Bring It To The Table tours U.S. Colleges and Universities with Live “Table Talks”

Guest blog post by Julie Winokur, Producer and Director at Talking Eyes Media

Do you know your roommate as well as you think you do? Do you know how your colleague feels about immigration, taxation, same-sex marriage? How does your professor feel about gun control? Or your partner about abortion? Do you talk about it?

In 2013, “Bring It to the Table,” the community engagement campaign and documentary film series, is visiting universities across the United States, encouraging students and faculty to have these conversations. We want to hear core beliefs and insights from students at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD level. We want to hear your solutions to move our country forward.  Why do you believe what you believe?

Since our last American Democracy Project blog post in June 2012, “Bring it to the Table” has visited select universities, bookstores and barbershops, public parks and county fairs, churches and bars, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

Produced by Julie Winokur and the non-profit, non-partisan Talking Eyes Media, Bring It to the Table literally invites people to sit down at a small star-spangled table and share the roots of their political beliefs.  The campaign is designed to give “ordinary” citizens a chance to speak their minds about their political beliefs, and hear the reasoning behind different points of view.

Our “Table Talks” have been featured by NBC News, Out Magazine, NPR and others who are buzzing about the way “Bring It” encourages genuine bi-partisan discourse. We have captured national attention because we have created a safe space where people can speak openly and authentically, without having to defend themselves against attack. There’s no ranting, no rhetoric. Just honest opinions and deep-seeded beliefs. The project provides a chance for people to engage across party lines, and most importantly, to actively listen to their fellow citizens.

The reality in America today is that people who have different points of view simply don’t talk to each other about politics. That’s a dangerous bellwether for democracy. In the wake of Congress’s December performance, we see how divisive politics and the refusal to collaborate can weaken the morale, economy and pride of a nation. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, the ability to communicate and negotiate is essential.

Bring it to the Table actively fosters the cross-pollination of voices and ideas. It is not intended to change anyone’s ideology or political affiliations, but rather to encourage respect, tolerance and genuine dialogue. Discovering shared values can lead not only to collaborative actions between individual Americans, but it might inspire our politicians to do the same.

Whether you are a law student, an aspiring engineer, a nursing student or a philosophy major, listening is the key to ethical business, civil discourse, strategic negotiation, healthy compromise and results-oriented solutions.

LIVE UNIVERSITY TABLE TALK TOUR 2013

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Universities across the country are booking Live Table Talks to present to political science, law, government, civic engagement, journalism and communications students.

• WHAT
  Producer Julie Winokur shares films and interviews and discusses the project for 20 minutes. For the next 90 minutes, she engages students in live Table Talks on stage and invites dialogue and participation from students about their assumptions and preconceived notions about participants.
• LENGTH OF PROGRAM
  Two hours including discussion and Q & A
• FORMAT REQUIRED
  Auditorium with audio / visual capacity stage and screen. Volunteers or staff to assist same day.
• SCHEDULE
  Afternoon or evening program.
• PROMOTION AND ATTENDANCE
  Bring It will supply promotional materials and universities are responsible for marketing and ticketing.
• RESERVATIONS / PLANNING
  To book a Live Table Talk presentation with Julie Winokur at your university in 2013 contact Julie directly at jwinokur@talkingeyesmedia.org.

ABOUT EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JULIE WINOKUR

Julie Winokur has been creating film and multimedia for more than a decade. Her company produces and distributes books, films and exhibitions about national social issues. Julie’s work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Discovery, PBS, NPR, CNN, Global Post, VII The Magazine and other top news outlets globally. She and her team have been recognized with two Emmy Award nominations, and multiple awards from World Press International, Pictures of the Year, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Photographers Association. In January of 2013 she edited a feature for Global Post as part of their current eight week series “The Great Divide” about economic disparity worldwide.  The production and creative team include Jessey Dearing, Elissa Pellegrino, Andrew Hida, Julie Turkewitz, Kimberly Soenen, Sasha Jiwani, Ed Kashi, Lauren Glading, Mara Mellstrom and Becky Kumar.

Important ADP Dates & Deadlines

Here are some important dates on our calendar for the upcoming academic year. What other civic engagement related events are on your calendar?

2013

January

• January 21: MLK National Day of Service

February

• February 1: Proposals due for 2013 ADP/TDC National Meeting
• February 4: National Day of Courage
• February 10: Videos due for ADP/TDC National Meeting Student Plenary Contest
• February 12: President’s State of the Union address (join ADP for a live TweetUp!)
• February 22: Submissions due for ADP’s student-designed logo competition

March

• March 4: Student Plenary video winners announced
• March 4: ADP/TDC National Meeting proposals accepted
• March 15: Deadline for campuses to sign up to participate in CIRCLE’s NSLVE project and deadline to CIRCLE’s 5^th annual Summer Institute of Civic Studies

April

• April 8: Plater and Saltmarsh Award Applications/Nominations due
• April 22: Earth Day
• April 26: Applications due for NERCHE’s Lynton Award

May

• May 1: Deadline to request application to apply for Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
• May 14: ADP National Meeting Hotel Deadline

June

• June 6-8: American Democracy Project National Meeting, Denver

July

• July 29 – August 3: ADP’s Stewardship of Public Lands seminar, Yellowstone

Celebrate Rosa Parks on National Day of Courage | February 4, 2013

Guest blog post by The Henry Ford

On Feb. 4, The Henry Ford is celebrating what would have been Rosa Parks’ 100th birthday with a National Day of Courage.

Mrs. Parks wasn’t looking to start a movement when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on Dec. 1, 1955, but instead was acting upon a courageous response to her instincts. Mrs. Parks later said of that day, “When I made that decision, I knew that I had the strength of my ancestors with me.”

In 2001 The Henry Ford became the home to Montgomery, Ala., bus No. 2857, the very bus that Mrs. Parks refused to give up her seat on. The bus has become a symbol for courage and strength as many believe Mrs. Parks’ actions that day sparked the American Civil Rights Movement.

