The Civility Project hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce – presented by Delta Dental

Celebrated journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson have been friends for a long time, despite their different perspectives on pretty much everything. The one thing they agree on is the importance of their friendship – which includes a healthy dose of daily disagreement and a bourbon-fueled bond.

“It never occurred to us that we couldn’t be friends because we disagree,” says Nolan. “We’ve never avoided conversation, we never pulled punches, we sort of enjoyed the mix-up.”

Americans used to engage in civil conversation with people of opposing viewpoints – enjoying the banter and debate. Today, many Americans believe they can’t be friends with people whose politics are different. And with a global pandemic, erupting race inequities, and political upheaval, there is no better time to build civility than NOW.

The Civility Project seeks to bring people of opposing viewpoints together for healthy disagreement, personal interactions and constructive conversations. In this hour-long workshop, participants will engage in enlightening discussion, learn to listen to others, and learn why the listening is important.

“If we reach the point where we dehumanize the people we disagree with, anything is possible,” Stephen says. “We must step back and learn to talk to people as people, rather than political adversaries.”

The Civility Project places people before the moment of disagreement in discussion of how we come to our beliefs and viewpoints.

This judgment-free zone is a safe place to talk, express yourself, and be OK with the outcome.

Delta Dental is a proud sponsor of The Civility Project in partnership with the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber and the Greater Lansing Black Business Alliance

The Civility Project Platform

• Agree to disagree
• Engage in civil conversation
• Build respect for each other’s humanity
• Remain passionate about your views
• Learn to listen to other sides
• See the humanity in your opponent
• Use what you hear to challenge or affirm your own views

The Civility Project Goal: Build healthy disagreement and dialogue across America