Civil Discourse

Without civil discourse, a vibrant and productive civil society cannot exist; a representative democracy presupposes that its members can discuss challenging issues with the goal of resolving them.

This is especially true in the United States, where citizenship is based on adherence to a set of ideas and principles, not ethnicity, religion or gender. Sometimesand seemingly paradoxicallya commitment to the spirit of compromise may be required. We can create a nation where important policy decisions affecting our future are made through a process of critical analysis of facts and informed participation of all citizens if we commit to robust civil discourse.

What is Civil Discourse?

Civil discourse is not simply polite conversation, though courtesy and respect are crucial to it. Civil discourse goes ...
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Civil Discourse in Public Policy

For as laws are necessary that good manners may be preserved, so there is need of good manners ...
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How to Engage in Civil Discourse

How to Engage in Civil Discourse

Civil discourse is an active pursuit: participants should be actively respectful, open, friendly, and generous. Good faith is ...
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Civic Collaboratory

We utilize our core values of inclusivity, civility and collaboration to help move society forward. Our civic engagement ...
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O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Clubs

Calling all high-school-age leaders! Want to impress colleges, sharpen your leadership talents, connect with other driven students from ...
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On American Political Compromise

You can't always get what you want But if you try sometimes Well, you just might find You ...
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"Unfortunately civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable."

— Justice Sandra Day O’Connor