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Civil Discourse

LCRG on Civil Discourse

Engaging in civil discourse requires a willingness to be open to new perspectives, to assess the quality of arguments and information and to broaden, and perhaps change, one’s mind.
Based on a review of the relevant literature, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls identified six key, teachable building blocks of civil discourse.

Emotional Skills

List of 3 items.

  • Extending Empathy

    Being aware of others’ feelings
    Being sensitive to others’ feelings
    Vicariously experiencing others’ feelings
  • Accepting Discomfort

    Being aware of one’s own feelings
    Tolerating negative feelings in oneself
    Coping effectively with distress
  • Braving Controversy

    Appreciating that conflict can be healthy
    Accepting that hard conversations take time
    Tolerating ongoing disagreement

Cognitive Skills

List of 3 items.

  • Cultivating Curiosity

    Being open to novelty
    Wanting to learn another person’s story
    Being willing to learn new things about oneself
  • Taking Perspective

    Recognizing multiple viewpoints
    Seeing a situation from another’s point of view
    Comprehending unfamiliar thoughts and feelings
  • Engaging Effectively

    listening actively
    questioning fairly
    asserting respectfully