Disagree BETTER | Mount Horeb Public Library

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.

Community Conversation on Mental Health
Part of the Mt. Horeb Public Library's Disagree Better Series

Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-7:30 pm

Location: Mount Horeb High School

Registration: Required. Sign up here.

Support: Child care will be provided.

How do we support mental health in our communities?

Join us for a free pizza dinner and a meaningful evening of small-group conversation focused on improving mental health in our community!

What to Expect
Attendees will be seated in small groups, each guided by a discussion moderator. Together, participants will explore multiple perspectives, engage in thoughtful deliberation, and work toward shared solutions.

Unlike debate—which often centers on persuasion or winning—this conversation will use a deliberative dialogue approach. Participants will consider trade-offs, reflect on competing values, and engage with the complexity of mental health challenges—recognizing that there is no single “right” answer. This format fosters deeper understanding, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving.

Following the event, key themes and insights from the discussions will be compiled into a report and shared with the community and local stakeholders to support continued action and conversation.

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 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

Recording coming soon.

Come to the Table: Community Conversation on Mental Health
Part of the Mt. Horeb Public Library's Disagree Better Series