Democracy Lab

May 2024

Climate Change
Thursday, May 2
7 – 9 pm
Microsoft Teams

In a sweeping report released in late 2023, more than 200 climate scientists warned that climate change has progressed to such a point that the world is now in danger of breaching a number of planetary “tipping points”. Once crossed, they argue, these thresholds could lead to irreversible effects on natural systems crucial to human life, locking in a future that looks much bleaker than the present. What are the principal drivers of climate change? What are its likely social, political, and economic ramifications? And what are some potential solutions we can all contribute to today in our collective efforts to help mitigate its impacts? Join us to find out.

Please note: This is an online discussion.

April 2024

Beyond the Gender Binary
Tuesday, April 23
2 – 4 pm
K 205

Toward the end of the 20^th century, responding to decades of feminist discourse, a small but vocal minority of scholars began to challenge the concept of biologically determined gender differences, advocating instead for non-essentialist interpretations shaped by sociocultural influences. In the ensuing years, as these ideas have gained traction within some parts of the academy, they have sometimes inspired intense backlash within the wider community, prompting some to go so far as to insist that fixed conceptions of gender are essential to upholding the social order. Looking at this history, we might wonder: Why is this debate so “hot” and what is at stake in it? Join us to discuss these and other pressing questions.

Please note: This is an in-person discussion.

Being a Woman in the 21^st Century
Thursday, April 11
7 – 9 pm
Microsoft Teams

What does it mean to be a successful woman? The answer has, arguably, never been more fraught. Frequently subject to unattainable and double-binding standards, women are told to aspire to be “girl bosses”, beating the boys at their own game in business, all while retaining their “feminine charms” and keeping an immaculate home. 60 years on from Congress’ passing of the Equal Pay Act and 50 years on from the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade  decision, what is the state of American womanhood? Join us for this essential conversation.

Please note: This is an online discussion.

March 2024

Being a Man in the 21^st Century
Tuesday, March 26
2 – 4 pm
K 205

Confronted with increasingly stark gender disparities in college enrollment and graduation rates and in the face of what some are describing as an “epidemic of male loneliness”, many are left wondering: are our men in trouble? What messages are we sending boys and young men about what is expected of them? Are traditional conceptions of masculinity inherently harmful? Do more contemporary conceptions of masculinity ultimately render the world unsafe for men? Join us for this urgent conversation.

Please note: This is an in-person discussion.

Synthetic Intimacy: The Other Side of AI
Thursday, March 7
7 – 9 pm
Microsoft Teams

Over the last 40 years, technologies such as texting, social media, and online gaming have wrought profound changes in the ways we relate to one another, moving many of our social connections from the offline to the online world. Now, with the advent of generative AI, our relationships seem poised for yet another shift. What will be the social implications of this new technology and what measures can we take to ensure that important human bonds are protected going forward? Join us for this 2^nd in our 2-part series on this important and fast-moving topic.

Please note: This is an online discussion.

February 2024

AI Unbound 
Tuesday, February 20
2:00-4:00 pm
K 128

Much has been made of recent advances in generative artificial intelligence. For some, these powerful systems seem to offer a new age of efficiency, progress, productivity, and even democracy. For others, they trigger concerns about everything from the future of employment to the prospect of reality collapse. What is generative AI? How is it already reshaping our cultural and professional landscapes? And, amidst all the noise about its promises and perils, how should we distinguish between what is real and what is hype? Join us for this 1st in a 2-part series discussing these and related questions.

Conflict in the Holy Land
Thursday, February 8
7 – 9 pm
Microsoft Teams

In the early morning hours of October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists based in the Gaza Strip launched a sustained and coordinated assault on Israel, resulting in the single deadliest attack in the nation’s history. Within hours, Israel’s government responded by declaring war against Hamas, vowing to obliterate its military capabilities and end its rule in the Gaza Strip. As Americans, how should we think about this conflict? And, what are its implications not only for the region but for the wider world? Come discuss why this war matters.

December 2023

American Greatness: Resilience

Thursday, December 7
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

From the earliest settlers to the contemporary era, the notion of resilience has served as an elemental idea within American thought. But, if our valorization of resilience has often fortified the nation in times of adversity has it also, at times, normalized our sense of struggle? Join us as we explore this important American value.

