World In Conversation

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University Park, PA
World In Conversation

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World in Conversation (WinC) is a student-driven center for "true" public diplomacy dedicated to expanding human understanding of complicated social challenges through facilitated dialogue. Our undergraduate dialogue facilitators make it possible for people in small groups to "think together" across borders on the basis of their different social positions. We believe dialogue that makes a difference requires trained facilitators. As we develop and deploy a dialogue methodology that is essential for this era, we are also working to make the role of a dialogue facilitator visible and valued. Two years ago, we began a serious inquiry into the narrative structures that shape contentious conversations. We noticed that these narratives become "scripts" that are often inherited. These scripts directly prevent meaningful examination across borders of the very challenges they are intended to explain. World in Conversation aims to deconstruct these scripts and create pathways for more nuanced and thoughtful engagement all while providing undergraduate students with an educational opportunity that our alumni have described a paramount element of their academic career.

09/08/2026

Dialogues start today! 🌎💬
World in Conversation’s student facilitators lead conversations for students at Penn State and around the world about the most pressing issues of our time.

Trained in small-group facilitation, our student leaders put their skills into practice each week—creating spaces where many perspectives can be voiced and explored with curiosity.

We’re proud to launch another semester of student-led dialogue, and grateful to everyone who makes this work possible.

05/22/2026

Every World in Conversation dialogue strengthens a campus culture of open dialogue and free exchange of ideas.

Dialogue topic: “What enables addiction, besides the individual?”

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

05/15/2026

Celebrating our newest World in Conversation certificate earner, Andrew Plotnick🎉

Certificate earners, like Andrew, commit themselves to the challenging and rewarding work of dialogue across difference — developing leadership skills in facilitation, problem-solving, and discernment that extend far beyond the classroom. Way to go, Andrew!

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State certificate - Link in Bio

05/14/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our World in Conversation certificate earner, Payton Smith 🎉

These students demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to dialogue, facilitation, and engagement across difference through 350 hours of experiential learning and practice — and are now trained in the skills needed to navigate difficult conversations with discernment and curiosity.

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State certificate - Link in Bio

05/13/2026

Celebrating our newest World in Conversation certificate earner, Duncan Wolfe🎉

Through World in Conversation’s facilitation program, students engaged across differing perspectives, strengthened their communication skills, and learned how to navigate complexity with curiosity, patience, and intention.

Learn more about our Facilitating Small Group Conflict and Collaboration Penn State Certificate - Link in Bio

05/08/2026

Through every World in Conversation dialogue, students build the capacity to remain in conversation when tensions rise or perspectives collide.

Dialogue topic: To what extent religion impacts all of us, regardless of faith.

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week by week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

05/07/2026

Pedro, you have a way of making people feel connected — to themselves, to learning, and to each other. The student culture you helped to build at World in Conversation is one full of energy and a spirit to explore and grow.

As you carry that same spirit into your next adventure, we’re excited to see what it opens up for you. Go forth and discover!

04/28/2026

World in Conversation’s student facilitators are trained to lead conversations that foster the free exchange of ideas and thoughtful consideration of all perspectives.

Dialogue topic: What dehumanizes us?

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

04/23/2026

Each World in Conversation dialogue experience allows students to build the habits of leadership required to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

Dialogue topic: What’s the problem with having wealth?

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

04/16/2026

Every World in Conversation dialogue expands the university’s capacity for thoughtful, inclusive discourse.

Dialogue topic: How did Covid really impact your generation?

At World in Conversation, our students don’t just study dialogue facilitation — they practice it. Week after week, they lead difficult conversations for Penn State University students and participants around the globe.

Address

107 Pond Lab
University Park, PA
16802

Telephone

+18148655692

Website

https://worldinconversation.psu.edu/

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