Dialogue Opportunities

At Elon, we recognize that building community and developing the skills to thoughtfully and critically engage within and across difference is easier with practice. We also recognize that ways of engaging in meaningful and productive dialogue takes different forms for different people. For this reason, there are many dialogue initiatives that take place at Elon that each have their own structure, focus, and time commitment.

Choosing Dialogue and Listening from the Heart – The Parent’s Circle
Tuesday, February 18, 3:30pm, McBride Gathering Space
The Parents Circle, a joint Israeli and Palestinian organization made up of over 800 bereaved families who have lost close family members in the conflict. Instead of choosing revenge, Parents Circle members have chosen a unique path – by standing and speaking together, members demonstrate how it is possible to transform feelings of anger and revenge into dialogue, hope, and reconciliation.
Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Spring Dialogue Series: Civil Dialogue on Sustainability
Tuesday, February 18, 6:00pm, East Neighborhood Commons 102
Join this conversation on sustainability and discuss the current state of our environment and what current developments and policies mean for our country and world moving forward. This event will be structured as a Civil Dialogue, asking participants to share their perspective on a provocative statement and listen to the thoughts and experiences of others.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogues – Moving Forward as a Nation After the Election 
Monday, February 24, 4:30pm, Lakeside 212
Advance Registration Required Here
This spring, we will be hosting two different dialogues in the same afternoon. The American Creed conversation will explore what core values Americans fundamentally agree on. American political leaders of all kinds throughout history have pointed out that American identity revolves around a set of ideals – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described America’s creed as an unfulfilled “promissory note” based on the idea that everyone deserves freedom, fairness, and equal opportunity to pursue happiness and advancement. People of good will often fundamentally agree, yet we struggle to find ways to effectively work together. The Money and Values conversation will explore the choices in how we earn, spend, and invest our money impacts individuals, communities, the environment, and the world. Some people say that how we use our money shows what we truly value. This conversation seeks to reflect on our financial choices so we may find ways to act in greater harmony with our values.
Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement, Elon Political Engagement Work Group, and Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Spring Dialogue Series: How Should We Prevent Mass Shootings in Our Communities?
Wednesday, March 26, 6:00pm, Moseley 215
This conversation will explore the topic of mass shootings by asking how we can stop them and ensure that people feel safe in their homes and communities. Participants will be asked to consider three possible options by exploring advantages and disadvantages.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Active Citizen Series: Bridging Divides – Understanding and Addressing Political Polarization Featuring Dr. Adi Wiezel 
Thursday, March 6, 4:30pm, Schar 207 (second floor School of Communications) 
We know that we’ve been experiencing a high level of polarization in the United States, but what does that actually mean? In this interactive session, we will learn to distinguish between two different kinds of political polarization and investigate the science behind some of the causes of, and potential interventions for, reducing political polarization.
Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement, Elon Political Engagement Work Group, and Kernodle Center for Civic Life 

Spring Dialogue Series: Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts
Monday, April 21, 6:00pm, East Neighborhood Commons 102
It is difficult to look at news without encountering headlines and stories about DEI, or diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this conversation, we will discuss the future of DEI efforts and what this could mean for higher education and beyond.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life