If ever there were a need for constructive, civil dialogue in America, it is now.
The 2024 presidential election cycle is in in full swing, further widening the chasm that separates us along political and ideological lines, and threatening our ability to solve significant challenges facing our country.
It will take all of us to engage in the democratic process to keep our republic healthy and on course. But how?
Where do we go to listen, learn, engage, and, yes — disagree, without fear of judgment? Without being demonized?
Hosted by multiple Presidential Library Foundations and policy institutes, the Civil Dialogues initiative seeks to create that safe space for community conversation on some of the important topics of the day.
At each town hall, a moderator guides a panel of subject experts, not elected officials, on the topic at hand, and engages audience members in questions and conversation with the panelists.
Each attendee should walk away with a better understanding of the topic’s nuances while feeling seen, heard, and empowered to continue dialogue. Follow up will include tools to have civil conversations and opportunities to stay involved with the initiative.
The inaugural Civil Dialogues event took place February 27, 2024 at the Baker Institute on the campus of Rice University in Houston,TX. Watch “Labor Shortages, Border Crisis & Immigration Reform” here.
On March 19, 2024, the LBJ Library in Austin, TX hosted a town hall on immigration reform in the aftermath of Texas Senate Bill 4. For the few hours our discussion took place, the law was in effect, only to be put back on hold a few hours later. Watch the recording here.
The Clinton Presidential Center is scheduled to host an early June event, while the George and Barbara Bush Presidential Foundation town hall will take place in the fall. Dates and topics at other centers, including the Truman Library in partnership with the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, are pending. Watch this space for regular updates.
The goal is to hold at least one town hall every month leading up to the November 2024 presidential election.
Linda Lorelle Media will shoot video footage of the initiative as it unfolds across the country to produce a documentary series.
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