Mentees Show that the Art of Civil Discourse Is Still Alive

This summer, mentees sharpened their rhetorical skills to deliver powerful speeches in the Civil Discourse Journey.

In a time of intense division and existential political threats, learning how to convincingly communicate your position is more important than ever. Whether you are testifying at City Hall or navigating conflict with a friend, knowing how to conduct civil discourse can be a game changer.

This summer, we got to witness that transformation firsthand through our Civil Discourse Journey. This Journey was an inspiring, youth-driven program led by mentee Ayushree Dahal in collaboration with AnnMarie Baines, Founder & Executive Director of Practice Space. Mentors and mentees sharpened their rhetoric to deliver persuasive speeches about everything from biking safety to reparations for marginalized communities. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants learned to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. They explored techniques for effective communication, refined their ability to think critically under pressure, and practiced responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.

“This Journey has influenced me to become more methodical… when speaking publicly by incorporating gestures, adjusting my tone, and employing diverse appeals,” Mentee Ayame Huber Munemura said.

To demonstrate what they learned, mentees were asked to record themselves giving a two minute speech at the beginning of the summer. Drawing on tips from the live workshops and asynchronous lessons, mentees then delivered a polished speech in the final showcase at the end of the Cycle. With their new skillset, our youth are now ready to make an impact wherever they go.

As Mentee Paula Milian said, “During this turbulent time, young people must continue to speak their minds… Young people are the future, and in order to shape that future, we should encourage them to speak.”