FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy hosted its first-ever Friendly Disagreement event in partnership with Village Square Tallahassee on Monday, March 24.
The event featured John Wood Jr. and Ciaran O’Connor, two dear friends who disagree vehemently on a range of political and social issues who engaged in a spirited conversation that showcased how people can disagree on many things and still remain friends.
Following their dialogue, Wood and O’Connor answered questions from the audience on a range of these issues, but all centered upon showcasing how to successfully and meaningfully engage with people you might deeply disagree with.
“Supported by a generous donation to the college, our new Friendly Disagreement series showcases that being friends and disagreeing on many things can go hand in hand,” said Dean Tim Chapin. “Drawing from a program developed by Braver Angels and practiced by our partners at The Village Square, this event series is designed to promote and enhance civil discourse at FSU. I am proud that the college can be the tip of the spear in these efforts for our beloved university.”
John Wood Jr. is a leading figure in the American depolarization movement. He is the national ambassador for Braver Angels, the United States’ largest grassroots, bipartisan, member organization dedicated to political depolarization. A nationally recognized public speaker on the subjects of political and racial reconciliation, Wood has spoken across America to a wide range of the nation’s most respected think tanks, universities, corporations, and philanthropic organizations.
An opinion columnist for USA Today, Mr. Wood’s written work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Examiner, Real Clear Politics and many others. Wood has been featured as a guest on political networks including Fox News, C-Span, and Newsmax. Prior to his work with Braver Angels, Wood was the state of California’s youngest active nominee for Congress in the 2014 election cycle, challenging Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd district.
Ciaran O’Connor is a writer, speaker, and consultant who helped grow Braver Angels into the nation’s largest grassroots organization working to bring liberals and conservatives together across the United States. As Chief Marketing Officer, Ciaran oversaw the organization’s public communications, digital strategy, branding, and media relations.
Ciaran is a nationally recognized thought leader who’s delivered speeches at conferences and universities across the country, co-hosted the Braver Angels Podcast, and contributed to outlets including The Atlantic, Fox News, USA Today, and many others. Ciaran previously worked on two presidential campaigns, managing digital rapid response for the 2012 Obama campaign and speechwriting for the 2016 Clinton campaign. As a consultant, Ciaran advises organizations and executives at the highest levels of business, politics, academia, and philanthropy.
Funded by a generous gift from a college graduate, the series is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with individuals holding opposing views. By fostering open dialogue, the lectures aim to break down the barriers of tribalism that currently plague our political landscape, encouraging greater understanding and bridge-building.
For more COSSPP events and news, visit cosspp.fsu.edu.
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