The Better Arguments Project

Supporting students as they learn to productively engage and converse in today’s political environment begins with the teachers. Learn more from our partner Laura Tavares at Facing History and Ourselves during her interview with Education Dive.

The key to addressing this kind of division is to have better -- not fewer -- arguments. After all, argument is fundamental to any democracy, and limiting arguments can suppress needed deliberation. This is the premise of the Better Arguments Project, a collaboration among the Aspen Institute, Facing History and Ourselves, and Allstate.

NPR's Michel Martin talks with author Eric Liu, psychologist Vaile Wright and columnist Steven Petrow about constructive conversations at Thanksgiving and how to repair America's social fabric.

Participants had the opportunity to constructively engage in contentious topics, including economic growth, technological advancement, inequity, gentrification and housing displacement, as they relate to metro Denver's booming tech industry. The event featured remarks by local and national leaders, facilitated conversations across difference, interactive trainings on Better Arguments, and invitations to participate in follow-up actions in the community.

On June 13, at Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton, Colorado, the Better Arguments Project is piloted "Better Arguments: Tech Boom Tension in Denver." The program included remarks by local and national leaders, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis; facilitated conversations and interactive training, and invitations to participate in follow-up sessions. Participants had the opportunity to constructively engage in contentious topics, including economic growth, technological advancement, inequity, gentrification and housing displacement, as they relate to metro Denver's booming tech industry.

Check out this piece about our first pilot community event in Detroit! We partnered with the Urban Consulate to host a pilot event in Detroit, Michigan to address tensions between longtime Detroiters and newcomers as the city adapts to a time of rapid change and growth.

On Wisconsin Public Radio, Eric Liu gives tips on how to be less stupid at arguing in the age of Twitter and extreme political polarization.

Eric Liu studied how to facilitate more constructive arguments among Americans. These are his conclusions.

Press release: Aspen Institute, Facing History and Ourselves and Allstate Create the New Town Hall to Encourage Civil Discourse in Divided Country.