It's time to stop taking liberties with our language and start using the Language of Liberty
Understand the issues of the day so you can be part of the solution
The words we use matter.
Clear communication is the key to bridging
the distance between speaker and hearer.
Have you ever thought?
- I don’t understand it’s too complicated.
- I’m not sure what I think on this issue?
- How can I get involved?
- Can I make a difference?
Learn critical thinking.
Know what you think on an issue.
Share it with confidence.
AUTHOR
Drawing from decades of experience in ministry, public policy advocacy, and education, Phil offers a thoughtful and practical framework for restoring respectful debate and civic engagement.
SPEAKER
Helping audiences by explaining sometimes complicated subjects with practical illustrations, that will helps your audience leave with a sense of ownership of the topic and an increased interest in what they can do next to make meaningful changes.
COMMENTATOR
Examine current news and events and evaluate them through a Constitutional lens to inspire and expand active citizenship across party, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.
Having a civil discussion about a difficult topic often seems impossible. Reluctance to do what is right or needful generally rises from fear.
Fear of our own competence, fear of a negative response, or fear of being confronted with a question or challenge you are not equipped to deal with.
I understand all of those. I was not a confident student or speaker through high school or much of college. I had to realize that fear is only paralyzing if we allow it to control our actions.
I don't have to know all the answers. All I really need to do is listen to and really hear what others are saying. Nothing they say changes who I am.
St. Francis taught that we should "seek first to understand, then to be understood." Hearing how another person feels lowers resistance and allow the conversation to build on what they say, rather than my viewpoint. Listening also builds credibility to earn a right to be heard later.
Meet Author & Speaker Phillip Whitaker
Phil Whitaker has spent much of his life working where faith, public policy, and civic responsibility intersect.
He is a former pastor, educator, and public policy advocate who has spent decades working at the intersection of faith and civic life. He is the author of COMMON SCENTS: How to Get the Stink Out of Politics, a book exploring how Americans can restore civil discourse and protect the foundations of the republic.
