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World in Conversation

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Beyond echo chambers impasse binaries sides gridlock

We can solve problems with our opponents.

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Learn about our scope

World in Conversation is the premier center for open inquiry at Penn State, offering essential non-partisan engagement in support of building solutions. Our approach both trains students to facilitate constructive conversations around contentious issues and offers opportunities for students, university groups, community groups, and professionals in all settings to participate in them. More than half a million participants have experienced World in Conversation programming over two decades. 

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Learn about what we do
“Civil discourse makes us better as a society and makes us more likely to achieve...real solutions to problems.”
Cassandra Matos
Cassandra MatosV.P. of Global Healthcare Company | J.D. - Penn State Law
“[What we do] is like a magic trick because people don’t expect us to be able to smoothly provide avenues for solutions.”
Takkeem Morgan
Takkeem MorganBA CAS ‘ 03, MBA ‘15
“This program has armed me with the skills required to lead with courage and empathy in an increasingly complex world.”
Amy Thomas
Amy ThomasCommander, United States Navy
“We need the opportunity for intercultural dialogue and discourse, and World in Conversation Program has made this possible.”
Rafi Nadiri
Rafi NadiriGlobal Site Manager, Afghanistan
“Civil discourse makes us better as a society and makes us more likely to achieve...real solutions to problems.”
Cassandra Matos
Cassandra MatosV.P. of Global Healthcare Company | J.D. - Penn State Law
“[What we do] is like a magic trick because people don’t expect us to be able to smoothly provide avenues for solutions.”
Takkeem Morgan
Takkeem MorganBA CAS ‘ 03, MBA ‘15

Our Methodology in Action

Playlist

4 Videos

30+

Countries

1,500+

Trained
Facilitators

57,000+

Dialogues

550,000+

Participants

1

Global
Community

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World in Conversation Headlines

Dr. Laurie Mulvey in a grey suit jacket presenting in front of a slide that reads, "NATO Leadership: Social Capability" and includes the NATO/OTAN logo

Dr. Laurie Mulvey Delivers Keynote Speech at NATO Conference in London

Dr. Laurie Mulvey, Director of the World in Conversation Center at Penn State University, was the keynote speaker at a NATO research conference in London in May of 2024. The conference, entitled Leadership Development for Multinational Military Operations, was designed to bring together leadership experts to address multinational military and civil leaders, researchers, and NATO partners.

Published January 21, 2025

Alumna Makes Impactful Gifts

With a total commitment of $34,000, Penn State College of the Liberal Arts alumna Cassandra Matos has supported a program that played a fundamental role in shaping her experience as a student and future professional. Her gift to World in Conversation (WinC) will help the program to engage the Penn State community in honest conversations on difficult topics through facilitated dialogues across the University and beyond.
Published October 9, 2024

Looking back on our global conference, “Beyond Borders: An International Collaboration to Advance Public Diplomacy”

Some of our colleagues recently traveled to Penn State University from around the world to attend a conference hosted by World in Conversation. Learn how they make it possible for us to serve people and communities with needs, interests, and risk factors that may be vastly different from one another.

Published September 9, 2024
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