Please note: this is an online event.

November 2023

American Greatness: Freedom

Tuesday, November 21
2 – 4 p.m.
K-132

Embodying the fundamental ideals of autonomy, democracy, and the pursuit of individual happiness, there is, arguably, no more celebrated value within American culture than that of “freedom”. But what is meant by this notion and how should it be understood in the face of collective rights and responsibilities? Join us as we explore these questions and more.

Please note: this is an in-person event.

American Greatness: Rule of Law

Thursday, November 9
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Within the pantheon of American values, the concept of the rule of law occupies a uniquely important place, forming the bedrock of our shared sense of fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights. In this discussion, we will attempt to unpack this principle and critically examine its application within contemporary society. Join us.

Please note: this is an online event.

October 2023

American Greatness: Abundance

Tuesday, October 24
2 – 4 p.m.
K-132

Uniquely positioned in the world, the U.S. enjoys unparalleled access to natural, cultural, and economic resources and opportunities. In this discussion, we will examine the many ways in which this abundance contributes to shaping our culture both for the better and for the worse. Join us.

Please note: this is an in-person event.

American Greatness: The Melting Pot

Thursday, October 5
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Across history, few images have been more central to the American narrative than that of a “melting pot”. In this discussion, we will attempt to dissect this important metaphor, exploring the pivotal role of diversity in fueling important benefits and challenges for American society. Join us.

Please note: this is an online event.

September 2023

Skills for Bridging the Divide
Tuesday, September 26
2 – 4:30 p.m.
K-132

Rarely in our nation’s history has it been so difficult—or so vital—to engage with people of different political commitments. Democracies depend not on people being able to agree, but on their being willing to speak honestly and listen to others with an open mind. This workshop will offer participants skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of shared relationships. Join Democracy Lab in welcoming representatives from the Carroll County Chapter of Braver Angels for this timely and important workshop.

Please note: this is an in-person event.

April 2023 

Reflections on Public Service: A Conversation with Christopher Tomlinson
Thursday, April 27
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Join Democracy Lab as we welcome newly elected State Delegate, Christopher Tomlinson in conversation. Mr. Tomlinson will reflect on his experience as a first-term elected official in the Maryland State Assembly and share his thoughts about the importance of serving in public office.

Dangerous Speech
Thursday, April 13
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that our right to free speech is protected against government censorship. Through it, we not only protect diversity of thought, but also vital institutions such as a free press and the democratic process itself. Yet, this right is not absolute. Certain kinds of speech, including incitement to violence, are not legally protected. Others, including what some scholars refer to as “dangerous speech,” are left in a legal grey area. What is dangerous speech, what special concerns does it raise, and how should democratically-structured societies seek to address them? Join us for this important conversation.

March 2023

Parental Rights in K-12 Public Education
Thursday, March 30
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

The question of parents’ rights with respect to their children’s education is among the most hotly contested issues in our current political landscape. In recent years, it has served as a potent rallying cry for conservative activists and politicians, but the controversy has deeper and more complicated roots. It is widely recognized that children are best served when parents and educators work together, but what should happen when their values or beliefs don’t align? How should we understand parental rights and responsibilities within the K-12 educational context? Join us as we explore these and related questions.

Cannabis
Thursday, March 9
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

More and more, states around the nation are opting to legalize cannabis and other recreational drugs. In 2022, citizens in Maryland elected to join this movement by voting to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. But what are the public health implications? What is legalization likely to mean for public safety? And what sorts of steps can we take to ensure that this development doesn’t further reinforce existing social, economic and political inequities? In this discussion, we will examine these and related questions as we seek to understand the potential effects of this policy change for individuals and wider society.

February 2023

The Face of Poverty
Tuesday, February 21
3:30 – 5 p.m.
K-133

When Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, there were 40 million living in poverty. When poor people’s organizations and faith communities re-ignited the Poor People’s Campaign more than 50 years later, there were 140 million poor in this country. In many ways the plight of the poor, while growing in size, somehow often remains invisible. Join Democracy Lab and leaders from the Poor People’s Campaign and United Workers for this first in a two-part series, in which we will take up the question of who the poor are and why it is that, in the richest country in history, so many continue to struggle with meeting basic survival needs.

