From Confrontation to Dialogue Civil discourse: From Confrontation to Dialogue LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Are we too late to revive civil discourse? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

What is civil discourse? “Civil discourse and deliberation is a set of attitudes, behaviors, and skills that support thoughtful, fact and values-based discussions when citizens and public officials do come to the table to talk.” - LWV Washington’s Civility in Our Democracy Program What is civil discourse? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Civil discourse position LWV san luis Obispo, CA “Promote civil discourse through action and education for all governmental bodies, staff, and citizens for the purpose of improved public policy decisions and processes. Civil discourse means, at a minimum, mutually respectful, courteous, constructive, and orderly communication.” Civil discourse position LWV san luis Obispo, CA LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Why has incivility gotten worse? Poll: Americans blame politicians (64%), internet and social media (63%), and news media (54%) Stress & fear Lack of civic education Cell phones and texting Like-minded enclaves Distrust of government and traditional institutions Changing demographics Why has incivility gotten worse? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

rise of Extreme partisanship LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Partisanship is persistent “Our brains work hard to ensure the integrity of our world view. We seek out information to confirm what we already know and are dismissive of facts that are hostile to our core beliefs.” -VOX.COM LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

What other leagues are doing to foster civil discourse LWV San Luis Obispo County, CA LWV Washington State LWV Harvard, MA LWV North County San Diego, CA LWV Umpqua Valley, OR Research best practices and resources Reach out to local government Collaborate with others groups Identify divisive issues Host inclusive conversations Develop a media presence Move toward meaningful change What other leagues are doing to foster civil discourse LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Reframing “framing” framing to persuade vs framing for deliberation LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

What’s happening in Oregon? Healthy Democracy Programs Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project Oregon Solutions, PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs Oregon Consensus, PSU Hatfield School of Government Willamette Partnership What’s happening in Oregon? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

What is the League’s role? Promote civil discourse in local government and in our communities. Promote Educate League members and civic leaders about best practices. Educate Model civil behavior in all interactions. Model Advocate for improved civil discourse and inclusive dialogue. Advocate Partner with others to convene community conversations/ forums. Partner What is the League’s role? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

It takes civic courage to reach out to the other side Listen deeply Acknowledge differences Search for common ground and issues of shared concern Move beyond side-taking and the need to “win” Build relationships of trust Develop action priorities and plans It takes civic courage to reach out to the other side LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

Listening: the key to effective dialogue LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017