In today’s world, we find ourselves living in a time marked by division and polarization. Many of us remain ensconced in comfortable social bubbles, engaging less frequently with those who hold differing viewpoints or backgrounds. Yet, it is crucial for a thriving democracy that we step out of these bubbles and connect with one another. This book, Creating Space for Democracy, serves as a vital guide for fostering engagement and collaboration on college campuses through the processes of deliberation and dialogue. It emphasizes that for our democracy to flourish, all citizens must fully participate in addressing the complex challenges we face today.

At its core, this book explores how we can learn to listen, think, and act collaboratively with others to tackle pressing public issues. The authors provide a blueprint for achieving the civic mission of higher education by integrating dialogue and deliberation into the curriculum and campus culture. The introduction lays out a conceptual framework, presenting insights from leading figures in the dialogue and deliberation field. They address significant topics relevant to college campuses, such as free speech, academic freedom, and the role of deliberation in fostering civic engagement.

This primer not only describes the collaborative work necessary for engaging with others but also outlines the importance of co-creating meaning in our educational environments. The subsequent sections delve into numerous methods and approaches employed by different organizations that have pioneered and sustained deliberative practices. Educators and institutions are given insights into the varied ways dialogue and deliberation are being utilized across curricular, co-curricular, and community spaces. These spaces include student centers, academic libraries, and residence halls, all of which play a crucial role in fostering civic engagement.

The chapters within the book, alongside the comprehensive Resource Section, equip readers with a starting point for conceptualizing and implementing their own dialogue and deliberation initiatives. This resource is designed for all educators who are passionate about the principles of democracy. It illustrates the power and impact of public discourse, offering invaluable insights and experiences from leading practitioners in the field. Furthermore, it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for educators to adopt or adapt the models presented in their own settings, thereby creating educational experiences that are not only humanizing but also authentic and productive.

This book is an essential resource for campus leaders, student affairs practitioners, librarians, and centers dedicated to institutional diversity, community engagement, teaching excellence, and service-learning. It is particularly beneficial for faculty members in communication studies, education, and political science, as they seek to cultivate democratic practices within their classrooms and beyond. Creating Space for Democracy is a co-publication with AAC&U and Campus Compact, underlining its importance in the discourse surrounding higher education and civic engagement.