Starting the National Day of Courage off is American Civil Rights activist and leader Julian Bond. In the 1960s, Mr. Bond founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and would later go on to serve as chairman of the NAACP. Joining him during the day are contributing Newsweek editor Eleanor Clift, Rosa Parks biographers Jeanne Theoharis and Douglas Brinkley, and author and Wayne State University Assistant Professor Danielle McGuire.

Thanks to our partners at Detroit Public Television, a live stream of the day’s events will be available to watch online on the National Day of Courage website. After the National Day of Courage, make sure to visit DPTV’s website for additional interviews and highlights.

We’re excited to announce that in addition to a day packed with activities, The Henry Ford will be dedicating the new Rosa Parks Forever stamp from the United States Postal Service.

Our celebration of Mrs. Parks and her courage isn’t just here in the museum. No matter where you are you can participate digitally as we share stories of hope and inspiration.

Online we’re asking individuals to post their messages of courage by sharing a digital Facebook badge. We even have a plain badge that you can download and write your own message on. If you do, make sure to take a picture of yourself wearing it and tag us on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #dayofcourage.

While the special activities for the National Day of Courage happen for just one day, we’ll be sharing some of our significant Civil Rights artifacts all throughout the month of February. For the latest information on the National Day of Courage, make sure to visit our event page and website.

Design-Worthy Democracy

By Stephanie South, Intern, American Democracy Project

Prior to Election Day, the American Democracy Project asked you to snap and share your democratic spirit on Instagram with the hashtag #ADPelect12. As promised, you can take a look at our Instagrid hashtag gallery of the images captured here.

If you can’t get enough of the electoral and political artistry, we have some other fantastic finds to share with you:

“I dunno” by Jeanize Cilliers, Graphic Designer and Senior at FHSU

At Fort Hayes State University, the ADP chapter teamed up with a professor of graphic design to host the annual “American Democracy Poster Project.” During the week of October 22^nd, posters showcasing graphic design students’ views about current issues and democracy were on display in the student union. There were over 52 posters created. These were then voted on, and the winning poster was displayed after the exhibition. The first-place poster, “I dunno,” was created by Jeanize Cilliers, graphic designer and senior at FHSU; if you are curious about her other designs, click here.

For more details, visit this link or check out ADP’s previous blog post on the contest here.

“Get Out the Vote” was a partnership project with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the American Democracy Project at the University of Nebraska Kearney. This year, the voting project was a poster competition for the best original individual or team design and voting topic created by UNK students. The poster competition was held at UNK’s Student Union, and some of the posters can be seen here.

Nationally, Rock the Vote’s #WeWill campaign featured photo statements taken from the 2012 Rock the Vote Road Trip that are worth checking out here.

ADP in the News | November 8, 2012 Edition

ADP in the News is a compilation of brief updates about American Democracy Project activities at ADP colleges and universities and is a semi-regular news feature on our blog. Below you will find the latest grouping of this information, with Constitution Day and Election 2012 as the primary focus. Because we are not looking to duplicate posts, if you want to learn more about other Constitution Day and Election 2012 activities, see the respective previous posts or some of our Campus Spotlights.

If you have an ADP event you’d like posted in this format, please email Jen at adp@aascu.org.

- Stephanie South, Intern, American Democracy Project

RIC ADP hosted fall forums on Wikipedia and talk radio

The American Democracy Project (ADP) at Rhode Island College and NBC 10 recently hosted a panel of experts in the fields of politics and communication to explore the inner workings of what goes on before, during, and after debates. The panel, titled “Political Campaign Debates: What Wikipedia Won’t Tell You,” took place on September 13. Topics discussed included the importance of political debates, how candidates stay fresh, “spin” in the media after a debate, and how debates will change in the future. Read more on this here.

Local media personalities also squared off on October 17 for a panel discussion the premise of whether talk radio is still relevant in Rhode Island politics. The RIC ADP panel, “Politics in Rhode Island: Does Talk Radio Still Rule?” was the latest in a series of election-season events put together by communications Profs. Valerie Endress and Kay Israel, and was moderated by RIC ADP partner NBC-10’s Gene Valicenti. Read more on this here.

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MTSU played host to state’s largest naturalization ceremony

In the year of the 225th anniversary of The Constitution’s signing, Middle Tennessee State University acted as a federal courthouse as 300 new citizens were naturalized on September 17. The ceremony was a collaborative effort conducted through the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the American Democracy Project. Read more on this here.

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Justice Alan Page spoke on Constitution Day at ISU

The American Democracy Project introduced Illinois State University to Justice Alan C. Page, Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, in hopes to educate students with civic engagement on Constitution Day. ADP hosts speakers annually to remind students the importance of the Constitution. Prior to speaking, Page explained that he would begin his discussion by encouraging students to become involved and make a change in addressing different issues.  Read more on this here.

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ADP John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement Winner Emily Janke at UNCG’s Institute for Community & Economic Engagement wins national recognition

Emily Janke was awarded the Early Career Research Award from the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement at the association’s annual conference in Baltimore. Janke is special assistant at the helm of the Institute for Community & Economic Engagement, which is part of University of North Carolina Greensborough’s Office of Research & Economic Development. Earlier this year, she won the John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement, an award established by the American Democracy Project. Read more on this here.

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Lander University students participated in mock presidential debate

Political science students portraying Team Obama and Team Romney staged a mock presidential debate at Lander University on October 9, an event that drew 500 spectators to Lander’s Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The debate was sponsored by the American Democracy Project and featured 12 students in the presidential campaigns. Read more about this here.

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Student political party chapters saw resurgence at JSU this election season

As part of the nationwide American Democracy Project, Jacksonville State University hosted a debate-watch party for the second presidential debate. About 250 students showed up for the event on a Tuesday night, said Lori Owens, head of the political science department and campus coordinator for ADP at JSU. Read more on this here.

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FHSU American Democracy Project, Eagle Communications present ‘Eye of the Tiger’

Eight students have been given portable video cameras to record the life of Fort Hays State University students in Hays and their hometown communities. Eye of the Tiger, a civic journalism site, is a cooperative project between the FHSU American Democracy Project’s eCitizenship initiative and Eagle Communications.  Read more about this here.

