A forum on public civility will be held in Pella next week.
Lowell Ernst with Pella Character Counts tells KNIA/KRLS News the Drake Character Counts Institute is hosting the event, which is one of four in the state, with the intent of teaching and reminding everyone how to have public dialogue and focus on issues. Ernst says the forum is part of a pilot program created by the National Institute for Public Civility, and Iowa was chosen given the state’s exposure during national elections. He says the purpose is to show that debates can be held without slander, accusations or disrespect, and be replaced by an open exchange of ideas, challenging of thinking, and deeper consideration of compromise and alternative solutions. The Community Conversations Forum is being held on Tuesday, July 31st from 4 to 6 p.m. at Central College, with the public invited to attend. To attend, please RSVP at ReviveCivility.org/Iowa.
For more information, please contact Amy Smit at amy.smit@drake.edu or 515-271-1910.