Prior to leading the assembly, twelve returning Advisory Council students, who trained last year in active listening, were joined by 10 new students. Together, the 22 students, in partnership with Shira Hoffer, Founder and Executive Director of The Viewpoints Project, expanded on last year’s work with a focus on intentional questioning. The goal: to help students learn how to “disagree curiously” and engage with differing viewpoints respectfully and constructively. 

During the HS-wide House assembly, the student leaders facilitated small group discussions in Houses. Students had the option to co-lead with a peer, partner with a ViewPoints representative, or facilitate independently. The discussions were designed to empower all HS students to further develop skills of active listening and intentional questioning.

To build comfort and confidence, the initial discussion prompt began purposefully with a lighthearted question — “What’s your coolest, hot take about food?” After students shared their responses, like “enjoying a cold pizza out of the fridge without heating it up”, facilitators guided peers through intentional follow-up questions that focused on understanding why someone held their view, versus setting up for a debate. 

Once students felt comfortable with the model of questioning, the groups transitioned to a more complex prompt that required deeper understanding: “Should the United States institute two years of mandatory or civil service after graduation?” The question introduced differing viewpoints and allowed students to practice the core skills of civil discourse: listening to understand, asking curious questions, and engaging without judgment. 

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Student facilitators expressed interest in ongoing training, appreciation for a peer-led experience, and interest in taking on even more challenging and controversial topics in the future. 

“I think we conveyed the message pretty well and it resonated with people in my House because hearing it from someone my age made it easier for them to relate.” 

“I really appreciated facilitating in my own House for the first facilitation because there already a basis for trust and respect among all the participants.”

“The conversation in my House was highly sophisticated and cordial — I wonder if the skills could be better illustrated if tensions run higher and we STILL attempt to understand.”

Faculty members also shared enthusiasm for the program and expressed interest in learning more about the council’s work to better support students beyond House. HS Director Shira Kohn is working with Viewpoints to incorporate the feedback and continue strengthening the program.

The students in the Unafraid Advisory Council will continue these efforts during another student-led assembly in February.