The small-group discussions, among
other initiatives that Hoffman is calling “UDelEngage,” are similar to
efforts by the national organization, Living Room Conversations, which works to heal society by connecting people across divides.
The UDelEngage project, which is supported by a grant from the
Heterodox Academy, was partially inspired by Hoffman’s leadership of the
CPC’s National Agenda series, which brings prominent speakers to campus
each fall to discuss varied points of view on a range of topics.
National Agenda is also an academic class in which students host and
interact with the speakers.
“I wanted to take what I’ve been doing with National Agenda and other
civil-discourse initiatives and scale it up for students who aren’t
political science or communication majors,” Hoffman said. “These are not
conversations that only take place in a classroom. This generation of
students wants to be involved, they want to speak up and make a
difference. It’s incumbent on us to help them do that at a time in their
lives when they’re learning how to be effective and responsible
citizens.”
In addition to leading National Agenda, Hoffman has worked with
students to offer a less structured opportunity to engage in respectful
discussions with others, joining with the national Free Intelligent Conversation
project that encourages random passers-by to stop and chat about issues
of their choice. She also helped lead students in voter registration
and engagement efforts; UD has been recognized nationally in recent
years for its success in those efforts.
“Although our campus was once largely apolitical, our initiatives
have demonstrated that real change can happen on this campus,” Hoffman
wrote in her grant application. “Students can be motivated to become
effective citizens while they are in a formative time in their lives.”
Two pilot UDelEngage sessions were held during fall semester, with
four more planned this spring, in addition to an upcoming symposium and
residence life programming. Participants are provided with resources,
suggested topics for discussion and a facilitator to guide the group in
ways to express ideas and listen and respond to others. Refreshments
will also be on hand.
“I don't recall a time when anyone got loud with each other or
disrespected one another,” said senior Trey Deputy, a member of the Blue
Hen Veterans student group who took part in one of the UDelEngage
sessions in the fall and described the experience of sharing opinions as
enjoyable. “[Hoffman] always emphasized having a respectful dialogue
with each other and also branching out from your comfort zone or social
norms.”
Hoffman hopes that kind of student experience will become common.
“I’d like to change the narrative around civil discourse,” she said.
“I’d like students to look back and say: UD was a place where I could
express my views and I was also exposed to different views.”