Disagree about a community proposal without judging its supporters

Two fictional proposals for the same park give children something specific to discuss. Invite reasons connected to the proposals, and leave room for someone to change their view after hearing new information.

Invite reasons about the proposal and allow changed views. Agreement is not required for participants to show respectful discussion.

Respond to the reason on the table

Restate the proposal accurately. Give a reasoned concern. Offer a question or possible revision.

Say a path may be too narrow for shared use, rather than describing its designer as careless.

Respectful discussion does not require agreeing with every idea. Does the response address the proposal itself?

Offer written, drawn or partner-delivered questions.

Resources

• Fair Rule or Random Rule? — Compare proposed rules and explain their practical effects.

Further reading

• Parliamentary Education Office — classroom activities
• Australian Electoral Commission — Democracy Rules

Read next

• Check a civic claim beyond its confident headline
• After the classroom election, review more than who won
• A service map for state and territory responsibilities

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