Teaching Case Workshop: Civic Engagement in a Polarized Environment

Professor Jorrit de Jong will lead an interactive case workshop featuring No Comments? Rethinking Civic Engagement in Rochester, Minnesota, ahead of its debut in executive education programs. The session will examine the challenges of civic engagement, free speech, and civil discourse in an increasingly polarized environment. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on the case and teaching plan through a brief post-workshop survey.

How should city leaders balance open public dialogue with the need to maintain respectful and safe civic discourse? Drawing on the experience of Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, who was forced to reconsider her online interactions with constituents, the workshop will explore strategies for designing effective public engagement in divided communities. Through facilitated discussion and practical frameworks, participants will reflect on how local leaders can sustain meaningful civic participation amid political polarization and social tension.

Confirmed registrants will receive the case and a session sheet with preparation instructions several days prior to the workshop. Participants are expected to read and reflect on this material in advance.

Lunch will be provided.