Addressing Poverty
Tuesday, February 28
3:30 – 5 p.m.
K-133

In this second installment in our two-part series on poverty led by representatives from the Maryland Poor People’s Campaign and United Workers, we will explore ways in which, in recent years, people with very little money or power have repeatedly managed to pass laws and make changes that positively impacted jobs, housing and the environment. We will hear about efforts in Maryland and Carroll County to systemically address poverty through the work of poor people’s organizations. We will also learn about ways to get involved locally to build community, support each other and connect with others across the state, transcending historic divides around geography, partisanship and race.

December 2022

Democracy and the Arts
Thursday, December 8
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

To what extent are the goals of art and democracy aligned? To what extent are they misaligned? Like democracy, art is founded on engagement, choice, freedom of expression, and diversity of representation. Great works of art serve to reconfigure our understanding, aiming to educate, provoke, inspire, repel, persuade, dissuade and, on occasion, even confound. Yet works of art themselves are often the product of individual, aristocratic and, at times, almost authoritarian impulses. Given this, how should we understand the relationship between democracy and the arts? Join us as we explore this and related questions.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Reflect on the properties of artistic expression and experience.
• Explore the intersection of the arts and democratic ideals.
• Consider the respects in which democratic citizenship is itself a creative act.

November 2022

Democracy and Religious Extremism
Thursday, November 17
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

At their core, democracies and religions are both institutions of faith. At times, their attendant commitments can be made to interact constructively. Other times, they may prove destructive to one another. In this discussion, our second in a two-part series exploring the relationship between democracy and religious faith, we will take up the question of religious extremism. Examining trends from around the world, we will attempt to understand what characterizes religious faith as “extreme,” what kinds of impact such movements exert upon democratic norms and ideals, and how we might safeguard these principles from harm.
In this discussion, participants will:

• Reflect on the shared features of extremist religious movements from around the globe, including their relationships to several explicitly non-religious, philosophical movements.

• Examine common trends in the interactions between extremist religious movements and democratic institutions and norms.

• Explore measures that can be taken to reinforce our democracy against the threats posed by extremist religious ideologies.

Democracy and Religion
Thursday, November 10
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution, the right to free exercise of religion is among our most foundational liberties as American citizens. But how should we understand the place of religions and religious commitments within a democratically-structured society? How can religious tenets and democratic aims be made to reinforce one another to serve the cause of greater justice? Join us for this first in a two-part discussion series aimed at exploring the relationship between democracy and religion.
In this discussion, participants will:

• Reflect on the vital role played by faith traditions in the founding and shaping of our nation’s democracy.
• Explore productive points of overlap between religious tenets and democratic ideals.
• Assess the conditions needed to maximize the potential for productive exchange between religious and political beliefs.

October 2022

Democracy and the Limits of Diversity
Thursday, October 27
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Recent years have seen a proliferation of efforts aimed at promoting diversity across many sectors of our society. On its face, diversity would seem to be a notion integral to the proper functioning of any healthy democracy. But what counts as “diverse”? And is it possible that some varieties of diversity might actually weaken a democratic society? Join us as we explore these and related questions.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Examine the notion of diversity as it is most commonly employed within the diversity movement.
• Reflect on criticisms of the diversity movement from both the right and the left of the political spectrum.
• Consider what disparities might exist between the aspirations of this movement and its realities.

Ally Skills Workshop
Thursday, October 13
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As society grows more diverse, it falls on each of us to look for ways to move beyond stereotypes and relate to one another in ways that acknowledge our individual complexity. Often this work begins with a better understanding ourselves. Join us as we explore questions of identity and power in this important workshop.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Reflect on the complex and intersecting nature of identities and their relationships to existing systems of power.
• Learn to identify obstacles to effective allyship.
• Develop strategies for meeting the challenges presented by these obstacles.

September 2022

Communicating Across Political Divides
Thursday, September 22
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Rarely in our nation’s history has it been so difficult—or so vital—to engage with people of different political commitments. Democracies depend not on people being able to agree, but on their being willing to speak honestly and listen to others with an open mind. Join us for this workshop in which we will explore several important ingredients of constructive and effective communication.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Learn to reframe potentially contentious political exchanges in more constructive ways.
• Practice skills and techniques vital to constructive democratic exchange.
• Formulate a plan for deploying the skills and techniques presented in the workshop within their communities.

