Each year, the University of Denver hosts a Spark conference, focusing on skill-building for difficult conversations. The goal of the event is to develop students into critical thinkers and active citizens, preparing them for democratic participation. This year’s program focuses on skill-building for difficult conversations, the role of social media, harm caused on the internet, and the contested value of higher education. Attendees will put their discourse skills into practice to debate whether higher education is living up to its value proposition. The format introduces the skills needed for rigorous, passionate conversations and then sets students up with the practical aspect of executing those skills outside the classroom.
Derigan Silver, Faculty Director of Freedom of Expression and Pluralism
Hear from Faculty Director Derigan Silver on how DU’s Spark Conference teaches young people how to think, not what to think:
I want to get away from the idea that difficult conversations or debates must result in winners and losers. It’s not about who comes out ahead. And if you avoid challenging or difficult conversations, you turn down opportunities for growth and reflection on why you believe what you believe.
I also want to recognize that with a mindset centered around winning and losing, it can be hard not to feel attacked. Sometimes, in these conversations, groups or individuals may feel devalued. We must acknowledge this. This is one of the dangers of modern discourse—the idea that you must validate yourself by devaluing others. This is what leads to these battles and lack of tolerance and empathy on all sides. Everyone’s experience is valid and deserving of being voiced.
We encourage students to explore their own ideas and convictions. We want students to come to their own truths and own decisions about what they value and what they see as important. We also want to learn from what they’ve been able to do as we work alongside them as educators and mentors.
The plurality of voices that went into the planning Spark will be present at the events themselves. I am very excited to hear the exchange of ideas, and I hope they “spark” deep thinking as opposed to hot takes, which implies a “winners and losers” mentality. It’s not about who can argue the best. It’s about research, reasoning, and the discovery of truth.
Photo credit: University of Denver
Back to the Map
