Participating In Dialogue: Advanced

The Civics Credentialing System provides a system of credentials that represent pro-democracy commitments, education, actions, and recognition.

Learning Objectives

Advanced training enhances deep dialogue skills, focusing on productive discussion and engagement across complex topics.

1. Understand and Adapt to Diverse Thinking Styles:
   Explore how individuals form arguments and make decisions, considering the influence of values, reasoning, emotions, and lived experiences, and learn to adapt their communication to bridge differences.
2. Identify and Overcome Challenges to Dialogue:
   Examine common cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and communication pitfalls that can hinder productive dialogue, and develop strategies to address these challenges effectively.
3. Master Advanced Communication and De-escalation Techniques:
   Participants will refine their active listening skills, practice asking powerful questions, and learn techniques for de-escalating tension, managing conflict, and fostering a positive communication environment.
4. Apply Advanced Skills in Complex Dialogue Scenarios:
   Engage in extended dialogue practice sessions (and role-play scenarios) centered around divisive contemporary topics, applying their skills in a supportive environment, experimenting with different facilitation techniques, and receiving constructive feedback.

Learning Content

1. Setting the Stage for Constructive Dialogue by

Learning Experience, Activities

This workshop equips you with the skills to engage effectively in complex conversations, even on divisive topics. Learn to analyze arguments, overcome communication barriers, and de-escalate tension while fostering understanding and connection. Participants will leave with the confidence to navigate challenging discussions and promote productive dialogue in any setting.

Assessment

Rather than a summative assessment, this course concludes with a full-length practice dialogue session designed as an experiential learning component.

Learning effort

3 Hour Workshop

About BridgeUSA

BridgeUSA is a multi-partisan student movement that champions viewpoint diversity, responsible discourse, and a solution-oriented political culture.

Our suite of workshops equips students and young people with the skills necessary to engage constructively across diverse viewpoints.

Through interactive and collaborative workshops, participants learn to navigate complex discussions, foster stronger communities, and enhance dialogue capabilities, both as participants and facilitators, to effectively address contemporary challenges.

Advanced Dialogue Participation Workshop at Valley Christian Schools