Improv for Democracy
How to Bridge Differences and Develop the Communication and Leadership Skills Our World Needs
By Don Waisanen | Publisher: State University of New York Press
About the book
While much has been written about what democracies should look like, much less has been said about how to actually train citizens in democratic perspectives and skills. Amid the social and political crises of our time, many programs seeking to bridge differences between citizens draw from the surprising field of improvisational theater. Improv trains people to engage with one another in ways that promote empathy and understanding. Don Waisanen demonstrates how improv-based teaching and training methods can forward the communication, leadership, and civic skills our world urgently needs. Waisanen includes specific exercises and thought experiments that can be used by educators; advocates for civic engagement and civil discourse; practitioners and scholars in communication, leadership, and conflict management; training and development specialists; administrators looking to build new curricula or programming; and professionals seeking to embed productive, sustainable, and socially responsible forms of interaction in and across organizations. Ultimately this book offers a new approach for helping people become more creative, heighten awareness, think faster, build confidence, operate flexibly, improve expression and governance skills, and above all, think and act more democratically.
Editions of Improv for Democracy
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438481159
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438481166
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438481173
Read an Excerpt
While much has been written about what democracies should look like, much less has been said about how to actually train citizens in democratic perspectives and skills. Amid the social and political crises of our time, many programs seeking to bridge differences between citizens draw from the surprising field of improvisational theater. Improv trains people to engage with one another in ways that promote empathy and understanding. Don Waisanen demonstrates how improv-based teaching and training methods can forward the communication, leadership, and civic skills our world urgently needs. Waisanen includes specific exercises and thought experiments that can be used by educators; advocates for civic engagement and civil discourse; practitioners and scholars in communication, leadership, and conflict management; training and development specialists; administrators looking to build new curricula or programming; and professionals seeking to embed productive, sustainable, and socially responsible forms of interaction in and across organizations. Ultimately this book offers a new approach for helping people become more creative, heighten awareness, think faster, build confidence, operate flexibly, improve expression and governance skills, and above all, think and act more democratically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Improv for Democracy about?
While much has been written about what democracies should look like, much less has been said about how to actually train citizens in democratic perspectives and skills. Amid the social and political crises of our time, many programs seeking to bridge differences between citizens draw from the surprising field of improvisational theater. Improv trains people to engage with one another in ways that promote empathy and understanding. Don Waisanen demonstrates how improv-based teaching and training methods can forward the communication, leadership, and civic skills our world urgently needs. Waisanen includes specific exercises and thought experiments that can be used by educators; advocates for civic engagement and civil discourse; practitioners and scholars in communication, leadership, and conflict management; training and development specialists; administrators looking to build new curricula or programming; and professionals seeking to embed productive, sustainable, and socially responsible forms of interaction in and across organizations. Ultimately this book offers a new approach for helping people become more creative, heighten awareness, think faster, build confidence, operate flexibly, improve expression and governance skills, and above all, think and act more democratically.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Improv for Democracy?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political control and freedoms > Civics and citizenship
Where can I read a sample of Improv for Democracy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438481159
How long is Improv for Democracy and how many pages does it have?
Improv for Democracy has 280 page(s)
Is Improv for Democracy part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in New Political Science
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Improv for Democracy?
Don Waisanen
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Improv for Democracy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438481159) and paperback(ISBN 9781438481166) and pdf(ISBN 9781438481173)
Where can I buy Improv for Democracy online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Improv for Democracy from below
Where can I buy Improv for Democracy?