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Because Civic Life Needs People Who Know How To Engage in Constructive Dialogue
Democracy thrives when people engage across differences and practice the skills of productive disagreement, while searching for common ground.
That’s why American University is offering The Civic Life, an initiative that promotes civic engagement through events, activities, and learning opportunities.
Rooted in the ethos of inquiry and a commitment to free expression and civil discourse, our program offers more than an opportunity to learn facts. It allows you to practice the character traits needed for dialogue and deliberation.
Help us build healthier politics by engaging with The Civic Life.
Congratulations to the 2024-25 Cohort of Student Civic Life!
Together with AU President Jonathan Alger, the Civic Life initiative is excited to announce the first cohort of Student Civic Life Fellows – 34 AU students from across campus and online, who will work to gain the skills and knowledge to navigate conversations in a world of deep pluralism and engage in civic life in a richer way. After participating in a leadership course focused on facilitating tough conversations in the fall semester, the Civic Life fellows will host events to create space for critical conversations on complex issues. Look for more information about our Student Civic Life Fellows, coming soon!
Featured Event: Dialogue Through Disagreement Panel Discussion
Presidential Speaker Series
Programs
Project on Civic Dialogue
Founded in 2018, the project helps students cultivate a love of and the skills for listening and communicating ideas across differences.
Dialogue Across Differences
This new initiative will promote and model AU’s key values of respectful inquiry, critical thinking, active listening, and principled changemaking.
Stay Connected
The Civic Life is a community-wide effort! We welcome your input, ideas, and information on upcoming civic-related events. Contact us at civiclife@american.edu.