Student Tribune
Spring 2022 Deliberative Dialogue Series: Take Part in Three National Issues Forums
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
is an issue guide provided by the National Issues Forum 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.
COVID-19 And Vaccines: How Should We Keep Our Communities
Safe?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in approximately 900,000 deaths, many
more hospitalizations, and significant damage to the American economy. The
spread of COVID-19 continues to impact our communities despite the emergence of
threat-reducing vaccines and treatments. How can we safely and ethically move
forward at a time when COVID-19 remains a reality? This dialogue will evaluate
three potential options: preserve individual choice, get everyone vaccinated,
and protect the most vulnerable.
Date: 3/2/2022
Time: 1145am-1pm
Location: Zoom
Register here: https://monroecommunity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcude6hrTouHdyZzd
FkeP7UY2ulHYQNcLEj
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 difficult topics that are both meaningful and productive, public
officials seem incredibly divided and distant from their constituents, and 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
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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 Committment at
MCC, PEACE: Programming Educators for Accountability, Collaboration, and
Equity, and the Department of Anthropology, History, Political Science,
Sociology.
Scanlon, Joseph
Anthrop/History/Poli. Science/Sociology
02/10/2022