CIVIL DISCOURSE From Confrontation to Dialogue LWVOR Convention

CIVIL DISCOURSE: From Confrontation to Dialogue LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

ARE WE TOO LATE TO REVIVE CIVIL DISCOURSE? LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

“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 LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017 WHAT IS CIVIL DISCOURSE?

“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

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

RISE OF EXTREME PARTISANSHIP LWVOR Convention, May 6, 2017

“Our brains work hard to ensure the PARTISANSHIP IS PERSISTENT 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

LWV San Luis Obispo County, CA • Research best practices and resources LWV Washington State • Reach out to local government LWV Harvard, MA • Collaborate with others groups LWV North County San Diego, CA • Identify divisive issues • Host inclusive conversations • Develop a media presence • Move toward meaningful change LWV Umpqua Valley, OR 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

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

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

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