Skip to main content


Repost Message
will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates
of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Spring 2022 Deliberative Dialogue Series Continues on Wednesday

Deliberative dialogues are unique opportunities to engage in collaborative thinking about pressing public issues. Because each dialogue takes the form of deliberation, attendees drive the conversation in small groups facilitated by trained moderators. Deliberation is unlike the panel discussions or debates we are accustomed to in American politics, as it is highly participatory, egalitarian, and non-adversarial. The foundation of each deliberative dialogue in this semester's series is an issue guide provided by the National Issues Forums Institute. These guides offer an opportunity to critically explore an issue while also putting our personal values at the center of the conversation. Overall, deliberation promotes the listening and talking necessary to have difficult conversations in a democratic society. 

Making Ends Meet: How Should We Spread Prosperity And Improve Opportunity?

Many American communities were already feeling the weight of economic disparities and inequality before COVID-19. One 2016 study found that following the Great Recession in 2008, only 20 counties accounted for 50% of new business growth. The pandemic exacerbated existing economic issues in our communities and underscored the need for serious discussions about addressing economic disparities and inequality. What can be done to ensure people have the resources to thrive and find prosperity?  This dialogue will evaluate three potential options: create new opportunities, strengthen the safety net, and directly target issues of inequality.

Date: 4/6/2022

Time: 1145am-1pm

Location: Zoom

Register here: https://monroecommunity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItd-ysrTIoHNJPrR TrHDizCxb9d5tcF4aY 

A House Divided: What Would We Have to Give Up to Get the Political System We Want?

America is increasingly polarized. It is hard to have public conversations about complex topics that are both meaningful and productive, public officials seem incredibly divided and distant from their constituents. For many, the political system exists in a state of paralysis. How can we reverse this trend and get the political system we want? This dialogue will evaluate three potential options: reduce dangerous, toxic talk, make fairer rules for politics and follow them, start making decisions closer to home.

Date: 5/4/2022

Time: 1145am-1pm

Location: Zoom

Register here: https://monroecommunity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvd--urzkpE9xEfS W6A0xFE8e1ZT-CCeim 

If you have questions or would like an advance copy of an issue guide, please contact Joe Scanlon (jscanlon1@monroecc.edu).

MCC's deliberative dialogues are sponsored by The Democracy Commitment at MCC, PEACE: Programming Educators for Accountability, Collaboration, and Equity, and the Department of Anthropology, History, Political Science, and Sociology. 

Joseph Scanlon
Anthrop/History/Poli. Science/Sociology
04/05/2022