NEW INITIATIVE: Dialogue and Democracy Initiative
Across the country people question the strength of our democracy, and our ability to sit in a room and fairly consider points of view that aren’t our own. Among other things this necessitates practice. Dialogues are run by trained facilitators and are information based. We provide participants with carefully authored issue booklets written by issue experts that outline multiple solutions to problems. The point isn’t to solve the problem, though that would be terrific! Instead, the goal is to gain appreciation for the complexity of issues, proposals to solve them, and the different people affected by these problems and their solutions. It’s an activity that is proven to strengthen democracy.
To that end, we now seek to bring deliberative dialogue off campus. Following Professor Michael D’Innocenzo’s model, we want to begin hosting deliberative dialogues off campus as soon as fall 2025, at places like schools, libraries, and community centers. Your gift can help make this a lasting part of our Center’s operation.
Since 2007, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) has been dedicated to improving the community through meaningful engagement. We achieve this through three primary goals:
- Empowering undergraduate students as active civic participants.
- Informing the campus and broader community about critical issues.
- Strengthening the Long Island community and democracy through deliberative dialogue.
CCE has organized dozens of on-campus events, including forums, conferences, debates, workshops, exhibitions, cultural gatherings, and performances. These events focus on key themes such as nonviolence, social justice, sustainability, the democratic process, and globalization. Beyond campus, the Center plays a vital role in fostering positive, transformative changes on Long Island through strategic community partnerships.
What is deliberative dialogue?
Deliberative dialogue is a unique approach to discussing public issues. Rather than debating, participants explore policy options, weigh the positives and negatives, and work toward finding common ground. This method prioritizes community-building and high-quality solutions over winning arguments.
Organizing and hosting these events requires significant resources and time. Your support is critical to ensuring these transformative conversations continue to strengthen our community and democracy.
Join us in supporting the Center for Civic Engagement today!
