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Civil Discourse Toolkit

A page within Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement

Civil Discourse Toolkit

We are taking a multifaceted approach to civil discourse. Check out the variety of opportunities at UWL:

  • Resources: check out the curated compilation of helpful tools and resources on the topic
  • The Discussion Project: we offer this as a professional development opportunity for faculty and staff
  • Dialogue Matters: we've embedded information on free expression and civil dialogue into our reimagined New Student Orientation session
  • Civil Discourse Program: this is a cross-campus collaboration aimed to engage students and develop skills
  • 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 by clicking here.

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.

Check out the 2024 zine, full of related information and campus resources.  

What is the Civil Discourse Program?

Led by University Centers, the Civil Discourse Program is a cross-campus initiative that promotes respectful, open conversations across differences. Civil discourse is defined as the mutual airing of views in a thoughtful and respectful manner—even when perspectives diverge. Through events such as expert panels and roundtable discussions facilitated by trained staff and peers, the program creates opportunities for students to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The goal is not only to teach the principles of civil discourse but to help students actively practice it - strengthening their ability to consider multiple perspectives, challenge their own assumptions, and build the habit of engaging in constructive conversations. These skills are essential for classroom discussions, personal relationships, and future professional environments.

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.
  • Schmidt, Joe, and Nichelle Pinkney. Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities. Corwin Teaching Essentials, 2022.

Podcast

Video

Website