#United States #Salt Lake City #University of Utah #Dignity Index #Project UNITE

University of Utah and Dignity Index Collaborate to Improve Dialogue

In a moment of heightened political division within the United States, the University of Utah has embarked on a significant partnership with Project UNITE, aimed at transforming political discourse and public communication. This collaboration represents one of the university’s early affiliations, dedicated to advancing the principles of human dignity in communication.

University President, Taylor Randall, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the alignment between the two organizations' missions. The University of Utah is committed to preparing students as informed leaders and responsible citizens, generating knowledge and engaging effectively with the community. Conversely, UNITE is dedicated to spreading awareness of how respectful communication can be pivotal in conversations, especially when disagreeing. Randall emphasized, “Too often cynicism, mistrust, and anger feel intractably woven into the world around us. The university and UNITE can do something about that. Our missions are uniquely complementary.”

UNITE, founded in 2018 by CEO Tim Shriver, seeks to reduce societal divisions, mitigate violence, and address communal issues through constructive dialogue. A notable project emerging from UNITE is the Dignity Index, which employs an eight-point scale to evaluate interpersonal communication, where ONE indicates total contempt and EIGHT represents utmost dignity.

The University of Utah's association with UNITE began in September 2022, which saw the first public demonstration of the Dignity Index during Utah's congressional mid-term elections. The project attracted participation from 22 students, part of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, who were involved in analyzing and scoring political speeches each week, using the Dignity Index scale.

Following this initial pilot, interest in the Dignity Index has surged, leading to its implementation in various fields including education, local governance, and corporate environments. Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index, noted the initiative's expansion, stating, “What began as a pilot to establish the validity of the Dignity Index itself has grown into an initiative with touch points in 25 states. We're experiencing explosive growth in demand for engagement with organizations in a wide variety of sectors, all seeking to find better ways to communicate and solve problems together.”

The partnership will see Pyfer and Dignity Index co-creator Tom Rosshirt leading from the UNITE side, collaborating with Samantha Ball, a senior research associate at the university, who will oversee research activities within the program. Ball, who has over a decade of experience at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, played a vital role in validating the Dignity Index during its pilot phase.

Tim Shriver expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This partnership between the University and UNITE could not be a more perfect fit. From our earliest work on the Dignity Index, President Randall saw its promise and committed resources that brought academic rigor to the index and validated its use and value.” Shriver has also been involved with the University as an Impact Scholar.

Financially, the University is investing $1.5 million, combining actual funds with in-kind support over three years to establish three staff positions dedicated to this initiative. Additionally, this agreement includes provision of physical space for activities at the Thomas S. Monson Center, the home base of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. In return, UNITE will match this investment by enhancing outreach, training, and supporting other funding initiatives.

Both parties are set to collaborate on research and programming endeavors centered around enhancing the dignity movement, aiming to mitigate the effects of national polarization and foster a culture of constructive engagement. As the partnership develops, it could serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide, promoting a more empathetic political landscape.

In conclusion, this partnership exemplifies how academic institutions can actively engage in addressing societal issues by fostering an environment of respect and openness, ultimately leading to a more cohesive society and informed citizenry who can communicate effectively across divides.