Civil Discourse Toolkit

We take a multifaceted approach to civil discourse. Here are some of the initiatives CDCE has developed:

Resource List: check out the curated compilation of helpful tools and resources below.
The Discussion Project @ UWL: we brought The Discussion Project to our campus to offer the professional development opportunity for faculty and staff.
Dialogue Matters - bridging voices @ UWL: we embedded information on free expression, academic freedom, belonging and civil dialogue into a reimagined New Student Orientation session.
Workshops: we offer 4 unique options for the range of needs across campus. Learn more: CDCE workshop page.

The CDCE director also serves as the convener of JCCD:

Joint Committee on Civil Discourse (JCCD): UWL has a committee, established by administration, to help campus understand free speech and promote discussion and dialogue. Learn more: view the JCCD website.

What Is Discourse?

Discourse is a broad term that encompasses forms of conversation—dialogue, discussion, debate, and more. At its core, discourse is about how we communicate ideas, share perspectives, and make meaning together through speaking and listening.

At the CDCE, we view discourse as a powerful tool for learning, connection, and community-building. It allows individuals to explore complex topics, engage with differing viewpoints, and deepen their understanding of the world and each other.

Types of Discourse

Dialogue	Discussion	Debate
Seeks deeper understanding	Encourages idea exchange	Aims to persuade or defend a position
Explores multiple perspectives	Participants may hold views but remain open	Often formal and structured
Emphasizes listening and reflection	Focuses on collaborative thinking	Involves argumentation and rebuttal

Each type of discourse serves a different purpose, and all can be valuable depending on the context. Whether in classrooms, meetings, or informal settings, engaging in thoughtful discourse helps foster a more inclusive, informed, and connected campus community.

Sources

Sources Schmidt, J., & Pinkney, N. (2022). Civil discourse: Classroom conversations for stronger communities. Rowman & Littlefield. The
Discussion Project. (n.d.). Discussion Project. University of Wisconsin–Madison. https://discussion.education.wisc.edu/

What is The Discussion Project?

The Discussion Project, designed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a professional learning course for education leaders and instructors. It equips participants with research-based strategies that positively impact the quality of education through more effective and inclusive discourse. You can learn more by clicking here.

The hands-on workshop uses learn-by-doing approach to help participants structure and lead meaningful conversations. Whether in the classroom or during student organization meetings, the ability to cultivate productive, transformative dialogue is essential.

Bringing The Discussion Project to UWL has been a cross-collaborative effort, and we are grateful for the support of our partners in Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL), Student Affairs, and across Access, Belonging & Compliance. We are proud to share that 57 UWL staff/faculty have completed this workshop and are using their skills to foster a more inclusive, engaging, and discussion-rich learning environment.

What is Dialogue Matters?

Dialogue Matters: Bridging Voices @ UWL is a New Student Orientation session designed to build a resilient campus community rooted in civil discourse, academic freedom, and inclusive dialogue. Facilitated by UWL staff and faculty trained through The Discussion Project, the session invites students to reflect on their path to UWL while exploring their rights to speak and learn freely. Through interactive conversations and a resource-rich zine, students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, grow in self-awareness, connect across differences, and engage meaningfully with those around them.

Dialogue Matters Zine

Check out the 2025 zine (click on the PDF) full of related information and campus resources.

Civil Discourse Resources

Book

Brookfield, Stephen D., and Stephen Preskill. Discussion as a Way of Teaching: Tools and Techniques for Democratic Classrooms. 2nd ed., Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Brown, Stephen D. The Discussion Book: 50 Great Ways to Get People Talking. Jossey-Bass, 2016.
Grant, A. (2021). Think again: The power of knowing what you don't know.
Hess, Diana. Controversy in the Classroom. Routledge, 2009.
Newman, L. (2023). Thinking critically in college: The essential handbook for student success. Rowman & Littlefield.
Schmidt, Joe, and Nichelle Pinkney. Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. Corwin Teaching Essentials, 2022.

Podcast

Video

Website

"All In Challenge." All In Challenge, allinchallenge.org.
Constructive Dialogue. Constructive Dialogue, constructive-dialogue.org.
"Dignity Index." Dignity Index, www.dignityindex.us.
"Speaking Up Without Tearing Down." Learning for Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center
National Issues Forums Institute. National Issues Forums Institute, www.nifi.org.
Universities of Wisconsin. "Civil Dialogue." Universities of Wisconsin, www.wisconsin.edu/civil-dialogue/.

Dialogue Across Campus

Embedding meaningful dialogue into campus life and the broader community is essential for student success. At CDCE, we believe this work doesn’t belong to one person or one office — it takes all of us. Together, we can foster conversations that bridge differences and strengthen understanding.

Here are some of the places where dialogue is happening across UWL:

Your space not listed? Let us know! We’d love to make it as easy as possible for everyone to find resources and spaces that advance civil dialogue.