Events Search and Views Navigation
December 2018
December 4 2018, Portland Public Library, The Presidency
The Presidency. What do you LIKE about the Presidency? What do you DISLIKE about the Presidency? How GOOD is the Presidency for our country? How BAD is the Presidency for our country? What do YOU think about the President? And why do you think the way you do? This is not debate. It’s not about deciding who’s right or wrong, who’s good or bad. It’s about UNDERSTANDING each other’s political views. We want to understand WHY you think the way…
Find out more »January 2019
January 10 2019, Chelmsford MA, Can Civility Save Us
What’s the right response to troubling political trends? Protest? Tweet? Violence? Vote? What role should civil discourse play to bring change or make peace? Come hear Make Shift Coffee House founder and public policy expert Craig Freshley share his views and lead a discussion As a volunteer Craig has organized 25 Make Shift Coffee Houses – places where liberals and conservatives come to understand each other’s political views. As a professional facilitator Craig has run over 3000 meetings of nonprofits,…
Find out more »January 14, 2019, Yarmouth, Make Shift Talk at Rotary
Craig will discuss growing incivility, the political divide, and how Make Shift Coffee House is making a difference. Yarmouth Town Hall - Community Room 200 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 04096 Guests are welcome and encouraged. Please RSVP to Craig at least 2 days prior to the event: craig@freshley.com
Find out more »January 28, 2019, Bowdoin, President Donald Trump
The Presidency of Donald Trump What do you LIKE about him? What do you DISLIKE about him? How is the Trump presidency GOOD for our country and the world? How is the Trump presidency BAD for our country and the world? What are your THRILLS? What are your FEARS? And why do you think the way you do? All welcome! As with all Make Shift Coffee Houses, this is not a debate. It’s not about persuading each other or…
Find out more »January 31, 2019, Gardiner, Make Shift Talk at Rotary
Craig will discuss growing incivility, the political divide, and how Make Shift Coffee House is making a difference. Gardiner Rotary Kennebec Valley Boys and Girls Club on Pray St. in Gardiner Guests are welcome and encouraged. Please RSVP to Craig at least 2 days prior to the event: craig@freshley.com
Find out more »February 2019
February 10, 2019, Ellsworth, The Constitution
Join us at the Ellsworth High School to discuss What does the Constitution Mean to You? How does the Constitution affect your daily life? Is the Constitution being applied appropriately today? Should the Constitution be changed inany way? How should the constitution apply to: Firearms? Healthcare? Free speech? Immigration? States rights? Separation of Church and State? 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Ellsworth High School Cafeteria Complementary coffee and snacks by FLEXIT Café Live music provided by The Jazz Collective…
Find out more »March 2019
March 19, 2019, Portland, Can Civility Save Us?
Can Civility Save Us? Incivility is growing nationwide. What effect is this having on your workplace? PROGRAM What's the right response to growing incivility and troubling political trends? What role should civil discourse play to bring change or make peace; in the world and in your workplace? Come hear public policy expert Craig Freshley share his views on these questions and join a discussion with your peers. Craig Freshley will explain how civility is eroding in America and how Make…
Find out more »March 22, 2019, Lewiston, Role of Government
What is the Rightful Role of Government in America? How should government affect your daily life? Should government be doing more? doing less? What role should government play in: Immigration? Healthcare? Education? Climate change? Social justice? Business regulation? Other issues? Free food and coffee! Live music by Ian Leavitt and friends! ALL WELCOME! Follow this link to see what a Make Shift Coffee House is like.
Find out more »March 25, 2019, Engaging in Civil Discourse with Campuses & Communities, Eastern Regional Campus Compact Biennial Conference
At this conference titled "Educating for Democracy: Innovating in Complex Times" Craig presented a workshop on Make Shift Coffee House to representatives from colleges across the Northeast.
Find out more »April 2019
April 25 2019, Machias, Political Divide
Sharing Stories to Bridge the Political Divide How did you come to have the political views that you have? What experiences have influenced your views the most? Come join neighbors to share food, music, your political views…and the stories behind them! Live Music. Free coffee and snacks provided by the Friends of the Whitneyville Public Library As with all Make Shift Coffee Houses, this is not a debate. It’s simply about understanding each other’s political views. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens,…
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