Getting Americans Talking to Each Other

Getting American's Talking to Each Other embraces a cornerstone of a healthy democracy which is the practice of free speech. Each week will feature a speaker who explores a contentious public issue from multiple perspectives. The 45-minute talk will be followed by an active Q&A session between the speakers and members, and then conversations between small groups of members sparked by prompts from the moderator.

Topics:

• Week One: Government Restrictions on Higher Education (Brian Murphy, presenter)
• Week Two: The Second Amendment and Gun Control (Michael Baker, presenter)
• Week Three: Abortion (Cynthia Gorney, presenter)
• Week Four: Climate Change (Rick Moody, presenter)

Moderator and Speakers

• William Cleveland (moderator) is an author, musician, and directs the Center for the Study of Art & Community, where he teaches, conducts research, and facilitates large and small group discussions advancing civic dialogue and cultural democracy.
• Michael Baker is a retired general surgeon and trauma surgeon who served 30 years in the uniform of his country, retiring from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral.
• Cynthia Gorney is Emeritus Professor, School of Journalism, UC Berkeley and the author of Articles of Faith: A Frontline History of the Abortion Wars. 
• Rick Moody is the former VP of Higher Education for AARP and is the author of numerous books including his most recent Elders in Climate Action out soon.
• Brian Murphy is President Emeritus DeAnza College; Associate at the Center for the Studies of Higher Education, UC Berkeley; co-chair of Pen America's Champions for Higher Education.

This is an In-Person + Recorded Course

• Classes will be held in person at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (Community Hall) at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
• Classes will also be video recorded
• Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Thursday, Oct. 19 and ends on Thursday, Nov. 9
• Classes meet for four weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
• Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
• All course materials, including videos, will be available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31