Take It On
Take it On
Take It On is Xavier’s non-partisan, values-centered initiative to proactively promote better civic discourse and robust, peaceful engagement in politics. Political division and polarization has become more intense both on a national level and in our local communities. We often avoid and demonize those who disagree with us.
At Xavier, we believe that we can and must do better. As leaders in Ignatian Civic Engagement, we seek out difference with the aim of listening, respecting and being open to learning from each other. We explore common ground when discussing controversial topics so that our students may learn to engage in difficult dialogue with others in a civil, productive manner. We promote civic engagement that balances political engagement, academics, and well-being.
The challenge is great. The time is now. We're ready to Take It On.
The Value of Difficult Conversations
At Xavier, we embrace difficult conversations and intellectual discomfort. It’s through challenging conversations that we learn to better understand our own positions and engage with those who hold different views. The following resources can help students, faculty and staff to have these conversations.
Tools for a Healthy ConversationThe Xavier Way for Dialogue
Leadership in Ignatian Civic Engagement
Discernment and Reflection Guide - Useful for Advising and Vocational Discernment
Best Practices for Ignatian Speech
Make a Plan to Vote
Take It On encourages all members of the Xavier community to get involved with upcoming elections.
Election Day Classroom and Campus Resources
Spring 2024: Preparing for Election 2024 Series
The 2024 Elections will be politically, socially, and personally challenging. In order to prepare, Take It On will be hosting a series of programs and conversations discussing the stakes, the history, and how best to prepare for the 2024 Election. Spring 2024 Conversation Series.Resources for Healthy Dialogue
Good Dialogue Matters
At Xavier University, we are preparing the next generation of civic leaders. Our Ignatian heritage and our liberal arts tradition call us to challenge students to wrestle with difficult ideas and assist them in developing their own approaches to engagement.
Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D.
President, Xavier University
My father always told me 'You don't know what you don't know.' This seems obvious until you are engaging in conversations with opinions that you've never heard or considered before. It's those challenging conversations about politics that make you realize how little we know about this world and how much we could learn by listening to others.
MaKayla Conners
SGA VP and Class of 2022
Good dialogue is hard, but worth it to create deeper relationships and examine timeless (and timely) contentious issues.
Rachel Chrastil, Ph.D.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Xavier University
Our Values
Name the problem: We are concerned about the divisive and polarizing political and societal challenges that we face.
Leverage our Jesuit Catholic heritage: We draw on the gifts and values of our Jesuit Catholic heritage, including the dignity of the human person and value of the liberal arts education.
Embrace discomfort: We embrace intellectual discomfort, difficult conversations and the benefits of working through them to better understand our own positions and to engage with those who hold different views. We accept responsibility for our role in a conversation and share the burden as we mutually seek better understanding.
Build on our resources: We draw on and expand the resources of our faculty, staff, administrators, students, University policies and community partners.
Act with humility and courage: We know we will make mistakes but are convinced that we must speak and act on our convictions while listening to, showing respect for and being open to learning from others. We recognize the contexts and experiences that shape the dynamics of dialogue.
Keep our community at the center: Our students and their intellectual development and overall well-being are at the center of this project; in order to support and educate our students, faculty and staff need to be fully invested as well. This project seeks to build relationships and repair breaches in our community, mindful of those who feel they are on the outside.
Presidential Primaries Experience
In January 2020, Xavier University students from the Philosophy, Politics and the Public Program, Political Science, and Pi Sigma Alpha travelled to New Hampshire to explore the “first-in-nation” primary.
Cincinnati Mayor and City Council
Take It On interviewed all six candidates for mayor in Spring 2021 prior to the mayoral primary. In September 2021, Xavier hosted the mayoral debate between David Mann and Aftab Pureval.
Restorative Justice Conversations
PPP junior Christo Fosse hosted two restorative justice circles in Fall 2020, one before the election and one afterwards.