You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

St. Olaf to host symposium on civility and civic dialogue

By Amy Gage
January 24, 2004

Dissension is a necessary part of democracy, and civility, in the context of public discussion, means more than merely being polite or biting one's tongue in an effort not to make waves.

Too often, however, in our quest for civic dialogue, we end up with over-simplified shouting matches, the perpetuation of mistrust and talk radio that masquerades as even-handed commentary or even news.

In an effort to renew the cherished foundations of government "by the people," the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation will host a daylong workshop at St. Olaf College on civil civic discussion. "Creating Dialogues" will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Viking Theater of Buntrock Commons on campus.

The cost of $30 includes lunch and all materials. Register by contacting Elise Davis at elised@smifoundation.org or 507-455-3215, x124.

The symposium will explore:
* the meaning of civility and its role in building stronger, more vibrant communities;
* how a variety of communities have promoted civil civic dialogue;
* how information technology is providing new ways for civic dialogue to occur; and
* how the media can promote civil civic dialogue.

Presenters will include Kent Roberts, executive director of the National Civility Center; Gary Gilson, executive director of the Minnesota News Council; Anne Ganey of the Citizens' Voices Project in Mankato, Minn.; Mary E. Millard, of the "Speak Your Peace" project in Duluth; and Griff Wigley, who runs a number of web-based dialogues in Northfield.

Elected officials, community leaders or "anyone who cares about the current state of democracy" is encouraged to attend.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.