Governing "by the people" is a cherished American value. Communities cannot govern effectively, however, without addressing complex issues. Unfortunately, civic dialogue often ends in conflict, dividing communities. If you want to change this in your community, join us at - Creating Dialogues - a symposium on civility and civic dialogue. 

February 17, 2004

Viking Theatre, St Olaf College

9:00-3:00

“Democracy is a means of living together despite our differences. Democratic deliberation is an alternative to physical violence. It’s predicated on the assumption that it’s possible to disagree agreeably, that it’s better to laugh than to cry, that one can vigorously contest the positions of one’s adversary without questioning his or her personal integrity or motivation, and that parties to a debate are entitled to the presumption that their views are legitimate if not correct.” -- Thomas Mann

Governing “by the people” is a cherished American value. Communities cannot realistically build their civic capacity without promoting the clearer understanding of the complex issues that they face. Too often in our quest for civic dialogue, however, what we end up getting are over-simplified shouting matches, the perpetuation of mistrust and platforms like talk radio that masquerade as evenhanded or worse yet, as news. If you believe that it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way please join us at the Minnesota Symposium on Civility and Civic Dialogue.

In the context of public discussion “civility” mean much more than merely being polite. Civility also does not mean biting one’s tongue in an effort to not make waves. Dissention is an absolutely necessary part of democracy. Civility has to do with the way that public discourse exists in an atmosphere of justice, fair play and integrity. Open discussion of competing truths should not have to polarize communities; it should make them stronger.

· the meaning of civility and its role in building stronger, more vibrant communities

· the experiences of a variety of communities in promoting civil public discourse

· the role of local media in promoting civil civic dialogue

· how information technology is providing new ways for civic dialogue to occur

· Kent Roberts, Executive Director, National Civility Center

· Gary Gilson, Executive Director, Minnesota News Council

· Anne Ganey, Citizen’s Voices project, Mankato, MN

· Mary E. Millard, Speak Your Peace project, Duluth Superior Community Foundation

· Griff Wigley, Griff Wigley & Associates

· Elected Officials

· Media

· Community Leaders

· Advocates/Activists

· Anyone who cares about the current state of democracy