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UWO’s ADP hosted community-building contest

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s American Democracy Project recently sponsored its second Creating a Stronger Community Contest. Oshkosh alumna Dani Stolley ’97, founder of Growing Oshkosh, was one of four recent winners of that contest, which is designed to “generate excitement and action around community-building projects.” Read more about this here.

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Georgia College plans series of forums about higher education

Gregg Kaufman recently announced that Georgia College will be taking part in the Shaping Our Furure national conversation about the public purposes of higher education.  In an article posted October 18, he describes the Georgia College American Democracy Project and the series of forums that the project will host. Read more on this here.

The American Democracy Project at Georgia College also held its 2012 mock election on October 23-24, gathering votes from 770 participants during the two-day voting period. Participants were allowed to vote on two matters – the first being their choice for president, and the second being the issue that they believed would dominate the 2012 election. Read more on this and get the results here.

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ISU’s ADP hosted hundreds for the final Presidential Debate Watch Party and Social Issues Fair

Many more students than expect turned out for a public screening of the final presidential debate at Illinois State University. The viewing was hosted by ISU’s American Democracy Project and the Student Government Association. Organizers said they were shocked so many people showed up, especially since the third debate focused on foreign policy, not the economy. Read more on this here.

ISU’s Student Government Association and the American Democracy Project also surpassed their goal to register 100 to 200 students to vote with an estimated number of over 500 students who visited one of the voter registration booths on during three days in late September. Read more on this here.

On Monday, October 29 ISU’s ADP and School of Communication co-sponsored a Social Issues Fair that provided all persons in attendance with current information on a wide variety of issues and problems that are sensitive to our nation. Presenters prepared short speeches to deliver to those in attendance. There was a wide range of topics at this year’s fair, including discussions of employment, the national debt, funding for education, health care, renewable energy, and urban education. Read more on this here.

President Obama not only won re-electon on November 6, but at the end of October, he also won an ISU Presidential Straw Poll conducted by the ISU American Democracy Project. A total of 243 students from ISU, Heartland Community College and Illinois Wesleyan University were asked several questions about the race. President Obama won with 57 percent of the vote. Read more about this here.

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“Freedom Sings: Music that Matters” at WKU

On Monday, October 22, Western Kentucky University featured a live musical, multi-media presentation celebrating the First Amendment and music:   Music subjected to censorship or bans.  Music with a positive impact.  Music that moved generations and social causes.  Music that altered the social fabric of the United State through a call for change. It was produced by the First Amendment Center and sponsored by the School of Journalism & Broadcasting; Department of Political Science, Political Engagement Project, and the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility. Read more on this here.

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IUSB Constitution Day celebrated freedom and registered voters on Constitution Day and hosted a variety of other politically engaging projects

Because less than half of Americans under 25 voted in the 2008 election, according to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), the American Democracy Project (ADP) of Indiana University South Bend celebrated Constitution Day with a variety of activities, including registering voters of all ages. Read more on this here.

On Monday, October 22, the Indiana University South Bend River Crossing lodge was packed with students lining up for pizza and politics. The event marked the third and final presidential debate of the 2012 election season, and the IUSB Political Science Club and American Democracy Project offered a place for students and community members to gather, watch the debate, and enjoy some free food. Read more on this here.

Indiana University South Bend’s American Democracy Project and Political Science Club also co-sponsored a debate with the League of Women Voters of South Bend for the 2nd District U.S. House race on October 28. Read more on this here.

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First Annual Cabrillo College Town Hall event aimed to educate

Cabrillo College’s Commitment to Democracy, in partnership with the American Democracy Project and sponsored by the Associated Students of Cabrillo College (ASCC), held its First Annual Cabrillo College Town Hall Meeting on the afternoon of Monday, October 22. The meeting aimed to discuss the upcoming election, as well as the various California propositions that will be on the November ballot. Read more on this here.

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Award-Winning Political Reporter Tim Skubick to discuss November election issues at Ferris

Veteran political reporter Tim Skubick helped voters navigate the 2012 Election during a presentation Tuesday, October 23 at Ferris State University. The Emmy-winning journalist, the state’s longest-serving state capitol correspondent, shared his insider’s take on the November 6 Presidential Election and six Michigan ballot proposals. Read more about this here.

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University of Nebraska at Kearney Sponsored “Slacktivist or Activist” Event Regarding Social Media

The American Democracy Project sponsored “Social Media and Civic Engagement: Slacktivist or Activist” Wednesday, October 24 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. “The overall goal of this event is to facilitate a discussion about social media and its effects on our society,” said James Young, assistant professor of criminal justice and social work. Read more on this here.

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ESU’s ADP chapter piques political interest

Rob Catlett, director of Emporia State University’s American Democracy Project chapter, professor of economics, and director of the Center for Economic Education, said the ESU chapter has received a lot of attention because the political discussions they have through their eCitizenship program on Twitter are known for their atmosphere of politeness. The program had four Twitter debate sessions over the last month. There were three separate debates during each session – one with only ESU students, one with Northern Georgia University students and several other schools and one between all chapters of the ADP.  Read more on this here.

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American Democracy Project launched first ILSTU Views kiosk

Illinois State’s American Democracy Project launched a project that gives its students a new way to talk about hot topics while also improving their critical thinking skills and encouraging them  to assess and interact with important social issues. ILSTU Views is an innovative Internet and social media tool that could revolutionize civil debate and political communication. It employs digital media displays located around campus, at which students and members of the community will engage in civil discourse by responding to local, national, and global questions. Then, using the touch screen, people can interact with each other by posting comments or liking other people’s comments. This project was made possible by the campus chapter receiving a grant that allowed for the installation of the interactive kiosks. Read more on this here.

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ADP at CAL U presents panel that examines 2012 election results

Just one week after American voters chose their next president, a popular team of political experts will return to Cal U to examine the reasons behind the results. Presented by the American Democracy Project at California University, the program is open to the public. “This is an excellent opportunity to hear national experts discuss the presidential and congressional election outcomes,” said Dr. Melanie Blumberg, a professor in Cal U’s Department of History and Political Science. Read more on this here.

