As politics - and matters of human rights - have become increasingly partisan over the last several years, it feels harder and harder to have conversations with those who hold opposing viewpoints. Below are a series of resources on holding and facilitating conversations between people with different political views, without condoning bigotry or hate speech.
Programs and Foundations
PBS The Open Mind - Hosted weekly by Alexander Heffner, is a thoughtful excursion into the world of ideas across politics, media, technology, the arts and all realms of civic life.
The Civil Discourse - "The Civil Discourse" is an interview series appearing on YouTube, as well as on PBS television affiliates via the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). Building on the legacy of over 15 years of "The Drexel InterView," this reimagined series explores controversial topics in the spirit of civil discourse.
National Institute for Civil Discourse - In 2011, the University of Arizona created NICD after the Tucson shooting that killed six people and wounded thirteen others, including former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Engaging in conversations across the divide opens doors to finding common ground and moves our country toward a more perfect union.
Library Databases
Opposing Viewpoints - Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues.
Issues and Controversies - Reports on hot topics in politics, business, government, law enforcement, energy, education, health, science, foreign policy, race, human rights, society, and culture are updated weekly.
Additional Web Resources
Guidelines for Discussing Difficult Topics - University of Michigan
Guidelines to help instructors facilitate classroom discussion around controversial issues.
AllSides.org - American company that assesses political bias of prominent media outlets, and presents different versions of similar news stories from sources of the political right, left, and center, in a mission to show readers news outside their filter bubble.