Home » A Culture of Understanding:  Dialogue at CSB+SJU » Dialogue Initiatives

Dialogue Initiatives

In collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice, CSBSJU hosts many opportunities for members of our community to engage in dialogue about some of the most pressing issues that affect our campus, community and nation. 

Disagreeing Better at CSB + SJU is a dialogue-rich, relationship-building partnership between our entire CSBSJU community and Minnesota’s Reduce the Rancor initiative, which is an offspring of the national non-partisan, non-profit Braver Angels (https://braverangels.org/)dedicated to political depolarization. Developed by caring citizens after the 2016 election, Braver Angels offers workshops, debates, and events where participants across the political spectrum come together utilizing tools of the Braver Angels way.

The Theater of Public Policy is the country’s favorite (coincidentally, only) civics-inspired improv comedy company. TPP uses improv comedy to connect audiences with big issues and ideas. They interview big thinkers, content experts, or policy makers. Then their cast of improv comedy actors brings everything discussed to life through unscripted comedy theater. Shows are smart, funny, and enlightening. Audiences learn something and laugh together. Learn more: http://t2p2.net/

Shows are smart, funny, and enlightening. Audiences learn something and laugh together. Thegroup will be coming to campus multiple times throughout the year to do workshops and trainings.

Tuesday Table Talk discussions provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to engage in conversations about topics that are often difficult to discuss, not because we lack awareness, but because we are not comfortable talking about them.  These one-hour conversations about a variety of diversity-related issues and concepts and are designed to be less formal than most dialogues taking place on our campus.  Participants need not be experts or particularly well-versed on a topic in order to be part of the talk. Talks take place in the Multicultural Center event space at noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. (Topics are subject to change.)

Fall Schedule:

Braver Angels Minnesota is part of a national citizens’ movement that brings together conservatives, liberals, independents and others to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics. The program seeks not to eliminate our differences but rather deal with them head-on — with respect and understanding — for the betterment of our communities. In short, they do not try to change people’s views on issues but on how they view the other side.  Braver Angels offers workshops, debates and structured conversations – typically for no charge – that allow participants to learn and practice effective listening and speaking skills.  https://mn.braverangels.org/