About
Finding middle ground in a world of texts, likes, and shares.
Depolarizing Discourse fills in the practical element of respectful digital communication in digital citizenship curricula.
Teens listen to their peers, so why not empower them to help each other and themselves?
When it comes to digital dialogue, teens consistently default to soundbites and acronyms hindering their critical thinking and prompting them to jump to conclusions. Depolarizing Discourse helps give students the knowledge and practice they need to examine nuance in everyday conversation. If this sounds like your kind of program, please reach out!
Reverend Dr. Terri Ofori – Brooks School
"Juli Spencer’s Depolarizing Discourse program is a transformative curriculum that equips students with the critical tools needed to engage thoughtfully and effectively across differences. Over the course of six weeks, our Prefects and Beloved Community Ambassadors at the Brooks School worked closely with Juli to unpack the nuances of civil discourse and practice skills essential for fostering an inclusive community. The program’s innovative approach combines practical case studies with reflective exercises, empowering students to navigate real-life scenarios with confidence and compassion. One of the standout aspects of the curriculum was its focus on media literacy. Students were particularly impressed with the tools provided to help them identify fake news, a skill increasingly essential in today’s digital age. Additionally, the program offered actionable strategies for disrupting bias and addressing potential bullying or stereotyping within their peer groups. These practical, hands-on exercises not only enhanced students' ability to hold meaningful conversations but also bolstered their leadership skills, enabling them to take ownership of creating a respectful and understanding school environment. For educators, Depolarizing Discourse is more than a curriculum—it is an investment in cultivating a culture of empathy and critical thinking among students. Juli Spencer’s expertise and the program’s engaging content make it an invaluable resource for any school committed to fostering dialogue across differences and empowering students to become agents of change in their communities."
Juli Spencer
Communications Strategist
Juli Spencer is a communications strategist and the creator of Depolarizing Discourse, a scripted curriculum designed to equip students with the skills to navigate everyday discussions respectfully and effectively both on and offline. She earned a Master's degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University's School of Professional Studies in 2022, where she was recognized for her work in Ethical Decision Making and served as an ambassador to the program's executive cohort. She also holds a Master's degree in Teaching from Tufts University.
As a result of her lifelong passion for education, Juli developed a digital citizenship curriculum for teens that has demonstrated significant success, with 90% of students reporting improved ability to handle challenging conversations. Her extensive experience in both academia and corporate communications spans over 20 years. She has held roles as an English teacher and as a corporate communications practitioner for TMP Worldwide, TD Ameritrade, and The Taproot Foundation. Juli has also served on the boards of Brooks School and The PERT Consortium.
Juli is dedicated to helping young people thrive. She believes that by cultivating strong digital communication skills, we can empower individuals to gain greater perspective, resolve conflicts peacefully, and create a more positive and inclusive society.
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