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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. rise of Extreme partisanship
LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

7. 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

8. LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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