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Mission
Founded in 1953, the Stanford Political Union (SPU) is a student organization dedicated to fostering constructive dialogue at Stanford.
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In these divided times, we believe it is not only possible but necessary for students to engage in dialogue with those who hold views they may disagree with or even detest​ — at Stanford, and beyond.
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Through open, reasoned, and curiosity-driven dialogue, we aim to expose students to diverse viewpoints, develop their ability to engage in disagreement, and inspire deeper civic engagement.
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Dialogue, Not Debate
Unlike the long-standing political unions of our East Coast peers, SPU strives to create not a "debating society," but a space for meaningful dialogue between students of diverse viewpoints, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Whereas a "debate" comprises opposing speakers competing to win an argument, constructive dialogue involves a group of people engaging collaboratively in discussion about a particular issue or topic, guided by a set of shared norms.
Constructive dialogue aims to deepen participants' understanding of how others view an issue. It enables participants to explore and examine — with curiosity, empathy, and humility — one another's beliefs, perspectives, and values.
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Unlike debate, constructive dialogue is not a mere intellectual exercise, but the fundamental mechanism through which individuals in society share ideas and manage differences. The ability to engage in dialogue across difference is a core tenant of our civic culture and a vital skill for citizens, leaders, changemakers.​
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Hence, constructive dialogue lies at the heart of SPU.​
What We Do
To foster constructive dialogue, SPU organizes three types of events: Community Discussions, Speaker Events, and Collaborative Gatherings.
We welcome ALL students, irrespective of viewpoint, background, major, or level of knowledge in politics.​​​
Who We Are
Stanford Political Union's logomark,
created by Vish Karthikeyan ‘27