Local Community Leaders Discuss The Impact of Practicing Civil Discourse

With easy access to the latest social media platforms, posting an opinion regarding any hot-pressing topic has become easy to accomplish. Unfortunately, many times it leads to greater divisions within our communities.

In a recent panel, moderated by Dr. Roger Widmer, chief operating officer of Collin Corporate College, Town of Prosper leaders discussed taking on the challenge of providing a safe space for respectful and educational civil discourse to occur. 

“Most everyone who has an opinion is more than willing to put it on Facebook,” said David Bristol, mayor of Prosper. “We’ve had to step out and create an environment…where we can help bring thought leaders and experts to the table and educate the citizens of Prosper, so they can go back out and have a conversation with their neighbors and have facts to talk about.”

Launched earlier this year, Prosper Exchange, a fact-based platform to present arguments followed by questions, facilitates discussions and open dialogue by participants. Meeting quarterly,  the topic-based discussions aim to be a catalyst for meaningful and considerate dialogue. 

“We support the health of our democracy, the health of our country, and if the goal is to promote civic engagement, let’s test the spirit that we can still, as Americans, engage in civic discourse,” said Jason Galui, director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. 

Topics are presented with experts on both sides of the aisle to share their understanding of the issue with supporting facts. Residents are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the conversation. The Prosper Economic Development Corporation (EDC) joined local leaders to help promote this new initiative and garner the interest of their communities.

“It’s really one of the greatest programs that we’ve been able to institute,” said Mary Ann Moon, executive director of the Prosper EDC. “Our ultimate outcome is the educational component of it…the response that we’ve received has been incredibly positive. People want to see more of this.” 

Ultimately, Prosper Exchange hopes to foster a more informed and tolerant society while setting a positive example for future generations.  By spotlighting the initiative at this year’s summit, area leaders hope the model will spread to other communities.

“We want our children to have critical thinking and good decision-making skills and encourage that in a healthy learning environment,” said Sam Abiog, trustee for Allen ISD. “It is okay for our children to see that we disagree…and still go out for a cup of coffee.” 

To view the video of this panel session, click here. For more information about the 2023 Collin Leadership Policy Summit, visit www.collin.edu/policysummit/.