Polarizing conversations are not new, but recently they make the top of the news and tricklesdown in unhealthy patterns in local communities. As we move toward election ‘24, the dramatic flair of conflict continues to surface, and many institutions of higher education respond by leading initiatives in dialogue and deliberation to help students, faculty, and others gain skills to handle tensions and move toward potential positive impacts. This session will explore the struggles in our democratic society and focus on bridge-building efforts and resources to help alleviate these tensions and shift conversations to a more productive mode for potential positive outcomes.