The Can We? Project works directly with cohorts of students and teachers in partner schools across Maine with plans to add new schools each year as interest and capacity allow. We also hope to inspire and support our partner schools to foster a culture of civil dialogue and civic engagement beyond the cohorts of students who participate in our retreats.
Through our series of retreats, Can We? facilitators provide opportunities for students to develop the mindset and skills necessary for dialogue across political and other differences through a process that includes:
- Self-reflection — Who am I, what do I believe, and who or what has influenced my beliefs?
- Perspective taking and empathy — Who are you, what do you believe, and who or what has influenced your beliefs?
- Inquiry — What questions can I ask to help me understand the topic, issue, or other viewpoints?
- Creative collaboration — What understandings can we create together that are informed by our varied viewpoints?
Students have “emphasized the value of Can We? by requesting more of it—more activities, more retreats, more interaction with other schools and students, more opportunities for student leadership, and more difficult discussions.” Use the links below to read the 2023–24 Can We? Project Evaluation Report by the Data Innovation Project, which is part of the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine.
2023–24 Can We? Project Evaluation Report
Executive summary
Full report
Interested in learning more about The Can We? Project or how you can join our roster of partner schools? Contact John Holdridge.
Want to keep up to date with The Can We? Project? Join our email list.
