Free Guide to Civil Discourse

The current breakdown in public discourse is eating away at the very core of U.S. democracy. Public discourse today, especially discourse online, is marked by personal attacks that aim more to destroy credibility than to advance any common good.

But no matter how far apart two sides are, there are effective strategies to bring people together.

Civil discourse is defined as conversation about a particular topic engaged in a way that is respectful of all parties. Civil discourse is a primary strategy for learning from each other and negotiating public policy issues and political disagreements. It is integral to any successful civic engagement.

Designed by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and its Department of Faith Formation, this free guide is designed to help us bridge the divides that keep us from moving forward.

Download the free Guide to Civil discourse to learn how to:

• Improve your workplace communications and enhance your interpersonal relationships
• Better understand the thoughts and ideas of others
• Respond respectfully to what others are saying, rather than reacting in ways that put everyone’s defenses up
• Share talk time so that those who are marginalized feel welcome to speak
• Speak with humility and remain open to the truth that others are sharing
• Build your knowledge for future conversations