In recognition of Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17, the Gustavus Public Deliberation and Dialogue program will be holding a discussion about the U.S. Census entitled Census 2020: How We Can Shape the Future. This discussion will take place at 7 p.m in the Heritage Room.
Constitution Day was established in 1956 with the hopes of encouraging more Americans to learn about the Constitution. Tomorrow, 13 campuses across Minnesota and Iowa participate in the Constitution Day Dialogue Initiative put on by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities whose goal is to educate students to become active citizens.
Census 2020: How We Can Shape the Future is a facilitated conversation put on by students involved in the Public Deliberation and Dialogue program. The event provides an opportunity for students to dig deeper into a topic that is critical to our democracy. This dialogue will allow students to learn more about the Census, ask questions, and listen to others’ perspectives.
“Some of the best learning at a liberal arts institution involves carefully considering perspectives different from our own. Doing so shapes our own understanding of ourselves and what we believe,” said Dr. Pamela Conners, chair of the Department of Communication Studies.
With social justice and ethics in mind, the Public Deliberation and Dialogue program works to engage students in meaningful conversation in a variety of communities. These students research, develop, and facilitate communication regarding pressing issues to serve as a campus and local resource.
Public Deliberation and Dialogue fellow Kyra Bowar said, “As a facilitator, I enjoy providing participants with a space where they are free to explore their own values and leave a discussion feeling more informed about these daunting issues.”
“With the Public Deliberation and Dialogue Program, we’re creating opportunities for students to grow more confident in using their voice for civic purposes and more equipped to talk about, across, and with our differences,” Conners said.
All are welcome to join the discussion of the Census on Tuesday, September 17 in the Heritage Room at 7 p.m.
This event is sponsored by the Gustavus Public Deliberation and Dialogue Program and the Dean of Students Office.
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