About

Over the years we have learned a lot about what makes for a vibrant Civil Discourse environment.  On this page, we will briefly compartmentalize all of the things we have learned.

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Organization is key:  therefore provided topics and designated roles can be essential.

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The Moderator:

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This is where civility comes into play.  The goal of civil discourse is to effectively transmit ideas from one individual to another.  The focus is on the ideas, not on the people who hold them, therefore it is essential to avoid ad-hominem attacks and any other uncivil attacks/acts.  The moderator will quell any attacks, and they will make sure that a wide variety of ideas are represented.  The key to a successful moderator is to speak as briefly and as infrequently as possible.  While the moderator is sometimes not necessary, it is particularly important for divisive topics and inexperienced discussion groups. 

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The Stimulator:

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The job of the stimulator is to keep the conversation going.  Similar to the moderator, the stimulator is not always necessary.  If there is little conversation occurring then the stimulator will ask questions, and occasionally answer questions.  For example, if the conversation is getting too specific, many may feel that they are not equipped to discuss, which leads to a limited discussion.  In this case, the stimulator can broaden the subject into something more general and philosophical, allowing anyone to voice their opinion.  They may turn a sparse conversation about the American invasion of Iraq into a broader discussion on the merits of American foreign intervention.  

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The Fact-Checker:

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The Fact Checker is the most difficult role.  Misinformation is rampant in our political system, so in order to allow for a productive evidence-based discussion, the fact-checker exists to allow access to all statistics and data points very quickly.  If a piece of information is required for a discussion, then the fact-checker will quickly search the internet for a result.  However, the fact-checker must make sure that the information is vetted and true.  In general, websites ending in ".gov" are usually trustworthy for statistics, as are many ending in ".org" (however this is not a rule).  The fact-checker should examine the site, and look for signs of bias or political ties, in an attempt to discern what is true and what is false.  The fact-checker should also be looking for a secure website, which is indicated by a lock icon at the top right corner of the browser.  If the website says "not secure" in this area, then the site should be avoided.  In general, the fact-checker should be the only one in the room using an electronic device.

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Topics Should Be Relevant:

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In general, topics are better when they are relevant.  Moderators should follow the news very closely to discern which topics are most relevant at the moment of discussion.  For example, after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the moderator could have questioned whether the United States has any business in foreign affairs.

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Topics Should (Usually) Be General:

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While not always essential, however, it is a good rule of thumb to make sure that topics are general.  Oftentimes, people are not privy to all of the details of a situation.  Start things general, and then gradually get more specific, so that people can learn and provide their opinion without feeling like they have nothing to contribute.

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Sample Topics:

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1.) How should the United States respond to the Ukraine war?

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2.) To what extent should abortion be a federal or state issue?

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3.) How can the United States work to become energy independent?

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