Featured Events
The Center for Entertainment & Civic Health (CFECH) is dedicated to harnessing the power of storytelling and entertainment to bridge America’s divides. We explore the impact of entertainment media on polarization and societal cohesion, and promote the creation of content that fosters civic health and democratic norms. This free half-day virtual event will bring together content creators, entertainment executives, and experts from academia and leading nonprofit organizations for a first-of-its-kind exploration of the question: Can Popular Entertainment Save a Fracturing America? Learn about concrete narrative strategies and successful case studies from some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names in TV and film.
Having made some friends at the October 14 Braver Angels national debate on vaccine mandates, join Debate Chair Cynthia O’Brien for a less structured conversation where we can get to know each other a bit better. Limited to 20 attenders. Bring your favorite beverage. Dogs and ukuleles welcome. 10 am PACIFIC time, 1 pm ET. Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the event. I believe the bird in the photo is a Bushtit on a sprig of Oregon Grape.
Waging Dialogue seeks to bridge gaps in understanding, and one of the most significant understanding gaps in our society exists between private citizens and elected politicians.
I recently discovered a compelling documentary that highlights the challenges of running for office as a grassroots candidate. The Campaign of Miner Bo is a thought-provoking human portrait of a man on a mission, who struggles in ways that every one of us can identify with, who has to push himself out of his comfort zone in situations that would make any of us uncomfortable. The film made me think hard about some critical questions. What are the expectations that we have of politicians? How would we fare if those same expectations were placed on us, and once we have weeded out everyone who doesn’t meet those expectations, how could we possibly be left with anyone we actually want representing us?
I invite you to watch this film, and then join myself and the founder of Waging Dialogue, Dr. Alice Maher, as we interview Bo Copley and Director Todd Drezner. I will also be inviting upcoming grassroots candidate for the US House of Representives from the state of Texas, Sass, who comes from a very different background and has very different views from Mr. Copley. Because this is not about issues that are exclusive to the left or the right. This is about the shared experience of being a grassroots politician, what it means to put yourself in that vulnerable position, and what it means for all of us who live in the society that we create because of the choices we make at the ballot box.
-Matt, Waging Dialogue
Merriam Webster defines patriotism as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” At the meet-up this week we’ll explore what patriotism means to each of us personally. We will reflect on the meanings of patriotism, based on our lived experience as Americans. We might find that we have more in common than we thought, or less in common. Either way, it should be an interesting and compelling conversation!
As always in Crossing Party Lines meet-ups, we appreciate the opportunity to learn from our differences. We encourage people of all political views and parties to join and participate. Our conversations are moderated to ensure that they are open and friendly.”
JSA is proud to be invited to the National Conference on Citizenship’s Learning Circles!
In recent years, our political environment has become more partisan, and Americans are engaging less and less in civil political discourse. To reverse this trend, the youth of America are working to build bridges and combat hyperpartisanship in our communities.
George B. and Cecile P., JSA student leaders, will discuss how young people in communities across the country are working to create healthy spaces for civil discourse and bring people together across divides. They’ll provide some incredible examples from young people.
In order to truly turn the tides on hyperpartisanship, we need to start with young people. We hope to see you there!
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All National Conference on Citizenship Learning Circles will take place as collaborative zoom calls. Register for the event to receive the call details and updates on the call.
About the National Conference on Citizenship
The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is dedicated to strengthening civic life in America. We pursue our mission through a nationwide network of partners involved in a cutting-edge civic health initiative, our cross-sector conferences, and engagement with a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations interested in utilizing civic engagement principles and practices to enhance their work. Connecting people for the purpose of strengthening civic life is our goal. At the core of our joint efforts is the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and country thrive. Learn more at ncoc.org.