Campus Spotlight: UCO’s Constitution Week Programming 2012

University of Central Oklahoma: Constitution Week Programming: September 17-21, 28, 2012

By Mary Carver, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Leadership and Civic Engagement, Susan Scott, Ed.D., Professor of Educational Sciences, Foundations, and Research and American Democracy Project Student Organization Faculty Sponsor, and Emily Griffin Overocker, Director of Transfer Student Support and Co-Chair of the Naturalization Ceremony Committee

Constitution Week activities hosted by the American Democracy Project and Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma included a variety of activities which involved students, faculty, staff and the Oklahoma City community. It was a memorable week in big and small ways.

UCO Voter Registration Contest

On Constitution Day we kicked off a voter registration drive. Each year Oklahoma Campus Compact sponsors a voter registration contest for universities across the state. Schools compete to see who can register the highest percentage of voters, with awards given in the small, medium and large school divisions. Efforts throughout the campus resulted in the registration of 1060 voters, 7.9 percent of the student body.

Students, faculty and staff came together to promote and assist with the voter registration drive.  The UCO American Democracy Project coordinated with students in the Leadership and Civic Engagement course, Pi Sigma Alpha (the political science honor society), Success Central courses, U.S. history courses, the Volunteer and Service Learning Center, the Women’s Outreach Center, Alpha Phi Alpha and Greek Life, Max Chambers Library, University Relations, the Wellness Center, Central 360 student TV station, The Vista student newspaper, and student housing to make the week a success. Students, staff and faculty worked together across campus to ensure as many people as possible were reached. It was amazing to see so many different people in different departments, colleges and areas of campus come together to be involved in this one goal.

As UCO student, Jerrah explained, “Helping with the voter registration drive on UCO’s campus was an experience that enabled me to truly understand the impact of holding other students accountable for their civic involvement as citizens of such a blessed nation. The fact that we won shows how much UCO students care about their communities and the decisions that impact them: living Central means engaging in and caring about our communities and their leaders!” Our efforts paid off, as UCO won the Oklahoma Campus Compact voter registration contest large school division for a third year in a row. More importantly, a thousand more Oklahomans will be more likely to vote in November.

Constitution Week celebrations ended with 118 individuals from thirty-three countries taking the Oath of Allegiance at the University of Central Oklahoma. The event had multiple components, all designed to recognize and honor our newest citizens. Four federal judges, Chief Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, Judge David L Russell, Judge Stephen P.Friot, and Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti from the US District Court, Western District of Oklahoma presided over the court. President Don Betz delivered a welcome that included the central role of civic engagement, global citizenship and responsibility, and the American Democracy Project on campus.

The Citizenship and Immigration Services presented the 118 applicants to the court for citizenship and Court Clerk Robert Dennis administered the Oath of Allegiance to their new country. In a moving show of allegiance, the applicants stood and recited the oath as it was written on their programs. To hear their voices as they renounced their former countries of origin could only cause pause to those of us who are born U.S. citizens as we contemplated the serious and life changing moment.

Students at the University of Central Oklahoma participated in the naturalization ceremony in several ways. Our ultimate goal was

US Courts, Western District of Oklahoma 2

to provide a transformative learning experience for our students, while honoring our new citizens through service learning. This was accomplished several ways. First a small Citizenship Fair was set up and information related to the students’ programs were provided to our new citizens and their families.

Two courses created projects for the new citizens. One course, a computer class, designed buttons for the new citizens to wear. The other course designed a personalized souvenir notecard and the students wrote welcome notes to each new citizen. Members of the class hand delivered the notecards. Corrie, one of the students who wrote a card said, “I hoped to make the new citizens feel welcome and accepted when they read our cards. I also wanted to show them that they should be very proud of their accomplishment.”

Finally, one of the UCO leadership courses volunteered to serve as hosts and helpers from the beginning to the end. They took great effort to serve the new citizens and their families in so many ways including helping them register to vote. They personally went to each new citizen and provided them with voter registration information. Their friendly faces helped the new citizens feel welcomed and honored. One student, Amber said, “It was so unique to see new citizens so excited about their citizenship and so thrilled to get to vote in this year’s election.”

Karla Dougherty, new citizen

The naturalization ceremony was well attended by the UCO community. Sarah, UCO student said, “Watching the ceremony made me feel really thankful that I was born in America, so I naturally have my citizenship.  I realized that so many people work very hard to become citizens of this country. I feel very blessed.”  (Watch ceremony here.) She goes on to share why she felt hosting a naturalization ceremony at our university is important, “Students at a university are learning, not only to expand their scholarly knowledge, but to expand their views on the world as well. The world is a very complex place with so many different types of people.  Seeing a naturalization ceremony is a good way to for students to witness the diversity that makes up our great country.”

As we prepared for the naturalization ceremony many of the students took time to understand the arduous and costly process. It also provided a time for self-reflection where one considered their own citizenship. At the same time, one new citizen, Aura, shared that the experience was professional and touching. She also went on to say that her new U. S. citizenship provides stability and a great place to raise her son. Those of us born in the United States and who attend UCO were given a rare glimpse of the journey to naturalized citizenship through the stories and faces of those who take on this quest. It was transformative, not only for the new citizens, but for those of us who participated in the naturalization ceremony with them.

To learn more about ADP at UCO, go here.

Campus Spotlight: Weber State’s Deliberative Democracy Day

By Leah Murray, Associate Professor, Political Science and Philosophy and ADP Campus Co-Coordinator, Weber State University

Weber State University, located in Ogden, Utah, is a comprehensive public University that serves a dual mission – as an open-enrollment community college for Northern Utah as well as a regional university offering a full range of baccalaureate and masters degrees. The Academic Affairs and Student Affairs divisions at Weber State University co-manage the American Democracy Project, which reflects a larger institutional commitment to a strong division partnership. Weber State University’s Deliberative Democracy Day is one model of that management, although we run all of our programming in this manner.

