A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR:
Dear Friends of the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse,
As the snow begins to melt away, the emerging signs of spring remind me that change is possible. This insight feels like a great relief during this moment of heightened polarization—just when I was beginning to feel disheartened and perhaps even scared about the divided state of our country, I am now beginning to feel relieved by spring’s reminder that our current environment can and will change. Life is not static, and I am grateful for how the change in seasons is reminding me of fluidity.
We’ll see it embodied soon in blossoming crocuses, but the reminder that change is possible permeates our social environments as well, and I invite us all, as we move through spring, to look for signs of change in our everyday lives. Why? We can’t stay stuck.
- 87% say political polarization is a threat to America. (AP/NORC)
- 86% of Americans say that they feel exhausted by the division in America. (Hidden Tribes)
- 66% see the opposing party as a serious threat to the U.S. (Lethal Mass Partisanship)
- 62% say the political climate prevents them from saying what they believe. (CATO)
- 77% have few or no (41%) friends from the other side. (Pew)
I am personally on edge over pending supreme court decisions, the upcoming presidential election, and the ways in which “culture wars” have divided communities, families, and friends. I appreciate the reminder that perhaps we won’t stay stuck here, for like the budding crocuses, there are signs of hope.
- 79% say, given the opportunity, they would play a part in reducing social division in America. (Listen First Project)
- 93% of Americans say it is important to reduce divisiveness in the United States, including two-thirds who say it is very important to do so. (Public Agenda)
- 86% believe it is possible for people to disagree in a healthy way. (Weber Shandwick)
- 79% say that creating more opportunities for people to talk and interact with those who have different values and views would be effective in reducing divisiveness and destructive disagreement. (Public Agenda)
At the Center for Civil Discourse, we take these signs of hope seriously and work to foster a culture of conversation rather than division on campus and in local communities. In fact, the Center just recommitted to interrupting toxic polarization and cultivating dialogue through revising its Vision and Mission Statements.
I’d like to draw your attention to the last bullet point above. 79% of people believe in the transformative power of dialogue across difference. In that spirit, I invite you to check out our course offerings and spring events. Students: Both courses are dialogue-driven opportunities to engage with classmates in conversations about things that matter to you. Please feel free to email Professor Warsen or myself for more information. We are happy to talk with you about the course!
Happy change of seasons, everyone.
Lisa
Director, Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse
