LBCC Civil Discourse Program

Back at it.

250 years later, we're still debating, arguing, persuading, and occasionally changing our minds.

Sounds pretty American. 🇺🇸



Image credit: The Village Square

We love doing Free Intelligent Conversation at the Albany Farmers' Market 🧺🍓🌽🥬

55 people gathered at the Philomath Museum for our latest Braver Angels debate on voter ID, and the room reflected a wide range of perspectives.

There were strong opinions and real disagreements, but what stood out was how people showed up: open, respectful, and willing to listen.

We had a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, including an international student who brought his parents. He shared that the experience deepened his understanding of our nation's democracy and his appreciation for it.

This is what healthy civic discourse looks like 🇺🇸

We recently collaborated with Braver Angels Mid-Willamette Valley Alliance for an Earth Day event 🌎

Linn-Benton Community College students put their classroom skills into practice, engaging community members in conversations about nuclear energy.

What stood out most was the cross-generational exchange. Different life experiences, different perspectives, and the kind of dialogue people want more of 🤝

Last night at the University of Oregon School of Law, our student leaders facilitated a Braver Angels debate on homeless encampments.

With support from UO's Heterodox Academy campus community, the conversation brought together people who have experienced homelessness, are currently unhoused, and those impacted by encampments.

There were strong disagreements, but also genuine curiosity.

Instead of division, participants created something rare: a space where difficult perspectives were shared with honesty, heard with respect, and met with a sincere effort to understand.

No easy answers, but a better conversation.

Congrats to Carter McAleer for being selected to the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team! 🏅

This prestigious honor recognizes students across the state for their academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. Carter embodies all of these qualities through his work as a student leader in our co-curricular program, where he helps create space for thoughtful, respectful dialogue.

We’re proud of you, Carter, and grateful for the leadership you bring to Linn-Benton Community College and our local communities!

We were honored to be invited by Linn-Benton Community College's Gen AI Task Force to host a Braver Angels Debate on generative AI this past Wednesday 🤖

More than 30 participants (including students, administrators, and community members) showed up ready to engage. The result was an honest, thoughtful exchange of perspectives that will meaningfully inform the task force’s ongoing work.

Grateful for a campus community willing to lean into challenging questions with curiosity and respect. More conversations like this to come 💬

Join the Civil Discourse Program and Linn-Benton Community College's Gen AI Task Force for a Braver Angels Debate focused on how generative AI should be used in academic coursework at LBCC.

This conversation is about listening, learning, and sharing perspectives, not winning an argument.

🗓 Wednesday, Feb 18th
⏰ 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Fireside Room, Albany Campus
🎟 Free registration on Eventbrite
https://tinyurl.com/4ka3d9cd

Everyone is welcome to pull up a chair and join the discussion.

Over 70 people gathered at the Corvallis Museum last week for a Braver Angels debate on students using personal devices in K–12 schools, and the conversation was anything but clear-cut.

Hearing directly from middle and high school students brought powerful insight, nuance, and authenticity to the discussion. As one attendee put it, “It’s not about winning. It’s about listening and learning.”

Grateful for a community willing to engage thoughtfully with complex issues and with each other.