Project Civil Discourse A Statewide Effort to Create Respectful Dialogue and Discourse on Public Issues in 2008 Presented by: Arizona Humanities Council

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Arizona Humanities Council Sharing Cultures. Enriching Communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2008		 Contact: Nanibaa Beck | 602/257-0335 X25
nbeck@azhumanities.org

Arizona Humanities Council Launches
Project Civil Discourse Initiative

(Phoenix, AZ) Project Civil Discourse is a special initiative of the Arizona Humanities Council working in collaboration with organizations from around the state through trainings, forums, and special events that model, and provide insight on collaborative problem-solving skills. The goal of the initiative is to widely share proven skills that can enhance and improve public discussion about the important issues that affect our future.

Comprehensive information about Project Civil Discourse can be found on the Project Civil Discourse web site at www.azhumanities.org/pcd1/. The site includes a calendar of events that is regularly updated as new events and trainings are added, resources for communities across the state to bring in speakers and book discussion facilitators, a recommended reading list, a list of participating PCD partner organizations, a place to sign up for the PCD e-newsletter and the Project Civil Discourse Pledge. The PCD Pledge was created to raise awareness of our collective responsibility to practice civil discourse in our daily lives and to challenge civic leaders at every level to be civil when addressing difficult issues in society.

Several events are scheduled to kick off the initiative, including:

  • Wednesday, May 14: MIKE MCCURRY—former press secretary for Pres. Bill Clinton and longtime political strategist and communications expert will speak on "Improving Political Discourse in the Media" at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, 7th St. and Van Buren.  Reception-5:30 PM/Presentation-6:30PM. FREE EVENT/PARKING.  RSVP to 602-257-0335.
  • Friday, May 18 and Friday, June 20: "Third Friday" Speaker/Discussion Series at The Ellis-Shackelford House, featuring scholars from the Arizona Humanities Council Speakers Bureau speaking on contemporary issues, followed by facilitated conversations with participants.
  • Thursday, May 22: Dr. MATTHEW WHITAKER—Assoc. Professor of History, ASU, will speak on "Exploiting Racial Fears in American Politics" at the Burton Barr Public Library, 7:00 PM.

Learn more about Project Civil Discourse at www.azhumanities.org/pcd1/, or call
602-257-0335 X28.

About the Arizona Humanities Council:
Founded in 1973, AHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. AHC is not a state agency. www.azhumanities.org
Stories convey our histories, traditions, social mores, beliefs and insights about what it means to be human. AHC creates opportunities for sharing these diverse stories through critical thinking and public discussion, so that we can better understand and appreciate one another, and make informed decisions about our collective future.

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