Brave Conversations

Brave Converstations

Brave Conversations

Brave Conversations are carefully structured discussions of controversial topics, led by trained student facilitators. Unlike a debate – where the goal is to persuade others to adopt your point of view – each Brave conversation is an opportunity for members of the University community to better understand one another.

According to a recent survey, two thirds of Americans agree that we “can learn a lot” from those who have different perspectives and viewpoints, and 70% believe we all have a responsibility to bridge our differences. Unfortunately, we don’t have many opportunities to connect with people who disagree with us. Especially when it comes to politically charged topics, we often worry that we’ll feel unwelcome, misunderstood, or even unsafe.

In partnership with the Bennion Center, we offer three Brave Conversations each semester. Each conversation includes a free meal and is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Description: Join us for 2026’s first Brave Conversation – a structured conversation led by trained student facilitators. All members of the University community are invited to join us for a free lunch and a respectful conversation where the goal is to understand one another – not to persuade, debate, or convince.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” More than 60 years later, Americans across the political spectrum cherish these words but disagree on their meaning and the extent to which we have achieved Dr. King’s dream. As we honor Dr. King this week, come share what his legacy means to you and your dreams for the future.

Start Date: 1/21/26 Start Time: 12:00pm

End Date: 1/21/26 End Time: 1:30pm

Type: On-Campus

Location: Gardner Commons 2560

Description: Join us for this semester’s second Brave Conversation – a structured conversation led by trained student facilitators. All members of the University community are invited to join us for a free dinner at 6:30pm, followed at 7pm by a respectful conversation where the goal is to understand one another – not to persuade, debate, or convince.

Why is it so hard to talk about sex? Confirming consent, discussing safer sex, letting our partner know what we want – things can get awkward. Come for a frank and open conversation about why these conversations can be so challenging and what we can all do to make them easier and better.

Start Date: 2/10/26 Start Time: 6:30pm

End Date: 2/10/26 End Time: 8:30pm

Type: On-Campus

Location: Gardner Commons 2660

Co-Sponsor: Center for Campus Wellness

Description: Join us for this year’s final Brave Conversation – a structured conversation led by trained student facilitators. All members of the University community are invited to join us for a free dinner at 6:30pm, followed at 7pm by a respectful conversation where the goal is to understand one another – not to persuade, debate, or convince.

Immigration is one of the most polarized issues in our country. Recent polling shows that 64% of Republicans believe the Trump administration is doing “about the right amount” when it comes to deportations, whereas 86% of Democrats believe the administration is doing “too much.” There is significant disagreement even within those coalitions. For example, “White Republicans (63%) are far more likely than Hispanic (28%) and Asian (38%) Republicans to say all immigrants in the country illegally should be deported.” Please join a politically diverse gathering to listen and to share what this topic means to you.

Start Date: 3/24/26 Start Time: 6:30pm

End Date: 3/24/26 End Time: 8:30pm

Type: On-Campus

Location: Gardner Commons 2660

Student Leadership & Involvement