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MCC Daily Tribune

Spring 2024 Deliberative Dialogue Series: Elections and Voting, Opioid Crisis, and Climate Change

Deliberative dialogues are unique opportunities for collaborative thinking about pressing public issues. Because each dialogue is a deliberation, attendees drive the conversation in small groups facilitated by trained moderators. Deliberation is unlike panel discussions or debates. It is highly participatory, egalitarian, and non-adversarial. The foundation of each dialogue is an issue guide. These guides offer an opportunity to critically explore an issue and discuss options to address the issue while also putting our values at the center of the conversation. This semester, there will be three dialogues, all in person. If you want an advance copy of an issue guide or have questions, please email Joe Scanlon (jscanlon1@monroecc.edu). 

Elections: How Should We Encourage and Safeguard Voting?

  • February 28, 12pm to 1:15pm
  • Monroe B, Brighton Campus

In recent years, there has been increased concern about our elections. People worry about election interference, election integrity, and restrictions on access to voting. How can we ensure safe and inclusive voting in the U.S.? Join us as we deliberate over options that emphasize improving voter turnout, securing elections, and making voting fairer and more all-embracing. Register for Feb.28th Dialogue 

What Should We Do about the Opioid Epidemic?

  • March 19, 2:30 to 3:45pm
  • High Falls A, Downtown Campus

The United States continues to experience high levels of drug-related overdoses, including opioid overdoses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 41% increase in drug-related overdoses in the U.S. between January 2020 and January 2023, with a majority being opioid and synthetic opioid overdoses. How can we address our drug, and specifically opioid overdose crisis, in the U.S.? Join us as we deliberate over options that emphasize treatment for all, enforcement of laws, and individual choice. Register for March 19th Dialogue

Local Impacts of Climate Change: How Can We Prepare for Extreme Weather and Climate Events?

  • April 22, 12 to 1:15pm
  • Forum, Brighton Campus

Absent international agreements or national legislation, state and local governments in the U.S. must individually address the impacts of climate change on our communities. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, in 2023 alone, the United States had 23 weather and climate-related events costing more than $1 billion each. How can we better prepare our region for the impacts of climate change? Join us as we deliberate over options that emphasize Western New York’s “climate haven” status, collaboratively developing local climate resiliency plans and infrastructure and ensuring government resources reach those most vulnerable to weather and climate-related events. Register for April 22nd Dialogue

Sponsors: The Democracy Commitment at MCC, Global Education and International Services, PEACE Committee, Department of Anthropology, History, Political Science, and Sociology 

Joseph Scanlon
Anthrop/History/Poli. Science/Sociology
02/08/2024