Polarized political conversations have left many feeling frustrated, confused, and misunderstood. To engage the most challenging topics of our times, we need to practice risking how to explain our honest opinions and how to listen to those with whom we disagree. To these ends, BoulderTalks is pleased to partner with the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado Boulder to facilitate a monthly discussion for students, by students. The topics chosen are selected by BoulderTalks students and meant to reflect what students at CU Boulder are talking about that month—beyond the “mic drop” or soundbites of initial headline news. Instead of ending discussions, we aim to reopen them. CMCI Mic Drop is about being heard by others. It’s about sharing a space with those we disagree and listening to what they have to say.
The purpose of these discussions is to create a place where students, with different perspectives and positions, can come together and talk about current issues in a serious environment but outside of classrooms where they are being evaluated for grades. We welcome all perspectives. At the beginning of each discussion, a designated facilitator will ask all participants to agree to these basic ground rules: 1) be honest and respectful, 2) listen to understand, 3) it’s ok to disagree, but do so with curiosity, not hostility, and 4) be brief so everyone has an opportunity to participate. These conversations are guided by undergraduate students who are trained facilitators.
CMCI Mic Drop will occur on the first Wednesday of every month when classes are in session. Please visit BoulderTalks on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram for more information on events and weather-related cancelations. The first Mic Drop began in November 2017 and featured the theme: “Las Vegas: Gun rights and human loss.” If you are a student and would like to suggest a topic for a future discussion, feel welcome to email BoulderTalks.