World in Conversation to lead 'Dialogues in STEM: An Exploration of Civil Discourse'

The Eberly College of Science’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is committed to building a community of practice across the college’s faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students who are regularly engaged in conversations around viewpoint diversity and civil discourse. 

In that spirit, members of the college are invited to participate in an upcoming opportunity — "Dialogues in STEM: An Exploration of Civil Discourse" — led by Penn State’s World in Conversation on Monday, Oct. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in 123 Pond Laboratory.

Participants will engage the majority of the time in small-group, facilitated dialogues exploring the question “What do you feel like the sciences are missing in communicating our work to the public?” These dialogues are bookended by a large-group opening and debrief introducing two to three takeaways for practices that cultivate the skills and mindset needed to develop a culture of open inquiry and civil discourse in small groups. 

A boxed lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the program. To ensure an uninterrupted and high level of engagement, participants are asked to commit to staying for the entire two hours. 

Those interested in participating are asked to register for this opportunity by Friday, Oct. 10.

World in Conversation provides evidence-based programming, training, and resources that advance how small groups work together across differences to think collaboratively. Their dialogue approach does not require individuals to agree or even to compromise but to actually recognize the core value of an opposing view. This two-hour program gives participants a firsthand experience of a method that equips people to sustain engagement amidst opposing worldviews in order to build shared vision.