Campus speaker events can be flashpoints for division—or opportunities for real learning. This playbook gives organizers practical tools to design events that bring people together across differences, even when discussing tough topics.

What You'll Learn

• How to design events that encourage dialogue instead of debates

• Ways to set the right tone before, during, and after controversial speakers

• Practical steps for choosing speakers who model good conversation

• Tools for creating safe spaces where all students can participate

• Methods for turning disagreement into learning opportunities

"This book gives you clear, simple ways to understand how we became so divided. The authors share their own stories about changing their minds and learning from others. Then they give you exercises to try yourself. Use this book with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone you want to understand better."

— Susan Clark, coauthor of Slow Democracy

Dialogue and Bridging Workshops

Learn proven, science-based skills to navigate differences, build trust across divides, and solve problems together. From self-paced online courses to intensive facilitation training, these programs equip you with tools to bridge political, cultural, and ideological divides.

Three leading organizations offer workshops and training at every level—from 5-minute practices to multi-month fellowships.

Overview

This short listen introduces the idea of Targeted Universalism. It explains how a shared goal can guide a community while different groups may need different steps to reach it. You’ll hear simple examples and ways to start practicing the idea in everyday work.

Young people already want to work alongside adults to solve community issues—but often lack spaces with real power or connection reciprocal collaboration.

Books Unbanned is a bold initiative by Brooklyn Public Library to counter censorship and increase access to diverse books for young readers. This program allows teens and young adults ages 13–21 anywhere in the United States to get a free digital library card—giving them access to a wide array of e-books and audiobooks, including many titles being challenged or banned across the country.

In an age of misinformation, polarization, and rapid information overload, equipping people with tools for clear reasoning and respectful dialogue is essential. These toolkits help build the foundations for better civic understanding, inclusive dialogue, and more informed decision-making.

Lifelong learning and access to diverse educational experiences empower individuals to grow, adapt, and contribute to their communities. OpenRice breaks down silos, making high-quality learning opportunities available to all at Rice—promoting inclusion, intellectual curiosity, and a thriving academic environment.