In a time when it feels like everyone is divided, The Mount Horeb Public Library invites the community to come together during their new Disagree Better: Building Connection Across Difference initiative. Designed to support constructive engagement, foster understanding, and build trust across diverse viewpoints, this multi-part program features guest speakers, discussion moderator training, and deliberation dinners which combine shared meals with guided conversations around meaningful topics. In partnership with the Village of Mount Horeb and the Mount Horeb Area School District, Disagree Better strives to reach across generations, organizations and perspectives, with a goal of creating spaces where community members can engage with different ideas—and with each other-- in a thoughtful way. Rather than avoiding disagreement, the program encourages participants to approach differences with curiosity, respect, and care.
This is a year long programming series. More events will be added!
Funded in part by a grant from Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Wisconsin Humanities strengthens our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state.
When to Speak, When to Listen: Public Dialogue in an Era of Polarization
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm
Guest speaker: Katherine Cramer, Natalie C. Holton Chair of Letters & Science and the Virginia Sapiro Professor of Political Science at UW–Madison.
More info coming soon.
Supporting Mental Health in our Community: Next Steps
Monday, September 28, 5:30pm (Note earlier than usual start time.)
A lot of ideas, strategies and action steps were generated in our community discussion in July. Now it's time to put these ideas into action! What will happen at this meeting? This is where we, the planning folks, hand the reins over to YOU. Our hope is that you form a planning committee, or team that will lead the efforts. There are so many opportunities to help - whether that's taking on a specific task, coordinating activities, connecting with organizations and people, or serving on a committee. Even a small contribution can make a big difference!
All are welcome, even if you didn't attend the community conversation. There is room for you at the table!
Meaningful Dialogue Across Differences: Practicing Curiosity, Compassion, and Connection
Wednesday, October 14, 6:30pm
Tamie Klumpyan, Program Manager Inclusion@UW, UW-Madison
A skills-filled evening that focuses on:
Cultivating Curiosity
- Start with self: Increase awareness of your own thoughts, beliefs, emotions, assumptions, and biases.
- See the whole person: Move beyond labels and stereotypes to better understand each person's unique lived experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.
Practicing Compassion
- Listen deeply: Engage with care, empathy, and openness to foster trust, psychological safety and reduce defensiveness or escalation.
- Practice perspective-taking and perspective-getting: Seek to understand the experiences and beliefs that shape others' viewpoints while remaining grounded in your own values and experiences.
Building Connection
- Identify shared goals and purpose: Shift from an adversarial mindset to a collaborative "third space" where common interests can emerge.
- Find a path forward: Recognize areas of agreement, mutual understanding, or shared commitment to a healthy, respectful relationship.
Come to the Table Deliberation Dinner
Monday, November 9
Time and Place TBA
Registration Required. Opens October 5
More Information Coming Soon!
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Previous Events:
Communicating Across Political Divides: The Power of Talking Together
Guest speaker: Amber Wichowsky, Associate Professor of Public Affairs and Leadership Wisconsin Endowed Chair for the Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Watch the recording. (Thanks to Trollway TV!)
Tuesday, April 28, 6:30pm
Deciding What's True in a Polarized Society
Guest speaker: Michael W. Wagner, Professor of Journalism, UW Madison
Watch the recording here. (Thanks Denny Egstad, Tim White and Trollway TV!)
Michael W. Wagner is William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair of the Wisconsin Idea and Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he directs the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal.
Restoring a Culture of Civil Communication in our Digital World
Wednesday, May 27, 6:30-8pm
Dr. Aharon Zorea, Professor of History
University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Community Conversation on Mental Health
Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-7:30 pm
Discussion Facilitation Mini Class
Monday, August 17, 6:30pm
Guest speaker: Amber Wichowsky, Associate Professor of Public Affairs and Leadership Wisconsin Endowed Chair for the Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison
In today's world, conversations can quickly become tense, emotional, or polarized. Whether in the workplace, community, or personal life, many people find themselves navigating difficult discussions. Join Amber Wichowsky, Associate Professor at UW-Madison, for a workshop on facilitating difficult discussions. She'll make the case for why pluralism matters for individual and community thriving, then guide participants through strategies for engaging disagreement productively, finding common ground, and surfacing new ways of thinking about old problems