The Better Arguments Project

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Helping communities disagree productively across difference

America doesn’t need fewer arguments; it needs better arguments.

Our civic life depends on people with differences being able to argue with one another. That’s because America itself is an ongoing argument. For 250 years, debates over liberty and equality, federal and local power, and more have shaped our democracy. We don’t need to avoid tough conversations; we need to learn how to engage one another more constructively around differences of opinion.

What is the Better Arguments Project?

The Better Arguments Project is a national civic initiative created to help bridge divides by helping people who disagree talk to each other.

The project features free and virtual trainings for individuals and communities nationwide, empowering everyday Americans to strengthen civil discourse. These webinar trainings build off of a proven framework, developed alongside expert advisors in 2016 and since used by thousands of individuals representing communities in all 50 states. This framework is grounded in the 3 precursors and 5 principles of a Better Argument.

The Aspen Institute launched the Better Arguments Project in 2016 with Allstate and Facing History and Ourselves as founding partners.

The 3 Precursors that Shape Every Civic Argument

The 5 Practices of a Better Argument

Registration

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Webinar

Better Arguments

Program Runs Dec 9, 2026 from 9 – 10am PT

Webinar

Better Arguments

Program Runs Feb 24, 2027 from 9 – 10am PT

Can’t make these dates? Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about future sessions.

A Decade of Impact

For 10 years, people around the country have used the Better Arguments Project in communities, schools, workplaces, faith spaces, and more. Learn more about stories of impact:

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A sign belonging to a Donald Trump supporter is seen outside the Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania. (Dominick Reuter / Reuters)

Americans Don’t Need Reconciliation—They Need to Get Better at Arguing

Originally published in The Atlantic on November 1, 2016.

3 community members in Detroit have a lively conversation at a table at a Better Arguments event.

If We Are Going to Argue, Let’s Do It Right

Originally published on the CNN website on December 6, 2019.

A screenshot of a YouTube video showing a man speaking to the camera in a classroom wearing a blue shirt and dark blue sweater.

Better Arguments Project: Tensions Between Long-timers and Newcomers in Detroit

Originally published on the Aspen Institute’s YouTube channel on June 22, 2020.

A couple hundred people converse at round tables at a Better Arguments event.

How to Have a Better Argument Across The Political Divide

Originally published on the CNN website on January 7, 2021.

Better Arguments at William & Mary

Originally published on the William & Mary University website.

The Better Arguments Project: A 10th Anniversary Relaunch

Learn more about the new chapter of this national civic initiative.

Better Arguments Project FAQs

We will update the following FAQs as we receive additional questions about the Better Arguments Project. If your question is not answered here or in the materials above, please contact us.

Who is a good fit for attending a Better Arguments Project training?

Anyone looking to connect with their community is welcome. Our project has worked with educators, students, community and faith leaders, workplace teams, and more.

How can I partner with the Policy Academy to bring a Better Arguments Project training to my community?

We are always looking for partners to get involved in this work. Feel free to contact us.

How do I join a Better Arguments Project training?

Once you have registered, we will send you a confirmation link with information for joining the Zoom meeting that will host each training. We will also send this link through reminder emails shared before the training starts. Please open this link in your browser at the scheduled time.

What is the fee for Better Arguments Project training registration?

There is no registration fee for attending a Better Arguments Project training.

Aspen Policy Academy

Webinar

Better Arguments

Webinar

Better Arguments

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Americans Don’t Need Reconciliation—They Need to Get Better at Arguing

If We Are Going to Argue, Let’s Do It Right

Better Arguments Project: Tensions Between Long-timers and Newcomers in Detroit

How to Have a Better Argument Across The Political Divide

Better Arguments at William & Mary

The Better Arguments Project: A 10th Anniversary Relaunch