Student 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
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.
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
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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 Commitment at
MCC, PEACE: Programming Educators for Accountability, Collaboration, and
Equity, and the Department of Anthropology, History, Political Science, and
Sociology.
Scanlon, Joseph
Anthrop/History/Poli. Science/Sociology
04/05/2022