Issues
Issues

Committee of Seventy focuses on a variety of issues affecting voters in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Browse the issues we're currently working on, or review our archive for ongoing and past issues.
Get Informed
Get Informed

Find out more information about being an active and engaged citizen in your community. From voting information to staying informed throughout the year, Committee of Seventy has resources for you.
Take Action
Take Action

Learn more about how to get involved with Committee of Seventy's work.
About
About

The Committee of Seventy was established in 1904 to combat corruption in Philadelphia, playing a major role in the adoption of civil service reforms and the passage of the 1919 and 1951 Home Rule Charters. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Seventy does not endorse candidates or represent any special interests.
Latest Updates
Latest Updates

For over one hundred years, the Committee of Seventy has been the voice of good government and reform. For press inquiries, please contact us at 215-557-3600.
Build Your Ballot

Can We Talk?

Can We Talk? is a skills-based program that introduces students to habits that promote productive dialogue across difference, to counter the political polarization that is plaguing our nation.

We don't shy away from tough political conversations. Instead, we frame them for reflective engagement. We provide skilled moderators, resources, and prompts.

The program, run by the Pennsylvania Project for Civic Engagement, has worked with over 900 students in 40 colleges and universities around the Commonwealth and the rest of the U.S. In evaluations, students give Can We Talk? an average score of 8.7 out of 10 for being "valuable" and 9 out of 10 for whether they'd recommend it to a friend.

We are looking for teachers to pilot a high school program in Pennsylvania. Is your class interested? Connect with PPCE co-director Chris Satullo at csatullo@gmail.com.

A Roadmap for Successful Conversations

These assets help generate productive dialogue in your classes and communities.

We always begin a Can We Talk? dialogue with an ice breaker. During a CWT? event, participants will discuss issues that can prove contested and emotional. You need to warm up the dialogue muscle before diving into the harder work.

Sample ice breakers

For civic dialogue to thrive, students should agree to a set of ground rules that will guide everyone’s behavior during the dialogue.

Review the ground rules

Before each CWT? forum, we work with students to identify topics on their minds. Then we shape discussion prompts to frame the issue in a neutral way and makes clear young people's stake in them.

Sample prompts