Next Generation works directly with state legislators to address incivility and hyperpolarization at the state level. The program offers a half-day workshop titled: Building Trust Through Civil Discourse. Other workshops range from 45 minutes to 2 ½ hours, and all programming is designed and delivered by state legislators for state legislators.
Next Generation is proud to be a partner with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) in their work to bring together state legislative leaders across the country through national-level events. All content is practical and intended to increase the collaborative abilities of participants even in a world of polarized politics.
How to Bring a Workshop to your State
We’ve held workshops in 17 states and met thousands of legislators around the country. Is your state next? Any legislator, local organization, or constituent can approach Next Generation or the Legislative Leadership in their state to encourage them to hold a workshop:
- For the legislature as an independent event during session or another convenient time
- As part of new member orientation after an election
Next Generation will provide program materials and guidance to any parties interested in bringing a workshop to their state and handle all matters of the planning process. If you are interested in helping to bring a workshop to your state, please email Next Generation or call 202-975-6146.
Program Offerings
Next Generation offers customizable breakout sessions, workshops, and programming that supports civility, bipartisanship, and leadership. Many of our offerings are now supported by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF).
Breakout sessions and workshops are always led by a bipartisan team of Facilitators – current or former legislators from a nearby state. All options offer an engaging and bipartisan discussion that enhances understanding across the aisle and moves your state toward a more perfect union: Empathy Instead of Vitriol; Listening for Understanding Instead of Hearing to Overpower; Humility Instead of All-Knowing. Next Generation looks forward to working with your state legislature to create the best path towards common ground.
Building Trust Through Civil Discourse Workshop (4.5 hours)
Do you ever wish you could have a private conversation with fellow legislators from across the aisle about things you might agree on or have in common? Are you willing to engage with your colleagues for an off-the-record conversation about engaging differences constructively?
During this workshop, legislators begin with a meal to honor fellowship, learn about the foundation and critical role of civility to our nation’s Founders, and watch examples of unlikely friendships. Then, a bipartisan team of Next Generation Facilitators – current or former state legislators from nearby states – move the large group into breakout rooms for small group work. No more than 20 Democrats and Republicans from both chambers will share personal journeys, define the current state of civility, identify barriers and opportunities to leverage change, and create an action plan. During the last hour of the workshop, all legislators return together to report action plans and vote on priorities.
Workshop Resources
Workshop Guide
Use this Workshop Guide to begin the process to bring an in-person “Building Trust through Civil Discourse” Workshop to your State.
Download the Workshop Guide
Offerings and Outcomes
Download our handout to learn more about Next Generation, our virtual and in-person program offerings, and workshop outcomes.