April 2022

Cancel Culture
Thursday, April 28
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

To some, cancel culture offers a powerful means of holding public figures and companies accountable for their actions. To others, it speaks to an empty virtue signaling aimed at destroying individuals and fundamentally eroding our collective right to free speech. What does it mean to be cancelled and how should we respond when mistakes are made in public? Join us for this vital discussion exploring the limits of free speech and forgiveness.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Define cancel culture.
• Reflect on its relationship to free speech.
• Consider its impact on the possibilities of forgiveness and redemption.

Democracy and Ukraine
Thursday, April 14
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

On February 24^th of this year, Russia launched an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine. What sparked this devastating conflict and what consequences might it carry for other democratic societies across the globe? Come find out why this war matters.   
In this discussion, participants will:

• Consider what world conditions may have laid the groundwork for Russias invasion.
• Explore possible consequences of this conflict for democratic societies around the world.
• Reflect on what we can do to help bring about a tolerable resolution to this tragic campaign.

Befriending the “Enemy” – A Film Conversation About My Brother’s Keeper
Wednesday, April 6
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

For fourteen years, Mohamedou Ould Salahi was held as a prisoner of war in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. In 2016, Salahi was released, without ever being charged with a crime. While imprisoned, Salahi was subjected to torture. But, perhaps surprisingly, prison offered countless small acts of humanity at the hands of his American captors as well.

The BAFTA-nominated short film My Brother’s Keeper explores Salahi’s enduring friendship with one of his American guards, Steve Wood, and raises complicated questions about the nature of the ties that bind us to one another. The story it tells is one of compassion, resilience and the extraordinary power of love. In this session, we will watch the film together and then discuss the themes that arise.

March 2022

Democracy and the Place of Local News
Thursday, March 31
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

In a democracy, local news outlets serve a vital function by empowering citizens with the information they need to responsibly participate in government and hold elected officials to account. Yet, across the country, community news outlets are under dire threat. What is lost when local news sources begin to disappear and what steps can we take to prevent this from happening where we live? Join us to find out.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Reflect on the unique role of local press in helping to sustain democratic society.
• Learn about some of the pressures currently confronting community news organizations.
• Explore strategies for building viability and resilience in local news media.

Immigration
Thursday, March 17
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Immigration has long been viewed as an essential part of the American identity. In recent years, changing patterns of economic opportunity, fueled in part by political and climatological instability, have led unprecedented numbers of people to seek opportunity and refuge at our borders. As they continue to arrive, these migrants bring with them a host of challenging questions for our nation, among them: What does it mean to be an American? Join us for this important discussion.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Reflect on the history of immigration in America.
• Examine some of the competing values motivating current debates around immigration.
• Explore ways to balance competing interests that both reflect the American spirit and maintain its integrity.

Pandemic Self-Care
Thursday, March 10
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As the country enters its third year of living with the COVID pandemic, many of us find we are struggling more than ever. Exhausted by the toll exacted on our social lives and on our financial, physical and emotional well-being, we are in need of new modes of relief. This workshop will provide a forum for community members to reflect on their experience with COVID and share strategies for coping going forward.

In this workshop, participants will be invited to:

• Reflect on challenges presented to their lives by the advent of COVID.
• Brainstorm coping techniques that might be used to mitigate the effects of some of those challenges.
• Draw up a personalized action plan aimed at addressing their COVID-related challenges.

February 2022

Critical Race Theory: Cure or Poisoned Pill?
Thursday, February 24
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Few issues have more dramatically divided the nation in recent years than Critical Race Theory. On one side of the debate are those who view CRT as a dangerous ideology designed to undermine our founding principles by indirectly perpetuating the racism it claims to deconstruct. On the other side are those who regard it as an indispensable tool in the struggle to advance the cause of equality and justice for all. Why are opinions on this subject so divided and can our differences be bridged? Join us as we explore this challenging theory and its ramifications for racial issues going forward.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Learn about the history and central tenets of Critical Race Theory.
• Explore some of the reasons Americans appear to be so divided on this issue.
• Consider possible grounds for a shared foundation in racial understanding.

