A Pre-Election Civil Discourse Engagement Opportunity

To help Ohio State students, faculty and staff cope, the college partnered with the Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability and the Salmon P. Chase Center to host a session inviting dialog and strategy for navigating the election chaos. On Monday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m., about a dozen people gathered in Stillman Hall and online to discuss the pending election and promote civic engagement post-election. This interactive session provided a safe space to generate conversation about how to respond to the election and share ideas and concerns in a positive, facilitated environment. It also included discussions about concrete steps individuals can take to equip themselves with knowledge, skills and strategies to engage responsibility in democracy and their local community, regardless of the outcome.

“The pre-election level of vitriol was frightening and painful to many in our community and to many who social workers serve,” says Dr. Tom Gregoire, associate professor and dean emeritus. “Our participants largely came to support each other. We appreciated the opportunity to be together and to consider how to extend a sense of community and safety to those who are often the focus of hateful rhetoric.”

To learn more on this topic, read about the 4Cs: Virtues of Civil Discourse.