Principles of civic discourse

The following principles help guide good civic discourse and provide a way for all viewpoints to be heard. They are not designed to provide a consensus decision, but instead are used for those who have an idea or opinion to be able to express it.

-Establish ground rules

-Recognize and appreciate cultural differences

-Provide everyone with opportunity to speak

-Focus on issues

-Listen respectfully to difference in perspectives

-Value evidence variety

-Seek common ground

-Avoid personal attacks

-Avoid ideological sloganeering

-Seek understanding, not persuasion