​In the wake of the 2024 election and October 7th, the need for constructive political dialogue on college campuses has never been greater. Students need skills and confidence to engage across the political spectrum.

 

More Like US applauds existing efforts, but gaps remain:

• Students need ongoing reminders

• Opt-in programs have many gaps

• Few address anxiety about cross-ideological conversations

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Let’s Be SVL aims to reach:

• Students who need continued reinforcement after mandatory programs

• Students with limited dialogue experience

• Students who misperceive peers across the political spectrum and avoid engagement

​The SVL “civil” framework offers simple tools for political conversations: share Stories, connect to others’ Values, and closely Listen.

• Stories build understanding and avoid fact-based arguments.

• Values help messages resonate with what others care about.

• Listening fosters open-mindedness and mutual respect.

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Developed from the work of Stanford sociologist Dr. Robb Willer, More Like US packaged it into a memorable SVL mnemonic.