Dialogue Opportunities

At Elon, we recognize that building community and developing the skills to thoughtfully and critically engage within and across difference is easier with practice. We also recognize that ways of engaging in meaningful and productive dialogue takes different forms for different people. For this reason, there are many dialogue initiatives that take place at Elon that each have their own structure, focus, and time commitment.

Talking Across Difference: An In-the Moment Dialogue
Monday, September 15 at 4:00pm in the Moseley Center (McKinnon F)
Recent events remind us that college campuses are not separate from the tensions or challenges of broader public life. In moments like these, it can be difficult to know how to talk across differences without deepening divides. We hope to create space across campus to give everyone a chance to pause together, listen and speak with care, and consider how we might build understanding in challenging times.
Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement

Fall Dialogue Series: Immigration 
Tuesday, September 23, 6:00pm, Moseley 217
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Utilizing a Living Room Conversation issue guide, students, faculty, and staff will reflect on and discuss the values that guide immigration policies and practices and their hopes for what this will look like in the future.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Deliberative Dialogue: Technology and Relationships
Monday, September 29, 4:30pm, Lakeside 212
While technology can be used to maintain relationships, keep up with breaking news, and navigate our cities, some experts have suggested that technology is like an addiction. As of 2025, North Carolina has joined half the nation in legislating a ban on use of cell phones in K-12 schools. In a rare showing of bipartisan support, these pieces of legislation are intended to increase learning and benefit students’ mental health. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General called on Congress to require warning statements on social media platforms as is the practice on cigarette packaging. What is the way forward?
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Fall Dialogue Series: Peace Building in the United States
Wednesday, October 22, 6:00pm, Moseley 217
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We all know that today’s America is characterized by deep divisions that impact all areas of our lives.  Come to this dialogue with students, staff and faculty to discuss why this is the case and to brainstorm ways we can move towards a more unified country, and world.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Inclusive Community Conversation: Navigating in the Current Climate – Safety, Speech, and Solidarity
Monday, October 27, 11:30am-1:00pm, McEwen Dining Classroom 113  RSVP for this event
Tuesday, November 4, 11:30am-1:00pm, Lakeside 214  RSVP for this event
In recent months, national headlines and events have brought attention to the complexities of learning and interacting across differences within higher education. Across the country, some faculty and staff on university campuses have been targeted, scrutinized, or faced disciplinary action for personal expressions in workplace settings or academic speech in classrooms related to inclusive excellence. Understandably, these incidents have raised important questions about free speech and expression, academic freedom, and the risks and responsibilities that come with upholding our shared value of fostering respect for human difference at Elon.

Fall Dialogue Series: Isolationism – What Is America’s Role in Supporting the Global Community?
Wednesday, November 19, 6:00pm, Moseley 217
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There has long been debate about what America’s role is within the global community and what, if any, responsibility we have as a country to get involved in global conflicts and events.  This conversation has gotten louder with ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine.  Come to this event to hear varying perspectives on the topic using the Civil Dialogue model.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Better Together: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges
Every Other Wednesday (September 24-December 3), 12:45-1:45pm, Various Locations
RSVP for the events below
Better Together allows participants to engage in connection and conversation, and reflect on what makes this very time so meaningful. In a world that can feel disconnected, Better Together creates space to share personal stories, explore diverse beliefs, ideas, and worldviews, and build community. You are invited to break bread, discover common ground, and learn from our differences.

September 24: Love (Med Deli)
October 8: Pride (McEwen Engagement Table A)
October 22: Choices (McEwen Engagement Table A)
November 5: Filtered Reality (McEwen Engagement Table A)
November 19: Artistic Expression (McEwen Engagement Table A)
December 3: In This Moment (Med Deli)
Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life