A new project is underway in seven Iowa communities that’s designed to bridge partisan divides and help Iowans to hold civil conversations despite ideological differences. “Revive Civility Iowa” is sponsored by the National Institute on Civil Discourse and the Ray Center at Drake University. Ray Center director Scott Raecker (RACK-ur) says the conversations are important, as partisan politics has grown more divisive in Iowa and across the country.

A recent survey shows nearly 70-percent of Americans believe the country has a “major problem” with civility. The institute is partnering with Iowa and three other states. The first session was held last week in Waterloo. The next session will be held in Pella on July 31st, with more scheduled over the coming months in: Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque and Sioux City.