Political Violence
Thursday, February 10
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Under what conditions (if any) can the use of violence to achieve social and political ends be justified? It is often claimed that democratic forms of government are inconsistent with the use of violence. But, given that democratic societies are invariably battlegrounds for consent, is this claim realistic? Confronted with grave injustice and oppression, is it possible that violence is sometimes the righteous response? Join us as we consider this difficult and highly charged question.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Explore some current cultural and political conditions giving rise to violent response.
• Examine some features of democracy that render the use of violence for political ends especially problematic.
• Reflect on whether and under what conditions political violence can be justified.

December 2021

College as an Instrument of Community Good
Thursday, December 2
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

What role should a college, particularly a publicly-funded one, play with respect to its community? Colleges are tasked with enabling students to advance in their education and, in so doing, help to raise the nation’s standard of living. Yet, across the country, there is widespread distrust of institutions of higher learning, suggesting a disconnect between these institutions and the communities they purport to serve. What can be done to restore this trust? In particular, what more might Carroll be doing to meet community needs and serve as an instrument of community good? Join us as we consider these questions and more.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Examine some of the reasons for the recent decline in public trust in colleges and universities.
• Contemplate some of the features of colleges and universities positioning them to be of unique benefit to their local communities.
• Formulate a list of suggestions for ways in which Carroll might do more to contribute to the county’s well-being.

November 2021

What Should College Cost?
Thursday, November 18
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams 

At their best, colleges and universities offer students the knowledge and skills they will need to successfully navigate their professional, personal, and civic lives. In this way, they not only improve their students’ circumstances, but also work to raise the standard of living for the nation as a whole. Yet, the high price of college today means that many students are priced out of this important experience, a loss that has the potential to impact us all. So, what should college cost? Join us for this important discussion.
In this discussion, participants will:

• Explore some of the social and economic forces responsible for rising college costs.
• Examine some of the moral and practical considerations giving shape to the debate around college pricing.
• Reflect on what a college education should ideally represent in light of our broader social, political, and economic priorities.

College and Equity
Thursday, November 11
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Colleges and universities are sometimes referred to as society’s great “equalizers”. However, such an understanding often seems to neglect these institutions’ origins by and for the governing class. Has higher education moved beyond its origins or do its historical structures and history of exclusion perpetuate a fixed social order? Looking forward, what obligations (if any) should these institutions have with respect to achieving greater equity and how well (or not) are they currently equipped toward achieving these aims? Join us for this timely discussion.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Examine the history of institutions of higher learning in this country.
• Reflect on the unique mission of colleges and universities as leaders of society.
• Explore some of the lingering issues embedded in the structures and practices of higher education.

October 2021

Educating for a 21st Century Democracy
Thursday, October 28
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Americans’ participation in civic life has never been more vital. The various crises currently defining the 21st century, from global terrorism to climate-induced mass migration, all demand large-scale, highly interdisciplinary, intensely creative and collaborative responses. How can our current systems of education do a better job of equipping students to recognize and effectively advocate for their interests in confronting these complex problems in the political arena? Join us for this thought-provoking discussion.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Consider the current educational model and the kinds of citizenship it seems designed to promote.
• Reflect on the changing political needs of a 21st century democracy.
• Work together to create a revised educational model that will adequately prepare students to act effectively as engaged citizens of the 21st century.

Free Speech on the College Campus
Thursday, October 14
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Academic freedom and freedom of speech have long been central to the project of American higher education. Recently, however, efforts have been undertaken to limit the scope of these long-cherished rights. Across the country, colleges and universities are struggling to balance the need to recognize and support free speech on the one hand and to provide a safe and dignified learning space for all students and faculty on the other. Join us as we explore these challenging issues that cut across ideological lines in often surprising ways.

In this discussion, participants will be asked to:

• Reflect on some of the forces underlying the recent history of this issue.
• Examine the various strengths and weaknesses of positions taken at either extreme.
• Consider where the optimal balance between competing interests might lie.

September 2021

College and the Future World of Work
Thursday, September 30
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

The world of work is in rapid transition. Globalization, the rise of the gig economy, technological innovation and climate change are just a few of the forces reshaping the landscape of work, often in ominous ways. Yet, if handled purposefully, it may be that these same conditions offer us prospects for improving our current circumstances. Join us as we consider what the future of work may hold and how we might begin shaping it so it will meet the needs of future societies and the workers and families that will comprise them.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Examine some of the forces currently reshaping the world of work.
• Explore how these forces might be harnessed to produce positive future change.
• Consider the role of institutions of learning in helping to prepare students to build a future world of work on their own terms.