In 2009, Weber State University hosted its first Deliberative Democracy Day. The process begins in student government when student senators choose a topic they would like to deliberate. Each of the four times we have hosted Deliberative Democracy Day, the students chose a difficult topic: immigration reform, education access, health care reform and gay marriage. Once a topic is selected, a committee of faculty experts in the field is convened to plan the day. The committee, in conversation with students, chooses a slate of panelists who will come and be available to answer questions from students. The committee also creates a list of interesting questions that students will discuss before hearing from the panel. A number of students are trained as focus group leaders and they facilitate conversation about the topic. On the day, students arrive planning to spend four to five hours together engaged in intense deliberation about an important political issue. This deliberation begins with focus groups and ends with asking questions of the expert panel.

Faculty discuss same-sex marriage and its possible effects on democracy during Weber State University’s Deliberative Democracy Day.

This past year, the students chose gay marriage, which in Utah is banned. Student senators wanted to discuss the effects of gay marriage on society. Previous to the day, we surveyed students for their opinions and then we surveyed students who attended Deliberative Democracy Day. We examined the difference between the students who attended Deliberative Democracy Day and the general student population. Due to respondent identification issues, we cannot claim student opinion change, but we can claim a difference between the groups. As you see from Figure 1 below, students who attended the Deliberative Democracy day indicated a more favorable attitude toward same sex marriage than by students who did not attend.

Another feature of Deliberative Democracy Day is that an upper division Community-Based Learning political science methods course collaborated with the American Democracy Project to study the survey results and presented the research at an end of year symposium. As a result, information from our Deliberative Democracy Day was disseminated to a wider University audience while also serving to train political science majors.

Our student senators are currently debating the topic for 2013. Once they choose, we will begin the process. We also plan on resolving our respondent identification issues so we can demonstrate student opinion change on this year’s topic as a result of participating in Deliberative Democracy Day.

Figure 1. Do you think allowing same sex marriage will change our society for the better, it will have no effect, or for the worse?

Read more about Weber’s 2012 Deliberative Democracy Day here.

Learn more about ADP at Weber State University here.

ADP at IUSB to Co-Sponsor Congressional Candidate Debate

From an IUSB Press Release:

ADP at IUSB Election 2012 Event Schedule (https://www.iusb.edu/news/?p=2691)

The American Democracy Project and Political Science Club of Indiana University South Bend and the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area are moving ahead with the third bi-annual Second District Congressional Candidate Debate to be televised live on WNIT-TV on Sunday, October 28thfrom 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will include Democratic candidate Brendan Mullen and Libertarian candidate Joe Ruiz. Republican candidate Jackie Walorski has declined to participate.

In 2008, these same groups hosted a (WNIT) televised debate between Democratic candidate, Joe Donnelly, and Republican candidate Luke Puckett.

In 2010, they hosted candidates Joe Donnelly (D), Jackie Walorski (R), and Mark Vogel (L).

The Second District Congressional Candidate Debate is part of a larger Fall 2012 debate series hosted by the American Democracy Project and League of Women Voters, which features St. Joseph County candidates for the positions of surveyor, treasurer, recorder, probate judge, and commissioner.

The American Democracy Project and League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area have become well-known locally for hosting candidate debates in races of importance to local voters. For example, last fall (2011), the same organizations hosted debates for Mishawaka Mayor, South Bend Common Council, and South Bend Mayor. Recent candidates for the offices of sheriff, prosecutor, state legislator, and county council have also participated in the ADP/LWV debates. “We are at the stage now where both Republican and Democratic candidates have begun calling us to ask if we can host a debate for their political race,” said Elizabeth Bennion, who is the lead organizer for the events.

According to Dr. Bennion, a political science professor who serves as Campus Director of the American Democracy Project at Indiana University South Bend, the Second District debate has been in the planning stages since July.According to Bennion, the coalition always planned to move ahead with the debate once at least two candidates accepted. “Brendan Mullen and Joe Ruiz accepted our invitations quickly and enthusiastically. We have been waiting since July to receive a confirmation from the Walorski campaign.”

Bennion noted that she contacted Ms. Walorski, communications director Elizabeth Guyton, and campaign manager Brendon DelToro on Tuesday, September 11th to let them know that the sponsors planned to move ahead with the debate with or without Walorski. After receiving an email reply from Mr. DelToro stating that the campaign would be reviewing invitations on Saturday, September 15th, Bennion—still hoping for an affirmative response—promised that she would not confirm a final date until Monday (9/24/12). The Walorski campaign’s response came on Monday, September 24th, the same day the campaign issued a press release indicating that they had agreed to participate in a WSBT radio debate and a Wabash County Chamber of Commerce debate. (Details for these events are not yet finalized).

As a political science professor who studies and teaches about election campaigns, Bennion notes that there are many factors a campaign must consider when determining which invitations to accept. “I understand the many factors that a campaign manager considers when deciding which debate invitations and public appearances to accept. Ultimately, it is the right of the Walorski campaign to accept or reject any invitation. However, as Campus Director of the American Democracy Project, I am eager to give voters an opportunity to hear the candidates on their ballot and compare them side-by-side. The American Democracy Project and the League of Women Voters support engaged and informed citizenship. There is no better way for voters to quickly understand the differences between candidates than to hear the candidates answer issue-based questions in their own words in a face-to-face debate. Our record hosting a wide range of candidate forums reflects this belief and demonstrates our commitment to informed and engaged citizenship.” Bennion notes that the decision to partner with WNIT also reflect this philosophy by opening up the debates to people without cable TV or home Internet access.

Bennion stressed that she would be thrilled if Ms. Walorski decides that her schedule will, in fact, allow her to participate in the televised debate. “There is a podium waiting for her, if she is able to join us. We plan to host every two years with whichever candidates accept our invitation. This year’s debate would certainly be enriched by the participation of all three candidates.” “Jackie Walorski is the current front-runner in this race. Voters are eager to hear what she has to say. She is a strong campaigner and we welcome her participation in the debate.”

Constitution Day 2012: Celebrating 225 years!

Constitution Day 2012: 225^th Anniversary Celebration & Education Plans

Today, September 17, 2012 is Constitution Day and marks the 225th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by the 39 Founding Fathers on Sept. 17, 1787.

