D I ALO G UE: A P L A N FO R THE 2 0 2 0 E L E C TI O N
in their school and broader community.
Questions should focus on civic action
and responsibility.
For example, students can model a
facilitated dialogue where some of
the current research is discussed and
implications explored from many dif-
ferent student perspectives.
I’ve offered suggestions for developing
a plan in schools for the 2020 Elections.
Ultimately, you are the experts in your
community; you know the key stake-
holders, the school culture, and what
approach will be most effective. Make
no mistake, this work will not be easy.
As educators we have been dealt a dif-
ficult hand, but I truly believe that the
outcome will be worth it. We are edu-
cating students who will be leading a
country more diverse and potentially di-
vided than we are in 2020. We have a re-
sponsibility to do all we can to equip our
students to become effective leaders for
the 21st century— leaders who have the
skills and knowledge to navigate deep
ideological differences and help cre-
ate communities where we can live and
thrive despite our deepest differences.
The 2020 Election is the perfect oppor-
tunity to start. l
On Election Day, create a space where
students can gather to reflect.
Have student government run talk-back
sessions throughout the day where stu-
dents can drop in and reflect on what
it means to be an engaged citizen and
where students can share their hopes and
dreams for the country and students can
brainstorm ways they can work towards
these dreams through student clubs or
service in the broader community.
After Election Day, create a space
where students can gather to reflect.
In Homeroom, Advisory, or selected class-
es, plan formal dialogue sessions where
students can share their perspectives,
discuss issues that are important to them,
and reflect on ways they can get involved
Kristen Farrington is a civil dialogue specialist and Upper School chaplain at St. Stephen’s and St.
Agnes School. She was previously the executive director of the Religious Freedom Center of the
Freedom Forum Institute, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Center. From 2012
to 2016, Kristen was the head of programs and partnerships for Face to Faith U.S., a global educa-
tion project of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. Previously, she served as chaplain and department
chair of religious studies at St. Paul’s School for Girls in Baltimore, Maryland and St. Timothy’s
School in Stevenson, Maryland, and as clergy at parishes in Florida, California, and New York.
Kristen can be reached at [email protected].
CSEE Connections
Summer 2020 Page 33