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State Rep. Connie Bernardy Joins Team of Civil Discourse Facilitators

Thursday, April 23, 2015

The National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) completed a training session to prepare thirteen legislators to facilitate workshops across the nation for its Next Generation initiative. Next Generation’s goal is to create and strengthen relationships between elected officials of different parties through mutual trust based on compassionate communication. Representative Connie Bernardy became a certified Next Generation Facilitator. 

"The facilitator training was amazing. It was inspirational coming together with Democrats and Republicans from around the country to help transform public discourse to strengthen our democracy. Building relationships and trust through civil discourse is an important first step towards ending gridlock and finding common ground,” said Bernardy.

Connie Bernardy is a wife, mom, and lifelong member of the community. Connie loves bringing people together. Her career has been creating community partnerships. Becoming a Next Generation facilitator is a natural extension of her work bringing people together to solve problems.

The National Institute for Civil Discourse was created in the spirit of championing honest and civil dialogue that leads to collaboration and participation amongst the public, media, and legislators of all party affiliations in an effort to best serve democracy.

Next Generation works specifically with state lawmakers, advocates, and universities to address political gridlock within state legislatures. Next Generation now has twenty-six trained facilitators ready to guide legislators through a civil discourse workshops in their state.

The National Institute for Civil Discourse creates safe spaces for elected officials, the public, and the media to engage different voices respectfully and take responsibility for the quality of our public discourse and democratic institutions.  Learn more at nicd.arizona.edu.

She can be contacted by email at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5510.

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