David and Michelle Baldacci launch the ‘Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative’ with VCU and the Library of Virginia

By Mike Porter

David and Michelle Baldacci have committed $13 million - the largest joint contribution ever to Virginia Commonwealth University and the Library of Virginia - to establish a groundbreaking nonpartisan initiative. This effort will advance civil, constructive and respectful dialogue about complex issues, creating new opportunities for learning, understanding and engagement across Virginia.

Building on the work already underway at VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences and the Library of Virginia, this initiative will bring together universities, colleges and community organizations across the commonwealth to empower people of all ages to develop the knowledge and skills to be thoughtful, engaged members of society.

David Baldacci, a lifelong Virginia resident and internationally recognized author, received his B.A. in political science from VCU, and together with his wife, Michelle, they have been active with the Library of Virginia for many years. Beginning a year ago, the Baldaccis had conversations with VCU College of Humanities and Sciences Dean Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., and Librarian of Virginia Dennis Clark about the growing need for constructive dialogue in a polarized world.

"I have long felt that we need to draw people together in a civil manner and learn to have frank and respectful dialogue with those with whom we have differences," David Baldacci said. "As constructive interaction has continued to decrease, it is more important than ever to champion this type of initiative, which has, as its chief goal, the bringing together of people to solve complex problems and move the country forward."

Through open dialogue and civil discourse, participants in the "Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative" will be encouraged to contribute to the greater good in meaningful and lasting ways. The initiative will include several key components:

• Experiential learning: The initiative will offer real-world experiences and simulations that focus on active listening and deliberative dialogue about timely public issues.
• Curriculum: Departments in the College of Humanities and Sciences, and other areas of VCU, will create a curriculum that takes advantage of resources and primary documents at local institutions like the Library of Virginia, incorporates civil discourse principles and helps students apply those principles directly to both their academic work and their roles in society.
• Forums and events: VCU and the Library of Virginia will host public lectures, moderated public forums and symposia about pressing societal issues to provide space for respectful exchange, empathetic listening and effective communication.
• Places to connect: The Library of Virginia will create 21st-century programming spaces and initiatives that promote productive models for collaboration and knowledge exchange, while utilizing its vast collections to share history through the original source materials produced by the Virginians who experienced it firsthand.

The program aims to strengthen the university, the Richmond community and Virginia by fostering an environment of open-minded inquiry and collaborative problem-solving.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., who regularly speaks about civility and respect, said the university is committed to creating a learning environment where different perspectives are welcomed and understood.

"This program is an important step in helping to prepare our students as leaders who bridge divides and build consensus through dialogue and understanding," Rao said.

Said Ingrassia: "The Baldaccis recognize the need to create the next generation of citizens and leaders who feel empowered to act with empathy, civility and democratic ideals. This generous gift enables VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences, in collaboration with institutions like the Library of Virginia, to elevate its ability to create curriculum, programming and events for our students - and citizens of the commonwealth - that advance the betterment of communities."

"Libraries across the commonwealth have long served as trusted centers for knowledge and civic dialogue," Clark said. "The Library of Virginia embraces its role as a 'public square' where communities can come together to engage in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our world. Michelle and David Baldacci have been steadfast partners for more than 30 years, and their extraordinary commitment - alongside strong collaborators like VCU - will enable us to expand our resources and partnerships to create inclusive spaces for constructive dialogue on the most pressing challenges of our time."

David Baldacci added, "Our country has faced many challenges during its long history, and we have managed to come through such times more united and stronger. A desire for independence was the creative spark for America, history's longest-surviving democracy. We are the world's role model for the empowerment and sanctity of self-governance. Our hope is that this collaborative initiative, with two highly respected institutions and others like it, will support and enhance myriad efforts to strengthen our collective democracy. And it will demonstrate what is possible when people come together for the common good of a free and enlightened nation."