Communicating Across Political Divides
Thursday, September 16
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Rarely in our nation’s history has it been so difficult—or so vital—to engage with people of different political commitments. Democracies depend not on people being able to agree, but on their being willing to speak honestly and listen to others with an open mind. Join us for this workshop in which we will explore some of the vital ingredients of constructive and effective communication.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Learn to reframe potentially contentious political exchanges in more constructive ways.
• Practice skills and techniques vital to constructive democratic exchange.
• Formulate a plan for deploying the skills and techniques presented in the workshop within their communities.

May 2021

To serve and Protect: Exploring the State of Community/Police Relations
Thursday, May 13
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Healthy relationships between law enforcement officials and the people they are tasked with serving are at the heart of every safe community. In recent years, these relationships have been tested on the community side by numerous high-profile incidents and allegations of police misconduct and on the police side by an ever-evolving landscape of threats from high-capacity weapons to doxing. Join us as we consider the implications of these developments for community/police relations across the nation and right here in Carroll County.

In this discussion, participants will be invited to:

• Reflect on the current state of community/police relations both nationally and in Carroll County.
• Examine some of the factors contributing to the escalating tensions between police and the communities they serve both locally and across the country.
• Identify some of the measures needed to foster more constructive relationships between communities and their law enforcement officials.

April 2021

Conspiracy Theories (Part 2)
Thursday, April 29
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Building off our previous discussion, in this second of our two-part series aimed at exploring conspiracy theories, our considerations will take a more pragmatic turn. Join us as we unpack the unique dangers posed by this sort of thinking and explore strategies for protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and the wider republic against their corrosive effects.

In this workshop, participants will be invited to:

• Reflect on some of the corrosive effects of conspiracy theories.
• Examine strategies for identifying and resisting conspiratorial tendencies in their own thought practices.
• Explore strategies for helping friends and loved ones caught up in conspiratorial thinking.

Conspiracy Theories (Part 1)
Thursday, April 15
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

The United States has always been fertile ground for conspiracy theories. Recently, however, various conspiracy theories have penetrated the mainstream (on both the right and the left) to a previously unprecedented degree. This discussion is the first of a two-part series aimed at exploring this important phenomenon. In it, we will look at two conspiracy theories, we will consider what it is that sets conspiracy theories apart from other kinds of thinking, and we will attempt to understand the potent hold of such systems of thought on the nation’s imagination at this particular moment in time.

In this discussion, participants will work together to:

• Identify some of the features that distinguish conspiracy theories from other kinds of thought.
• Consider the nature of conspiracy theories’ allure and their ability to resist correction.
• Understand some of the reasons for the current pervasiveness of conspiratorial thinking.

March 2021

Finding Truth in the Era of Misinformation
Thursday, March 18
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

A healthy democracy requires a well-informed populace. Without reliable sources of information, the ability of citizens to engage responsibly in civic life is impaired and the well-being of our society is threatened. While misinformation itself is nothing new, novel technologies have led to an explosion in recent years in the forms that misinformation can take. In this new media landscape, it is especially vital that we develop skills to distinguish credible information from sensationalism, wishful thinking, conspiracy theories, outright lies, “fake news”, propaganda and other varieties of misinformation.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will be invited to:

• Learn to identify various forms of misinformation.
• Develop strategies to mitigate and overcome its effects.
• Explore reputable fact-checking resources.

Citizenship in the Age of Social Media
Thursday, March 11
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Social media is reshaping the ways in which we live our lives. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram enable us to keep in touch with loved ones, make it possible for businesses and customers to connect more efficiently, and have democratized the collection and dissemination of information to an almost inconceivable degree. However, these technologies also present a dark side that we are only just beginning to understand. Join us for a discussion focused on this topic as presented in the highly acclaimed Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma”.

In this discussion, participants will work together to understand:

• How social media platforms function to establish an “attention economy”.
• How this attention economy operates to manipulate us, introducing changes in our perception, our behavior and, ultimately, our sense of reality.
• What changes they might introduce to their own social media practice to help protect themselves.

