About 25 students, faculty, and staff convened in the Magnuson Center on April 23 to learn how to have better conversations with people whose opinions differ from their own. The 鈥淒isagreeing Better鈥� workshop, led by Braver Angels of Illinois, was a Catalyst on Campus event sponsored by the Van Der Meid Lecture in American Politics.
The session, held in preparation for the Van Der Meid lecture in October, was led by Laura Piemonte and Ralph Beck, co-heads of Braver Angels, a nonprofit national organization committed to improving political dialogue.
鈥淧olarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won鈥檛 be solved,鈥� Beck said in his introductory comments. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to respect all opinions and remember that not everyone in the room will share the same views.鈥�
Attendees then divided into pairs, discussing hot-button topics such as immigration, gun control, climate change, and birthright citizenship. Afterward, the groups reconvened to discuss ways they learned how to listen better, acknowledge other opinions, and grow.
Participants concluded the workshop by creating a 鈥減ledge wall鈥� on which they wrote specific instances where they will employ their new skills.