The Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA) and the Salmon P. Chase Center – in collaboration with Listen. Learn. Discuss. – will host an interactive session on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Panelists will open the discussion, but this forum is designed for students, faculty, and staff to participate actively.

Political campaigns aren’t seminar discussions. They inspire passion, draw sharp contrasts, and fight to win. Yet, after elections in the past, Republicans and Democrats typically turned down the heat to govern. Over time, however, we have inched toward today’s “permanent campaign.” The parties and interest groups flood us with dubious information, stoke outrage, and encourage their bases to listen less and assume more. This cycle of polarization turns opponents into enemies. Dismayed non-combatants increasingly retreat from politics altogether. As a community of citizens, we don’t have to accept these conditions the political professionals push on us.

We want to hear your ideas about choices we can make now that will help us live well as fellow citizens after the election. We will share ideas and concerns in a positive environment and discuss concrete steps we can take individually and together to promote understanding and responsible civic engagement. This is not just about the issues, and it is not at all about the horse race. Rather, the goal is to equip ourselves with knowledge, skills, and strategies to engage responsibly in our democracy and our local community, regardless of the outcome.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to Zoom in together as groups at designated hubs on campus or join individually. We will provide refreshments and snacks at the hubs.

Visit our event page to access the link for more information and to access the registration link. Once registered, you’ll receive Zoom details on the morning of the event.