February 2021

Lessons from a Birmingham Jail
Thursday, February 25
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

In the Spring of 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned one of the most important texts of the American civil rights movement, his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” In it, King offers a soaring defense of the idea that civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws is not only necessary, but also deeply patriotic. He also presents a template for dissent that ensures that its expression will be constructive. Join us as we commemorate Black History Month with a timely reading of this timeless writing.

In this discussion, participants will be invited to:

• Reflect on King’s message of patriotic dissent in light of recent examples of American protest on both the left and the right.
• Study King’s principles of responsible resistance and their underlying rationale.
• Consider how they might deploy the essay’s teachings on behalf of their own political commitments.

King’s Letter can be accessed here.

Participants are asked to read it in advance of our meeting.

Communicating Across Political Divides
Thursday, February 11
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As recent events have vividly demonstrated, we are at a moment when it can be difficult—but vitally important—to engage civilly with people of different political commitments. A democracy depends not on its citizens being able to agree, but on their being committed, despite their disagreements, to gather peacefully, speak honestly and listen to others with an open mind. Join us as we explore techniques for engaging in constructive dialogue with people from across the political spectrum.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Learn to reframe potentially contentious political exchanges in more constructive ways.
• Practice skills and techniques vital to constructive democratic exchange.
• Formulate a plan for deploying the skills and techniques presented in the workshop within their communities.

December 2020

Part 2 – WMTN Post-Election Joint Discussion 3
Thursday, December 10
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

In this discussion, participants from the WMTN 1 and 2 discussions will be brought together to hear from one another and learn from each other’s experience with the aim of fostering mutual understanding, respect and a willingness to work together for the common good.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Learn about one another’s hopes and fears for the nation.
• Work together to identify shared values and points of common interest.
• Explore prospects for bipartisan coalition building.

November 2020

Part 1 – WMTN Post-Election Discussion 2
Thursday, November 19
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Has the election of Joe Biden left you feeling vindicated and triumphant? Perhaps you are newly hopeful that, under a Biden administration, democratic norms will be restored and Trump officials will be held accountable for their malfeasance. This discussion is the first of a two-part series aimed at exploring the damaging effects of extreme polarization and at rediscovering a common purpose. The follow-up discussion will take place on Thursday, December 10.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Explore their hopes and ambitions for the nation given the election results.
• Examine the potential ramifications of allowing their feelings of triumph and elation to contribute to the worsening of political divisions within the country.
• Work together to develop strategies for mitigating some of the more harmful effects of these and other similarly strong emotions.

Part 1 – WMTN Post-Election Discussion 1
Tuesday, November 17
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Has the election left you feeling distressed and angry? Perhaps you were repulsed by both major parties’ visions for America. Perhaps you fear that the will of the people has not been properly enacted and that the election may have been unlawfully stolen from Donald Trump. This discussion is the first of a two-part series aimed at exploring the damaging effects of extreme polarization and at rediscovering a common purpose. The follow-up discussion will take place on Thursday, December 10.

In this discussion, participants will:

• Explore their fears and concerns for the nation given the election results.
• Examine the potential ramifications of allowing these feelings of anger and dismay to contribute to the worsening of political divisions within the country.
• Work together to develop strategies for mitigating some of the more harmful effects of these and other similarly strong emotions.

October 2020

Elections Check-In
Thursday, October 29
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As we approach the end of one of the most taxing election cycles in living memory, this discussion will provide a forum for community members to give voice to their election experience.

Participants in this discussion will be invited to:

• Explore the hopes and concerns elicited in them by this election cycle.
• Identify potential obstacles to producing a decisive winner on election night and reflect on their implications.
• Work together to develop strategies for approaching the election and dealing constructively with what is likely to be a difficult aftermath.

Skills for Online Communication Across Political Divides
Thursday, October 15
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As the elections approach and the rhetoric surrounding them grows increasingly acrimonious, it can be difficult for many of us not to follow suit. However, in the process we risk threatening longstanding relationships with friends and loved ones. Platforms such as email, Facebook and Twitter exacerbate this problem, presenting new and distinct challenges to the kinds of nuanced and constructive discussions that democratic citizenship demands.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Learn to reframe potentially contentious political exchanges in more constructive ways.
• Learn about online practices vital to responsible and constructive democratic exchange.
• Formulate a plan for deploying these practices within their online exchanges.

