Democracy Café

How can we bring together Americans in ways in which they'll feel compelled to explore in meaningful ways our most pressing political issues -- and to consider an array of perspectives and possible solutions? Enter an amazing project on civic engagement that is unfolding at Florida Gulf Coast University in conjunction with WGCU Public Media, Gulfshore Life Magazine, and FGCU's PAGES program (https://www2.fgcu.edu/pages/). Yours truly is honored to be part of it. It all began with an email to me from Jennifer Reed, senior writer for Gulfshore Life magazine. She was "interested in exploring the roots of the growing political division, hostility and communication breakdowns we're witnessing, and then examining how we as a community might bridge those divides." This kicked off the conversation that eventually led to Florida Gulf Coast University's PAGES, philosophy and journalism programs, along with WGCU's Public Media, to provide and sponsor an incredible opportunity for students and the public to delve in