If we want our democracy to be healthy, our conversations to be more productive, and our lives to be less anger-filled, we need to relearn the lost art of civil discourse. This page contains my favorite resources; I update it frequently and welcome suggestions.
Learn about…
- WHY civil discourse is important.
- INSPIRING EXAMPLES of civility changing minds.
- The DIFFERING VALUES of liberals and conservatives.
- MEDIA BIAS and how to overcome it.
- TIPS & TRICKS for civil conversations.
- COMPASSION for the Other and getting unstuck from anger.
- DIALOGUE GROUPS where you can practice and learn.
- STUDENT RESOURCES.
Why Civil Discourse Is Important
- “Three Reasons to be Civil…To Someone Who’s Not Being Civil.”
- “Truth Seeking, Democracy, and Freedom of Thought and Expression.”
- “Message To White Allies From A Black Anti-Racism Expert: You’re Doing It Wrong.”
Inspiring Examples of Civility Changing Minds
- “Yes! Conversations Can Change Minds.”
- “Courageous Conversations Across a Growing Divide: One Small Step.”
- “Civil rights icon Xernona Clayton’s unlikely friendship with a KKK Grand Dragon.”
- “How to have better political conversations.” (Video.)
- “I grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s why I left.” (Video.)
- “My descent into America’s neo-Nazi movement – and how I got out.” (Video.)
- “The Enemy of The People vs. The People.” – (Audio from This American Life.)
The Differing Values of Liberals and Conservatives
- “The moral roots of liberals and conservatives.” (Video.)
- “The psychological traits that shape your political beliefs.” (Video.)
Media Bias and How To Overcome It
- “Beware online ‘filter bubbles.'” (Video.)
- Ad Fontes’ Media Bias Chart and AllSides’ Media Bias Chart.
- “Types of Media Bias and How to Spot It.”
- AllSides – expose yourself to more varied news!
- ProCon and The Flip Side – understand the other side’s logic!
Tips and Tricks for Civil Conversations
- “Friends and Family Conversation Tip Sheet” by Living Room Conversations.
- “The Secret to Political Persuasion” by Karin Tamerius.
- “White Allies: Your Anger Belongs in the Streets, Not at Home” by David Campt.
Compassion for the Other and Getting Unstuck From Anger
- “What Ellen DeGeneres’ Critics Get Totally Wrong” – anger can be disempowering.
- “Moving From Anger To Compassionate Action” – a video meditation.
- The Compassionate Listening Project – develop conflict transformation skills.
Dialogue Groups Where You Can Practice and Learn*
* (Many groups have moved online during the pandemic.)
- Living Room Conversations – join online discussions from anywhere.
- Braver Angels – online and in-person events nationwide.
- Smart Politics – for liberals; a Facebook group on effective communication.
- Make America Dinner Again – in-person dinners in many states.
- The Village Square – in-person events in California, Florida, and Utah.
- American Public Square – in-person events in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Community Oregon – retreats bridging the urban-rural divide in Oregon.
- Crossing Party Lines – in-person dialogue in Portland, Oregon and NYC.
- Urban Rural Action – in-person events in Pennsylvania.
- Reach Out Wisconsin – in-person events in Madison, Wisconsin.
Student Resources
- AllSides For Schools – teacher resources for middle school & up.
- Bridge the Divide – online discussions & more for high school & college.
- BridgeUSA – resources & membership for college students.