How do we help students have difficult conversations about race and politics when the adults can barely seem to do so? In the fall of 2020 my 8th grade Social Studies team developed and delivered a unit aimed at these core civic competencies. Students engaged in direct dialog with those in the classroom as well as with other students across the globe. I will share the resources, skills, and activities we used, and am looking forward to hearing from how other like-minded educators build spaces that are safe to have uncomfortable conversations.