Something new is coming to UNC Asheville, a new kind of debate, designed to give people a chance to voice their views on contemporary topics. This debate will be produced by Better Angels, a national organization committed to helping depolarize political conversations. This debate has a parliamentary style, where many people get a chance to speak and ask questions, rather than a forensic debate or candidates debate, where most people simply watch.

In fact, there are no losers in a Better Angels debate. The goal is to facilitate the airing of a topic that is defined by a resolution, but where the airing is done by the people in the audience. A debate chair helps maintain order and keeps the conversation going, but the “debaters” are the audience. People are encouraged to speak based on their beliefs, rather than craft a wily argument by marshalling facts. And the hope is that, by the end, everyone has had a chance to have their say, some have learned something new, and a few might have actually changed their minds.

Better Angels is planning the first in what might be a series of debates on Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room. To make an engaging debate, we need to find a good resolution that will lead to plenty of discussion. To that end, we would appreciate hearing from you. We would like to know if this kind of thing interests you, and what topics you think might be good ones. If we don’t pick yours the first time, there will be other opportunities. Use the space on this form to suggest a subject.

So, please reply with your suggested topics. Replying will also help us evaluate interest in these kinds of activities. Once we have a good resolution in mind, we will email again, with information on event details and how to register. The event will be free, but we will need registration to help us plan the room.

Best regards,
Del Kimbler and Cybele Hetherington