Fall 2025

Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion

In this one-cycle Journey, mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.

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This Journey Is Closed, but You Can Pre-Enroll in a Summer 2026 Journey Now!

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Learning Objectives

Express Yourself Authentically

Develop confidence in public speaking by using your voice unapologetically to share your ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

Think Critically and Improvisationally

Develop strong argumentation techniques by constructing well-reasoned arguments using logic, evidence, and rhetorical strategies.

Strengthen Persuasive Communication

Develop clarity and organization in your ideas, effectively critique arguments, and support your points with well-researched evidence. Enhance your fluency in rhetorical language.

Foster Gender-Inclusive Empowerment

Build awareness of global events and develop the skills to engage in civil discourse thoughtfully and respectfully, even in challenging situations.

Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors in this Journey are required to attend the monthly 2-hour Journey meetings and one Journey Showcase listed below.

Live Virtual Meeting Dates:

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1 pm ET
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1 pm ET
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1 pm ET

Journey Showcase:

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1 pm ET

If you’re unable to attend a Journey meeting, you must notify your Staff Lead in advance and attend a community event to make up for it—strongly recommended options include Leadership Community Studios, Community Conversations, and Career Chats.

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Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Courses

The Art of Civil Discourse
This self-paced course complements our interactive workshops by providing additional exercises, resources, and feedback opportunities to refine your public speaking skills. Through guided vocal delivery exercises, structured speech-writing templates, and recorded performance submissions, you’ll gain confidence in crafting and delivering compelling speeches. Whether you’re preparing a persuasive argument, a spoken-word piece, or a presentation, this course will help you develop clarity, authenticity, and a strong stage presence.

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Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion Mentoring

Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for one Cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This Journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.

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Journey Teaching Artists

Rosie Bultman

(she/her)

Rosie Bultman is a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and former debater. She currently works to bring stories about global human rights and social justice to KCSB FM in Santa Barbara, KCBX in San Luis Obispo, and other radio stations around the country. Before her journalism career, Rosie was an avid debater, winning the NPDL Tournament of Champions in 2022. Rosie believes that her curiosity around global events and skills as a journalist were sparked during her debate days in high school.

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Maddy Norton

(She/Her)

Maddy is a Bay Area high school student with a deep love of creative writing and literature, particularly in the context of historical and political situations. She spends most of her time debating and teaching people about debate and public speaking, advocating and volunteering for the environment, and learning about different cultures and languages.

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Journeys within this Adventure emphasize leadership, aiming to help mentees and mentors develop their leadership skills and work together to create a better future. Explore the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below to learn more.

Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion is a Journey in the Lead 360 Adventure.

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