Schedule 

Friday, November 14, 2025

2:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Keynote by Eboo Patel—“From Wokeness to Pluralism”

Memorial Chapel

4:15 – 5:45 p.m. Workshop with Urban Rural Action

Facilitators: Joseph Bubman and Phillipe Cunningham

The Constructive Conversation Skills workshop will invite participants to learn the ABCs of Constructive Conversation and apply the model to discuss important issues on campus and in the world. Through structured small-group conversations, you'll have an opportunity to hone your active listening skills and share your own ideas on important, current topics.

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Reception

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

Saturday, November 15, 2025

8:30 – 10:15 a.m. Breakfast and Keynote—A Conversation with Anna Deavere Smith and President Michael S. Roth

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Alumni and Faculty Panel—“Communicating Across Difference”

Moderator: Stephan Sonnenberg

Panelists: Joe Bubman, Bob Feldman, Scott Gottlieb, Erika Franklin Fowler

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Forum

12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Three Seminars (choose one)

Seminar 1: “Considering Authority” with Hari Ramesh
In a moment when the word authoritarianism is on the tips of many tongues, let us consider the concept of authority itself, through a close reading of Hannah Arendt’s 1961 essay, “What is Authority?”

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 001

Seminar 2: “Storytelling for Change” with Khalilah L. Brown-Dean
In moments of deep division, stories can reinforce the boundaries that separate us or open doors to understanding and collective action. This seminar explores how storytelling can be harnessed as a tool for civic engagement, collective understanding, and lasting change. We will examine the power of narrative to move beyond conflict, illuminate shared values, and inspire action for the common good. Through interactive discussion and reflection, we will develop practical strategies for shaping stories that bridge divides and strengthen democratic commitment.

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 002

Seminar 3: “Sharing a Problem: Norms for Interpretation and Translation in Charged Encounters” with Elise Springer
This workshop begins with real examples of claims and demands that generate extra friction for dialogue. We will cover diagnostic strategies for recognizing and reframing claims and demands so as to facilitate mutual recognition of a shared problem-description. We will go on to practice several skills of interpretation and translation for use in potentially polarizing encounters, recognizing norms and pitfalls to bear in mind within difficult dialogues.

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 003

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Lunch

Beckham Hall, Fayerweather

2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Alumni and Faculty Panel—“Building Community in Divided Times”

Moderator: Khalilah L. Brown-Dean

Panelists: Pearce Godwin, Richard Hollant, Eunice Lin Nichols, Rabbi David Teva

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Forum

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. Break (snacks and drinks)

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Forum

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Wrap up Talk and Build Together

With Sheila Heen

Frank Center for Public Affairs, Forum