The following ADP campuses responded to a recent survey about their plans to commemorate Constitution Day.

You’ll find more information about Constitution Day here: http://www.aascu.org/programs/adp/constitutionday/

Responding ADP Colleges & Universities:

Here’s how ADP campuses are commemorating the 225^th Anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.

California University of Pennsylvania | http://dev.calu.edu/academics/american-democracy-project/index.htm
Cal U has scheduled several panel sessions. The headline event features the nine students who attended the national political conventions. Panels: 1. Diversity in Politics:  Race, Gender, and Religion; 2. Private Sector v. Public Sector:  Jobs, Jobs, Jobs; 3. You Can’t Lead if You Don’t Vote; 4. Incivility in Politics:  Meaner than Joe Greene; 5. Health Care:  It’s Serious Business; 6. Conventional Wisdom:  Two Candidates, Nine Students. Constitution Day is the kick-off of a campus-wide voter education and registration drive. It is particularly important this year, as the new state law prohibits online voter registration and requires state-issued voter IDs.

Clayton State University | http://www.clayton.edu/arts-sciences/constitutionday
Voter registration, New York Times talk on voter id laws, discussion on living constitutionalism and a constitutional debate. We are having a debate on the need for another constitutional convention after 225 years.

East Stroudsburg University
We are hosting a forum on the constitution’s protection of voting rights. We chose this issue because voting rights are a hot topic in Pennsylvania right now due to the passage of a recent Voter ID bill. We will also provide information on voting and voter registration.

Ferris State University
We will conduct an educational forum on the Electoral College.  Additionally, our large contingency of international students will be required to attend the forum.

Florida Gulf Coast University
We will be having a Constitution Day Celebration on September 17th. We will have a professor speak on the importance of the Constitution and its effects on politics today as well as free mini constitutions, food and materials/information on parties and candidates for the upcoming election.

Illinois State University | http://americandemocracy.illinoisstate.edu/
We’ll have Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page on campus. He’ll meet with various student groups through the day and then deliver a presentation for campus on constitutional protections for civic engagement. We will unveil our new interactive civil debate wall. It’s technology based on the software used at the University of Florida; however, we are installing several kiosks around campus.

Indiana University East
Week-long events. Monday: cake and balloons and movie: National Treasure and Democracy board”Is the Constitution outdated? Tuesday: Indiana Supreme Court Justice presentation- voter registration. Wednesday: Lunch with local representatives. Thursday: Political Science Club registration

IUPUI
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) has “lots” planned for Constitution Day! Including: a “find the word” Constitution game with 7-10 words that do not appear in the constitution but seem like they “should” be in the constitution; a Constitution Jeopardy game day; a “Pass the Mic” on issues related to free speech and violence against religions; and a guest speaker from FIRE coming to talk about students’ rights related to free speech.

Indiana University South Bend
Constitution Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17 in front of the fountain on the campus mall. There will be free constitutions, trivia, food and games. Read more here.

Jacksonville State University
Two speakers on the meaning of the Constitution.  Each has a different perspective.  One is a Federalist Society lawyer and one is a “living Constitution” constitutional law professor. We are headlining it as the 225th Celebration.  Our freshman students will be required to write a reflection paper.  This will be a campus and community event.

Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU will hold a naturalization ceremony for 300 new Americans. There will be a keynote address by the  Chief Justice
of the Tennessee Supreme Court, The Honorable Gary R. Wade as well as campus-wide readings of the Constitution and the opportunity to print a copy of the 19th amendment on a Franklin-era printing press. For more information: MTSU Constitution Day Poster 2012

Missouri State University | http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/141935.htm   and http://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/118513.htm
For the full week of September 17, we will be leading a voter registration drive.  For Constitution Day itself, we will be hosting an event from 11 am – 12:30 pm call “Constitution Day: Giving Voice”.  For this event, Giving Voice to Constitution Day is an event designed to educate and empower the campus community as to their rights and freedoms provided to them by the United States Constitution. Giving Voice musical troupe will put on a special performance and all attendees will be given a pocket Constitution. Everyone on campus is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.  Distribution of the pocket constitutions to bring awareness to the day.

Norfolk State University

http://www.nsu.edu/constitutionday/

Northeastern Illinois University
We will be celebrating on September 17th with a information tables, a speech by “Ben Franklin”, and the kick off of our campus voter registration drive.

Northwestern State University
Unfortunately a guest speaker had to cancel. Instead, two social scientists and a law/business professor will comprise a panel discussion on recent Supreme Court decisions from a Constitutional perspective.

Salisbury University
On October 15th The Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement will be hosting a Gay Marriage Forum in celebration of Constitution Day.  There will be two  prominent speakers for both sides of the argument and their discussion will be based and put through the lenses of the Constitution. The Forum will be a large event, with invitations going out to the Salisbury Community as well as the campus community.

Sam Houston State University
Sarah Weddington, winning attorney in the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade will deliver the keynote address “The Biggest U.S. Supreme Court Constitutional Controversies in 40 Years: What Arguing Roe v. Wade Can Teach Us About the Current Healthcare Debate” at 4 p.m. on Monday.  Read more here.

Brockport Naturalization Ceremony, Sept. 17, 2012

SUNY College at Brockport
We plan to host our annual naturalization ceremony.  We expect that between 65 and 70 new citizens will be sworn in. We  are advised by USCIS that there may be a VIP visit to this year’s ceremony because it is the 225th anniversary.  We won’t know until just a few days before the ceremony. We are working with Student Government to quiz students on knowledge of US civics and history, using questions from the test that candidates for naturalization must take. Read more here.

SUNY Cortland
Lecture by Professor Judith Best, expert on the electoral college.

University of Central Missouri | http://libguides.uco.edu/constitution
We have a series of events throughout the week. This year’s theme is “It’s your Voice (Vote, Constitution, Rights, Country, Responsibility), Use It.”  We hope students (and all campus community members) will gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities and how an involved citizenry is integral. Read more here. See UCMO’s flier: COMMEMORATING THE CONSTITUTION 2012.

