Civic discourse is a way to foster a community of belonging. It invites an open exchange of ideas to create a shared understanding of societal problems and identify potential solutions collectively. 

At TU, we’re using restorative practices and dialogue tools to engage in civic discourse, so we can understand each other's perspectives and recognize that we have a shared humanity. Even though we might have different identities, experiences, and ideas, it’s important to learn from one another, so that our solutions work for everyone.

Civic discourse is different from a debate because it is not about being right or wrong or winning an argument.

Civic discourse is different from a debate because it is not about being right or wrong or winning an argument.

As a society, we are not well equipped to engage in conversations with people who might think differently or have opposing views. Restorative practices and dialogue can change that by offering us tools to cultivate connections and work toward solutions to complex issues.

Restorative practices is a perspective that prioritizes shared power and responsibility, challenging all members of a community to do things 
with others rather than to them or for them. It’s a skill set that focuses on community building, inclusive decision-making and shared accountability. The practice uses techniques like restorative questioning, consensus building and affective statements.

Dialogue is a perspective that prioritizes opportunities to learn more about one another, our identities, our experiences and our views. As a skillset it focuses on practicing deep listening and suspension of judgment, navigating challenging moments by turning to introspection and learning through curiosity and asking open-ended questions.

We have opportunities for faculty, staff and students to learn these skill sets and to participate in programming where dialogue and restorative practices are used. There are many ways this is already happening on campus, including the Civic Renewal Fellowship, where we’re training undergraduate and graduate students in dialogue and restorative practices. Fellows lead TU Community Conversations, which bring TU students, faculty and staff together to talk about issues that impact the campus—whether that is food access, housing access or current issues.

Restorative practices prioritize shared power and responsibility. Dialogue prioritizes opportunities to learn more about one another, our identities, our experiences and our views.

Dialogue and restorative practices are used across campus in many ways, including how we are training resident assistants and orientation leaders. The Restorative Practices Steering Committee hosts trainings throughout the year to help faculty and staff think through how to incorporate restorative tools into their teaching, their staff meetings and their work with students outside of the classroom. The Office of Inclusive Excellence Education and Support, in partnership with the Office of the Provost, coordinates Dialogue@TU and provides dialogue training for faculty and staff.

Developing community standards ahead of discussions sets clear expectations for engagement.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS ARE A TOOL to foster civic discourse. They are agreed upon ways to participate in the conversation and may include using 
I-statements, leaning into curiosity and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Developing community standards ahead of discussions sets clear expectations for engagement. The Restorative Practices Steering Committee works with departments and groups to develop community standards.

In conclusion, there are tools we can use to have better conversations and work toward collaborative solutions. We all have a role to play in fostering a thriving civic culture. Lean in, be curious and help shape the communities we need to feel like we matter and belong.