Democracy in Dialogue

Democracy in Dialogue is a deliberative dialogue initiative led by the Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism (IDEP) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Supported by a grant from the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) and in partnership with the College Debates & Discourse Alliance, this program offers structured, moderated conversations inspired by the Braver Angels model, designed to foster civil discourse, critical thinking, and collaboration across political and ideological divides.

Launched in celebration of Virginia’s 250th anniversary (VA250), Democracy in Dialogue brings together college students and community members to explore timely and contested public issues. Each session emphasizes respectful disagreement and thoughtful engagement, providing participants with the skills and experiences needed to navigate democratic discourse.

The program hosts several events each year at VCU, with 75–100 participants per session. Events include a shared meal, facilitated deliberation, and guided reflection. While specific debate topics vary this year, all focus on the theme: “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Events