Empowering voters by enhancing communication
Our current political climate has devolved into heated and sometimes violent exchanges between Americans with opposing views. Critical issues need to be addressed together if we expect to maintain our way of life. How do we expand a culture of respect for the voices of all, and encourage debate around what we want and why? Learning communication practices that can bridge the political chasm dividing many of us can lead to needed solutions-oriented discussions and empower civic participation.
Looking for common ground and shared values
Civic conversation is a form of participation driven by desire for education, for mutual understanding, for identifying shared values, and/or for knowing about diverse perspectives. It can result in opportunities to build good, trusted relationships across differences and to plan actions for positive community change. It is essential to have a process that models the core LWV values of non-partisanship and welcoming/encouraging of diverse citizen voices and experiences in order to promote democratic civic expression through education, advocacy, and voting.
Reach out!
As part of Imagine Democracy, members of the LWVMC are hosting non-partisan civic conversations and making plans to help more community members develop their skills in listening and asking questions that can lead to respectful conversations about important civic issues. Are you interested in participating in any of these conversations or skill-building sessions in Martin County? Do you have any questions for us? We welcome the chance to be in contact with you.
