Institute for Democracy & Higher Education
Not many people like conflict, and in the current climate, talking politics almost by definition conjures up conflict—or an echo chamber. Maybe conflict is best avoided at the holiday dinner table, but on a college campus, conflict is a learning opportunity. The secret to talking politics effectively is preparation, or what we call “readiness.”
Are you ready to facilitate discussions about controversies in public life? Do you have the skills to frame, organize, and manage discussions? Have you thought ahead about anticipated pedagogical—in the moment—challenges? Should all ideas be heard, or are some antithetical to learning goals, democracy, or humanity? What is your responsibility as a discussion participant, not facilitator?
Monograph
This New Directions for Higher Education monograph offers short chapters on civility, classroom tips, campus-wide programs, community problem solving, the politics of academic freedom, and institutional leadership.
Book Chapter
This chapter from Creating Space for Democracy (eds. Longo and Shaffer) focuses on how to prepare for “quicksand moments” when a discussion takes a turn that requires fast thinking by facilitators and educators.
Essay
Published by the Scholars Strategy Network, this essay offered guidance for managing post-election discussions after the fraught 2020 election—and can help you prepare for 2024.
Paper
This paper by the Democracy Imperative, a national network of educators and civic leaders, presents a vision for higher education as a vibrant partner in the work of democratic renewal.
Report
This report considers ways to teach from the headlines, without (hopefully) getting dizzy!
Guide
Tested on multiple campuses and endorsed by NACUA, this guide offers a framework for discussion, viewpoints for consideration, facilitation tips, and a short primer on the First Amendment.
Notes
These conference notes focus on how to balance the commitment to a politically neutral process with the desire to achieve more equitable outcomes, and how to present all perspectives on an issue yet take a definitive stance.
Declaration
Focused on the role of higher education in the intersection of religion and public life, the declaration combines critical questions for scholars and institutions with observations and suggestions to foster conversation.
Materials
Facilitating Political Discussions: Facilitator Training Workshop Guide
These materials include 13 modules with handouts, training tips, and descriptions of activities that build basic skills for facilitating groups with diverse perspectives, social identities, and lived experiences.
Whether virtually or in person, IDHE can visit your campus to lead a workshop on facilitating politically charged discussions, join a classroom or coalition discussion of ideas for change, or help assess your campus climate for political learning and participation. Contact us at [email protected] and let us know how we can help.