University of Central Oklahoma | www.uco.edu/adp
We will host a special naturalization ceremony on campus, participate in the Oklahoma Campus Compact voter registration contest, and host a special Coffee with the Times discussion with President Don Betz.The campus community can join the National Conference on Citizenship conversation and the special naturalization ceremony online through the UCO site. This speaks to the significance of technology, social media and UCO’s Information Technology and Technology Resource Center.

UMBC
Plans are still coming together. In the past we’ve used online forums to spark conversations, passed out copies of the Constitution and featured speakers.

University of Northern Iowa
1. Panel, including Iowa Secretary of State, on Voter ID:  Voter Fraud or Voter Suppression (Free and open to public.) 2.  Speaker on Eyewitness Identification:  The Brain Lies, Not the Witness. 3.  Workshop for middle school students. 4. Pocket constitutions to be distributed.

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | www.uwosh.edu/adp
We have engaged a speaker from Chicago Kent School of Law, Dr. Christopher Schmidt, to discuss the tension between the 9th and the 10th Amendments in a talk entitled “Broccoli, Liberty, and the Constitutional Battle over Health Care.”  In addition we will be passing out several hundred pocket Constitutions along with cupcakes during lunchtime in the concourse of our campus union. Will also integrate voter registration awareness. ADP interns and a Civic Engagement class are reading sections of the Constitution to the campus community. Read more here.

Towson University | www.towson.edu/civicengagement
We will celebrate Constitution Day by hosting a New York Times Lunch Talk, which will be focused on a faculty facilitated discussion with students on the Constitution. Free pizza and beverages will be available at the event. Also, we will be giving away Constitution booklets across campus. We will celebrate Constitution Week with a myriad of events such as, an outdoor movie screening of Iron- Jawed Angels, and marketing events from other departments such as the Baltimore Black Heritage tour and a speaking engagement with Cartoonist for The Baltimore Sun and The Economist, Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher among other events. At our tabling events where we pass out Constitution booklets, we will make sure to have extra incentives to approach the table, including giveaways and food along with thoughtful conversations with students about the Constitution. We may do more, it has yet to be determined.

Washington State University Vancouver
Lunch time tabling including distribution of free copies of the Constitution and information about information literacy.

Weber State University | http://www.weber.edu/leadership/adp.html
We are planning on three days of celebrations. One day we are going to have a giant birthday cake for the Constitution and play a “Beat Dr. Sessions” quiz game where students will compete with our presidential distinguished History professor. A second day we are going to have a “Call to Action” day where local leaders come and talk about what they need students to do to be better citizens locally. The third day we will have a military panel during which student veterans and active military will talk about why the Constitution is important to them. We are having a birthday party for the 225^th anniversary. We will be handing out pocket Constitutions at every event.

Western Illinois University
Panel discussion on Constitution featuring historians and political scientists.

William Paterson University | www.wpunj.edu/adp
Our 8th annual public lecture for First Year Seminar students, all classes and the general public. Expert in the field delivers an address; a luncheon follows. Read more here. View William Paterson’s flyer here: William Paterson_Constitution Day Flyer

Winona State University
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will present “Helping to Move Democracy Forward” at 1 p.m. Ritchie will talk directly to students about doing their part for democracy and participating in the upcoming elections. A panel discussion on the importance of civic engagement will take place at 6 p.m. in the Student Activities Center, Kryzsko Commons. Participants will include students, faculty, and representatives from the League of Women Voters and WSU Student Life and Development. Read more here.

 

What goals and/or learning outcomes do you have for your planned Constitution Day programming?

• students gaining knowledge and efficacy related to their free speech rights on campus.
• Students have a much better understanding of the history, structure, and working of the electoral college.
• I hope students can walk away with a better understanding of how much the Constitution is still relevant in our lives today as well as the importance of voting.
• Participants will understand role of the electoral college in the elections process.
• Our goal is to increase awareness of the Constitution. We plan on surveying students pre and post the event to see if students realized the Constitution had a birthday.
• Generally we want Constitution Day programming to support our broader agenda of building students’ civic agency.
• PACE hopes to use Constitution Day as a means of taking a current issue and funneling it through a 225 year old living document.  The Forum will consist of different view points, but will all be civilly discussed using the same baseline of the Constitution.
• Civic engagement is a central tenet of transformative learning at the University of Central Oklahoma: Develop civic skills; Practice civic responsibility; Describe the process of becoming a U.S. citizen (naturalization) by reading the Oath of Allegiance and observing the special naturalization ceremony; Discuss the notion of global citizenship.
• Information literacy; critical thinking
• Our main goal is to bring attention to our constitutional rights and freedoms that are often taken for granted through a theatrical and musical production
• 1. Educate campus and community about health care issues; 2. Make campus and community aware of contents of Constitution
• 1.) To provide students with the necessary resources to acknowledge the relevance of the U.S. Constitution today; 2.) To question what they know about the U.S. Constitution and encourage further research into U.S history; 3.) To understand what changes were made to the U.S. Constitution and the events that crated them.
• 1. voter education on critical issues; 2. voter education regarding the the new state voting laws; 3. surpassing the 2008 voter registration numbers
• to provide students and the public necessary tools to identify and analyze the constitutional elements and implications of contemporary public policy conflicts.
• Again to bring town and gown to understand democracy is  a work in progress
• Conveying the value of multidisciplinary perspectives on Constitutional and Supreme Court Studies.
• Help students better understand context of Constitution.
• That students, faculty and the community will: understand the significance and importance of the US Constitution; gain an appreciation for the many liberties protected by the Constitution; understand the significance of the Constitution in terms of the protections it affords for meaningful democratic engagement.
• awareness of Bill of Rights and increase voter registration
• We obviously want to increase awareness of the Constitution and citizens’ civic duties.  Additionally, we hope to foster critical thinking about the Constitution as a document written by humans and for humans which is not a foolproof, self-executing plan but contains some tensions which must be sorted through in practice.
• Educate students about the voting process including registration, polling locations and the documentation needed to cast a ballot.

