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.

The American Dream
Tuesday, February 17, 6:00pm, Moseley 217
Join Elon students, staff, and faculty for a conversation about The American Dream as we come upon America’s 250th Anniversary – What does it mean to you? Is it still possible? What challenges or obstacles stand in the way of achieving this ideal?
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – America’s Next 250: What’s Next, America?
Monday, February 23, 4:30pm, Lakeside 212
2026 marks our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This dialogue is one of many that will take place across the country this year, and is designed to bring people together to reflect on the past and discuss what kind of future we want to create for generations to come. Many Americans believe that the time is right for conversations that connect people who might not usually interact, conversations that will encourage fresh, innovative thinking and actions to emerge. Join this dialogue to help script the next 250 years of the United States. A Deliberative Dialogue is an opportunity for participants to gather and exchange diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of a challenge facing our society and to search for common ground for action.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Climate Change Depolarization Workshop
Wednesday, March 4, 6:00pm, Sankey 308
Please RSVP here
This workshop, hosted by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Dr. Adi Wiezel in the Department of Psychology, and the Environmental Defense Fund, will focus on fostering constructive and civil discourse on climate change. Participants will explore climate change impacts here in North Carolina as well as potential solutions.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Affordable Housing and the Cost of Living
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00pm, Moseley 217
Join members of the Elon community for a dialogue on affordable housing and the current cost of living in the United States. Recent surveys and studies show that the state of the economy is the top issue on the mind of voters in the nation. Come to this event to share your perspective and listen to the opinions of others.
Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life