Constructive Dialogue

YuQing Jiang, ’25, is the inaugural recipient of the ePluribus Stanford Award, honored for his efforts to foster meaningful dialogue among classmates on difficult topics.

Efforts across campus are preparing students to engage across differences – not to force agreement but to foster deeper understanding and connection.

Active listening is key to avoiding misunderstandings and fostering effective communication – especially on divisive topics.

The co-director of ePluribus Stanford says meaningful conversation starts with listening to truly understand: “All of us can see examples in public life where conflict and disagreement become dysfunctional and entrenched, where neither is even listening to the other.”

In Citizenship in the 21st Century, Stanford undergraduates broadened their perspective by engaging across political differences.

Using lessons from ancient Athens, the political scientist is inspiring a new way of thinking about civic responsibilities at Stanford and across the country.

Led by political scientist Josiah Ober, the Stanford Civics Initiative aims to inspire democratic citizenship through courses and programs focused on civics education.

The university’s get-out-the-vote efforts were honored by the California University and College Ballot Bowl and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

Democracy and Disagreement encourages students to explore differing viewpoints with curiosity in peer-led discussions, enhancing their understanding of complex issues.

A series of informal conversations in residence halls during winter quarter offered undergraduates an opportunity to discuss some of society’s most pressing challenges.