Join us for an interactive workshop on civility as we grapple with today’s tough moments. This workshop is presented by William (Bill) Lyons and Andrew (Andy) Busch of the UTK Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and is sponsored by the Turner Center for Rural Development and the Dr. Charles D. And Tammy B. Haney Faculty Development Fund.

Bill Lyons is the Associate Director for Community Outreach of the Institute of American Civics and Director of Policy Partnerships at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he also holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

Andy Busch is the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His teaching and research focus on American political institutions, elections, and public policy. He has authored, co-authored or edited more than two dozen books.

Both workshops will explore the following topics and questions:

(1) Incivility is not new. (2) How is today’s manifestation different?  (3) What are the causes of the polarization and difficulty in communicating we see today? (4) Some ways to improve communication with those with whom we disagree. (5) Practicing civility close to home in our communities and workplaces.