The American Democracy Project at SUNY Brockport is a coalition of faculty, staff and students that seeks to foster a greater understanding of civic life and equip all members of the Brockport community with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences they need to be informed and engaged citizens.
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Upcoming Events
Join us for our Democracy 101 Series this Spring!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Depolarizing America with 
In December, 2016, 10 Trump supporters and 11 Clinton supporters gathered in South Lebanon, Ohio, in what became the first Better Angels Red/Blue Workshop. The goal? To see if they could respectfully disagree and find any common ground. Since then, the citizens’ organization, which has been featured in the New York Times and on ABC, CBS, CNN and numerous others, has sought to depolarize American and bring people together from all sides of the aisle to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The American Democracy Project is pleased to announce that on Wednesday, February 27th, Better Angels is coming to Brockport! We invite all members of campus and the surrounding community to join us as we look for common ground and ways to work together with two unique events:
Communicating Across Political Divides Skills Workshop
2:00PM - 4:30PM, Seymour UNION 119
PRE-REGISTER HERE
Come learn proven techniques for depolarizing conversations across the political divide! Repairing relationships across the divide is a crucial first step to healing the country’s current polarization, reinvigorating the lively and respectful exchange of ideas that is crucial for a robust democracy.
While no one is likely to change their positions, both are likely to understand one another’s perspectives, feel more mutual respect, and identify any common ground.
Understanding Polarization in America
6:30PM – 8:00PM, MCCUE AUDITORIUM, LIBERAL ARTS BUILDING
Research shows that there is a growing divide between the values of Democrats and Republicans, coupled with an increasing animosity against members of the opposite political party. During this session, members of Better Angels will share information about polarization, the unintended consequences, how the organization is bringing people together and ways individuals can work to repair this divide in their own social networks.
Partner With Us
Submit a project idea or request for funding
National Organization
AASCU’s American Democracy Project
Local Contacts
Feel free to contact the Brockport ADP Project Co-Chairs:
- Dena Levy, Associate Professor and Interim Chair of Political Science and International Studies: dlevy@brockport.edu, (585) 395-5276
- Kim Piatt, Associate Director of Community Development: kpiatt@brockport.edu, (585) 395-2987
“Democracy has to be born anew in each generation, and education is its midwife.”
– John Dewey, 1916