Campus speaker events can cause fights or help people learn together. This playbook from the Constructive Dialogue Institute teaches college organizers how to plan events that bring students together instead of dividing them. The guide covers three main parts: before the event (choosing good speakers, setting rules, preparing students), during the event (creating safe spaces, managing tough questions, making sure everyone can participate), and after the event (helping students think about what they learned).
Research shows that events work better when they have clear rules, use guided discussion instead of just Q&A, and prepare students ahead of time. The playbook includes worksheets and step-by-step guides for student groups, campus staff, teachers, and anyone planning speaker events. When done right, these events teach students important skills for working with people who disagree with them - skills they need for jobs, being good citizens, and solving problems together.
The full playbook can be downloaded for free from the Constructive Dialogue Institute website.