September 2020

Hill Scholars Communication Course (Active Listening)
Tuesday, September 29
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

Routinely cited by employers as a top 3 desired skill in prospective employees, an ability to communicate effectively carries important benefits in both one’s personal and professional life. As a skill, effective communication entails both the ability to convey one’s own positions and the ability to understand other people’s thinking. Critical to both these goals is the skill of active listening. Learn how to hone your active listening skills in this 90-minute seminar on effective dialogue and communication. (Reserved for students in the Hill Scholars Program.)

Why Democracy?
Thursday, September 24
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams

As Americans, we are taught to believe that democracy is the best form of government, but we are not always encouraged to examine the bases for this belief. By exposing this idea to reconsideration, we open ourselves to a host of questions, many of which touch on some of our most deeply held values and beliefs.

In this discussion, participants will work together to reflect on:

• What they expect from their government and why.
• Where our democracy is and is not succeeding in meeting the needs of its citizenry.
• How, as citizens, we might work to strengthen civil society and hold our government to account.

Communicating Across Political Divides
Thursday, September 17
7 – 9 p.m.
Microsoft Teams 

Rarely in our nation’s history has it been so difficult—or so vital—to engage with people of different political commitments. Democracies depend not on people being able to agree, but on their being willing to speak honestly and listen to others with an open mind.

In this skills-building workshop, participants will:

• Learn to reframe potentially contentious political exchanges in more constructive ways.
• Practice skills and techniques vital to constructive democratic exchange.
• Formulate a plan for deploying the skills and techniques presented in the workshop within their communities.

Civil Discourse:

Braver Angels
Braver Angels brings together Red and Blue Americans in a working alliance to depolarize America.

Learn more

Kettering Foundation
The Kettering Foundation is a nonprofit operating foundation rooted in the American tradition of cooperative research. Kettering’s primary research question is, what does it take to make democracy work as it should? Kettering’s research is distinctive because it is conducted from the perspective of citizens and focuses on what people can do collectively to address problems affecting their lives, their communities, and their nation.

Learn more

National Institute for Civil Discourse
NICD believes the American people will be our saving grace. We are less divided than we seem and hungry for a constructive approach to politics.

Learn more

Charles Koch Institute
For more than five decades, Charles Koch’s philanthropy has generated bold new ideas to improve American lives. Inspired by a recognition that free people are capable of extraordinary things, the Charles Koch Institute supports educational programs and dialogue to advance these principles, challenge convention, and eliminate barriers that stifle creativity and progress.

Learn more

How Americans Can Learn Once Again to Solve Our Nation’s Problems Together (USA Today Article)
To solve really difficult problems, people realize that they have to work with others who may be different.
By, David Mathews, Opinion contributor

See article

Social Media

The Great Hack
Data has surpassed oil as the world’s most valuable asset. It’s being weaponized to wage cultural and political warfare. People everywhere are in a battle for control of our most intimate personal details. From award-winning filmmakers Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim, THE GREAT HACK uncovers the dark world of data exploitation with astounding access to the personal journeys of key players on different sides of the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal.

Academy-Award nominees Amer and Noujaim (The Square, Control Room, Startup.com) continue their tradition of exploring the seismic ripples of social media with this riveting, complex film. THE GREAT HACK forces us to question the origin of the information we consume daily. What do we give up when we tap that phone or keyboard and share ourselves in the digital age?

Learn more

The Social Dilemma
We tweet, we like, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? This documentary-drama hybrid reveals how social media is reprogramming civilization with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.

Learn more

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff
A 2019 non-fiction book by Professor Shoshana Zuboff which looks at the development of digital companies like Google and Amazon, and suggests that their business models represent a new form of capitalist accumulation that she calls “surveillance capitalism.”

Learn more

Citizenship

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

Learn more

America’s Expiration Date by Cal Thomas
A warning and a wake-up call to learn history so we are not doomed to repeat it. A must-read for anyone who longs for a promising future for our great nation.

Learn more

Our Common Purpose, Report
Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century, a report of the American Academy’s Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship, comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the American experiment.

Learn more

Race in America:

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander 
The New Jim Crow is a stunning account of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status—denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement.

Learn more

To suggest a resource for inclusion on this page, please email the title and a brief description to: democracylab@carrollcc.edu.