Collaborative Civil Discourse

On November 2, all DSHA students spent their World Language or Applied Wellness hour learning about how to engage in civil discourse rooted in the Salvatorian mission call to be the goodness and kindness of Jesus to one another.

During these sessions, led by a member of the academic administrative team, students learned to understand and articulate the scriptural foundation of collaborative civil discourse at DSHA. Additionally, in small group discussions, they worked through recognizing appropriate examples of DSHA’s civil discourse guidelines (noted below), how to put them into practice, and how to respectfully respond when others may not follow the guidelines.

Consistent with the collaboration core value delegated to DSHA by the Sisters of the Divine Savior, the purpose of these guidelines is to provide the framework for respectful conversations that create a sense of unity as students learn and grow from one another’s insights, experiences, and perspectives. The intention for the guidelines is to shape discussions in the classroom, in-person social and co-currciular interactions, and even social media platform engagement. All students committed to follow the eight guidelines with the understanding that these environments flourish when a community seeks truth through collaborative and constructive dialogue, and to listen with a sincere desire to learn from one another, particularly when facing conflicting ideas, opinions, and viewpoints.

COLLABORATIVE CIVIL DISCOURSE GUIDELINES FOR THE DSHA CLASSROOM & BEYOND

1 | Our goal is to discover truth together. No one wins or loses in collaborative discourse. Be compassionate with others even when you disagree. Be vulnerable and open to evolving your own views.

2 | Your first priority is listening. Our goal is to turn our ears to wisdom, and incline our heart to understanding. This involves actively listening to others, so we can discover what we share as true. Listen for commonalities, not just differences.

3 | Embrace positive behavior. Notice how you are reacting and responding when others speak. Give positive feedback, even those you disagree with, through encouraging words and actions. Recognize the goodness and kindness of Jesus.

4 | Do not interrupt. Do not talk over someone else who is speaking, even when you are excited. Side conversations are disrespectful to the speaker and distracting.

5 | Do not disrespect others. Do not make demeaning or inappropriate comments, facial expressions, or gestures; remain checked in to the conversation.

6 | Practice empathy. This is especially important when you disagree with others. Never reject another person in full just because you disagree with some of their opinions.

7 | Seek to clarify differences. Ask questions to understand when you do not agree. Don’t assume that you know what someone else means. Differentiate between facts and opinions.

8 | Find common ground. Identify and call attention to areas of agreement. The goal is to engage with alternative views to better understand the truth and to develop unity within our community.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE & GUIDANCE

Building a community rooted in unity. How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Recognizing the human dignity of each person.

Turn your ear to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding.

Proverbs 2:2

Listening and speaking with the guidance of Jesus on minds, hearts, and in our words.

Be the goodness and kindness of Jesus, the Savior.

Titus 3:4