

Engage in a 1 on 1 conversation

The Unify Challenge College Bowl is a virtual intercollegiate event where thousands of students are paired into one-on-one conversations across differences. For about an hour, the pair discusses 16 hot-button issues like mental health, gun laws, immigration, and free speech on campus.

RSVP

Take the Civic Readiness Quiz

This online assessment developed by Civic Nebraska will help you and your group evaluate the civic capacities to make progress on a particular issue or project that was discussed during a civil conversation.

Go to the Quiz

Request a film screening of PURPLE

PURPLE tells the story of Americans with opposing viewpoints confronting their disagreements head-on and discovering the concerns and experiences that lie behind each other's positions.

Learn More

Election Stress

Although the election process can feel overwhelming, you can practice coping skills that will help you manage difficult emotions.

Check in with your mental health and develop a self-care plan that makes sense for you.