The 2024-2025 school year theme at Madeira is "Civil Discourse and Disagreeing Agreeably," emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations on contentious topics with respect and empathy. Through this initiative, students will develop essential skills in active listening, thoughtful questioning, and compassionate communication to foster a more inclusive and understanding community.
We Practice
Like any new skill, practice is the key to developing expertise. We designed a multi-layered approach to help Madeira students build muscle memory around how to engage in difficult and meaningful conversations while disagreeing agreeably.
Conversation topics include:
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Norms and Values
Community norms were developed based on input from students and faculty, aligning with Madeira’s core values:
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Speaker Series
The Speaker Series was launched to provide real-world examples of civil discourse.
Upcoming Speakers
Friday, April 26, 2025
Women Leading Women
This panel will feature accomplished women leaders speaking to students and alums.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Landscape of Media and Journalism in our World Today. The editors of Madeira's own newspaper, The Spectator, will be interviewing the panelists as well.
Speakers:
- Nancy Cordes, CBS News Anchor
- Avery Miller '86, Producer at CBS News
Past Speakers
Saturday, September 28
Working Across the Aisle - On and Off Capitol Hill
This session brought together five DC professionals from both sides of the political spectrum. For over an hour, the panelists shared their backgrounds and experiences working in the political sphere during these current divisive times, as well as addressing questions from students and families in the audience.
Speakers:
- Monalisa Dugue, Chief of Staff, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
- Michelle Korsmo P’26, P'28, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association
- Dan Kunsman P’28, Chief of Staff, Senator John Barrasso
- Jason Torchinsky P’26, Partner, Holtzman Vogel
- Nicole Varner, Chief of Staff, Representative Marc Veasey
Moderated by History Teacher Larry Pratt
Friday, September 27
Civil Discourse: "Bring it to the Table"
The Madeira community dove into a dynamic fall Family Weekend, kicking off with an inspiring visit from documentary filmmaker Julie Winokur. Her groundbreaking project, Bring It to the Table, transformed from film to interactive teaching tool, challenging students and families to confront assumptions, spark civil discourse, and powerfully reimagine what it means to move democracy forward.
Speaker: Julie Winokur
Faculty and Staff Development
- Professional development included a partnership with the Close Up Foundation to train teachers in fostering civil discourse and navigating divisive topics.
- Departments received additional training on media literacy to help students recognize bias and identify credible sources amid the overwhelming volume of online information.
Student Engagement
- Restorative Practice Circles. To continue practicing difficult conversations, students participate in Restorative Practice Circles centered around contentious topics, such as Banned Books.
- Student-Led Discussions. Throughout the year, students have taken turns leading difficult discussions on important topics. For example, student clubs have led Bring it to the Table conversations centered around Climate Change.
- Conversation Training. The Close Up Foundation facilitated workshops for 11th graders, teaching them how to maintain civil discourse in advisory and club settings.
Photo: Students participated in discussions about difficult topics utilizing strategies by "Bring it to the Table."
Reflections
“In a diverse community such as Madeira’s, it brought me hope to see so many of my peers thoughtfully engaging with others who may hold different viewpoints. Participating in Bring it to the Table solidified my determination to be a part of the civil discourse projects. The whole project has been inspiring.”
Olivia Tse '25, Head of Student Government