COLUMNS
Can We Talk? Civil Political Discourse in a Partisan Era (29:11) 2012-09-09
Amanda Shauger

Established in February 2011 in the aftermath of the Tucson Tragedy at The University of Arizona, the National Institute for Civil Discourse is a nonpartisan center for advocacy, research, and policy regarding civil discourse consistent with First Amendment principles. Chaired by former President George H. W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton, the Institute engages in educational initiatives to advance understanding of civil discourse among elected officials and candidates running for public office and works to promote awareness of the importance of civil discourse to democracy and effective government.
Dr. Lukensmeyer previously served as Founder and President of AmericaSpeaks, an award-winning nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C. that promotes nonpartisan initiatives to engage citizens and leaders through the development of innovative public policy tools and strategies. Dr. Lukensmeyer formerly served as Consultant to the White House Chief of Staff from 1993-94 and on the National Performance Review where she steered internal management and oversaw government-wide reforms. She was the Chief of Staff to Ohio Governor Richard F. Celeste from 1986-91, becoming the first woman to serve in this capacity.
Regents' Professo Toni Massaro is the Milton O. Riepe Chair in Constitutional Law and Dean Emerita, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. She specializes in constitutional law, and was the Dean of the College from 1999-2009. She is part of the working board of NICD.
The NICD will be participating in Project Civil Discourse's Statewide Conversation on Arizona's Key Ballot Propositions. Locally, people can attend the simulcast at the Pima West Campus on Thursday, September 27th from 6-9pm.