 

Who on your campus is responsible for planning and implementing Constitution Day educational programs and events? What campus organizations/departments are involved or consulted?

• the ADP Steering Committee takes the lead with several academic departments contributing and supporting
• Democracy Plaza organization
• The Student Government Civic Engagement Director (me) and the Office of Service Learning. In addition to these organizations College Republicans and Democrats will also be involved.
• Co-coordinators of the American Democracy Project and the Political Engagement Project.
• Campus Civic Engagement Council is responsible.
• Institute for Civic Engagement working with the Political Science Dept.
• American Democracy Project Steering Committee, which is a partnership between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. We will collaborate with Student Veterans, History Department, Political Science Department.
• Office of Student Life, Student Government Association, Political Science Department
• There are a few organizations/departments involved in making this event happen.  The Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement is the main host of the event; PACE has contacted speakers and coordinated with the departments around campus to make everything run smoothly.  Departments that will have a small hand in it will be Catering, Support Services, Technical Services, and Publications.  In order to make a memorable Constitution Day celebration it is essential to make every little detail work without a hitch.
• The American Democracy Project leadership team under the leadership of Provost William J. Radke and Academic Affairs is responsible for planning and implementing Constitution Day educational programs and events. We partner with Oklahoma Campus Compact, U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma, Office of the President, University Relations, Student Affairs, the Volunteer and Service Learning Center, Information Technology, the library, and Enrollment Management
• Chair of American Democracy Project/Provost’s Office, Working with League of Women Voters, Political Science, Student Government, Public Policy, History, Center for Multicultural Education, Communication Studies
• The Program in Public Affairs and the student government are working together on it.
• The primary responsibility rests with the ADP Committee.  Several staff members from Enrollment Management & Student Affairs participate in the execution.  Student government will also be involved in testing civics knowledge.
• The Office of Public Affairs Support ultimately is responsible for Constitution Day events.  This office selects a student programming committee for our Public Affairs Week which is always held the week of Constitution Day.  Constitution Day is built into the activities of this week long event.
• 1. ADP Committee and interns; 2. Political Science Department faculty members/students; 3. Political Science Student Association; 4. Office of the Provost; 5. Pre-Law Society students
• Dr. Lori Owens, Associate Professor and Department Chair in Political Science and Public Administration
• The Coordinator for Civic Engagement, Angie Hong, is responsible for planning and implementing Constitution Day educational programs and events. We often work with many other departments to coordinate events, including the Center for Student Diversity and Albert S. Cook Library.
• Several ADP Advisory Board members planned the event.  Faculty in the colleges of Liberal Arts, Science & Technology, and Education & Human Services are involved in addition to several student organizations.
• Director of the American Democracy Project.
• ADP campus coordinator working with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs
• Greg Granger, Professor of History and Political Science, along with Bill Housel, Associate Professor of History and Charles Penrod, Associate Professor of Business.
• ADP co-chairs; Associate Provost; Dean of College of Arts & Sciences
• Our ADP takes the lead but several departments are consulted including Politics & Government, Communication, Criminal Justice Sciences, Theater, and others.
• Barbara Cosentino, Associate Director – Civic Engagement – offices that are involved include Student Affairs, Student Leadership Development and Student Government Association
• me, along with the American Democracy Project Committee, but in practice that means me and Associate Vice Chancellor Carleen VandeZande.
• The co-coordinators of ADP on-campus are responsible for planning all events with the assistance of a Graduate Assistant. We are supervised by the Provost’s office and sometimes consult with the Departments of History and Political Science.

 

What resources do you plan to use (campus, community, or national) for Constitution Day activities and events?

• WE are using mostly campus resources with a strong focus on student created programs.
• Undecided but definitely something related to registering students to vote (i.e. TurboVote).
• Campus: The event will be held on campus and will be attended by students; Community: Most of the free food will be donated by local food vendors.
• Campus and community.
• Resources used will involve campus and community efforts.  PACE will plan with the different departments on campus and market the event on campus.  Everyone from students to faculty will be involved.  Local news stations will be present and have live coverage on the local stations.  PAC 14 will be present as well as Delmarva Times.
• We rely on support from Academic Affairs, partnerships with Oklahoma Campus Compact and the U.S. Courts, Western District of Oklahoma, and the National Conference on Citizenship.
• Campus facilities, college President, USCIS Buffalo Field Office, US Magistrate Judge Jonathan Feldman.
• Mainly campus resources
• 1. Constitution; 2. voter information; 3. Social media/campus vision/campus marketing
• We plan to use campus advertisement such as TV screens, newspaper ad, poster board, etc. to recognize Constitution Day on campus. We will also be reaching out to the Baltimore community during the black heritage tour, providing background information on amendments made to the constitution.
• The campus library is hosting the panel discussion. We will advertise in local media to encourage both university and community people to attend.
• Campus resources for advertising the event
• campus staff and “give away” constitutions provided by a national organization
• We have drawn on a nationally recognized speaker and are relying on a local member of Congress’ office for the pocket Constitutions.
• We plan to include student government leadership, the local legal community and faculty members in the forum.

Learn more about Constitution Day here.

ADP Campus Coordinators Corner: Election-Related Programming

By Gregg Kaufman, ADP Campus Coordinator, Georgia College

Georgia College is located adjacent to Milledgeville’s downtown district. The campus has a spacious “front campus” lawn with mature hardwood trees and a row of historic brick buildings that date back one hundred years and more. In 2008, ADP and Georgia College’s Rhetoric Department co-sponsored a series of debate watches.

We invited citizens to join students, faculty, and staff and bring lawn chairs, snacks, and blankets to watch the first presidential debate on a large screen accompanied by exterior speakers in a quasi-drive-in movie setting. Approximately 150 people attended the event and some remained for a debate debriefing session. Subsequent debate watch events were held in the campus library’s coffee shop.

As the semester begins on many ADP campuses and election-related planning commences, what do you have in mind to engage students in the presidential election and ongoing political engagement?

Please share your plans for voting registration, debate watch, and other events in this quick online survey.

Results will be shared with all ADP Campus Coordinators!

You’ll also find resources related to Elections & Voting here.