“Staying in Place” order will be in effect for GVSU students living in Allendale Township from September 17 through October 1. Complete your daily online self-assessment.
Our Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Programs
Home Be The Change Podcast Campus Democratic Engagement Coalition CLDE Resources
Democracy 101: A Series of Critical Conversations
This series of co-curricular lectures, panel discussions and workshops focuses on the idea and practice of democracy.
We welcome faculty, staff, students and community partners to present. Possible topics may include: student activism, how to run for office, the history of social movements, democratic values, the idea of commons, student civic development, the role of media in a democracy, how to organize for social change, and more!
All sessions are INT 100/201 approved!
Fall 2020 Schedule
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Location: |
Time: |
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September 16 |
1920-2020: Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Voting Rights The 19th Amendment has been praised for a century about being a landmark for women’s rights. However, this change didn’t apply to everyone. Who gained the right to vote and who didn’t? What can you do to shape the next 100 years? Join us for presentations and remarks by GVSU President Philomena Mantella, MI Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and more.
Check out the recording of this session here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qpThky0kl4QXz9DxNeFf-vo4WN6S6g3Q/view |
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6-8 p.m. |
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September 23 |
How to stay on top of Information in the Media Join us for an interactive panel about how to best research information on candidates, navigate your way through a media craze, and learn more about various aspects of the media. |
6-8 p.m. |
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September 30 |
Student Senate Panel Learn about Student Senate and how you can make a change on campus about the things you’re passionate about. |
6-8 p.m. |
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October 7 |
Election Security: Does my vote really count? Join us to learn about Voter Suppression today and how your vote makes an impact. |
6-8 p.m. |
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October 14 |
Issues and Proposals on the Ballot Join CEEP, CVP and the CSLC for an informational session about the different issues and proposals on the ballot nationwide. Also learn about how you can research your specific ballot and county wide initiatives. |
6-8 p.m. |
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October 21 |
First Time Voter Seminar and Vote Early Day Never cast a ballot before? Don’t worry. Join the CSLC, the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office, and CEEP fellow Sam Jacobs to learn everything you need to know about voting in person or by mail. |
6-8 p.m. |
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October 28 |
Engagement beyond the Election Join us to hear from the CSLC, CDEC, and Kayla Sosa answer what YOU can do beyond voting, what we can do for our communities, what advocacy looks like to you, how to participate in local elections, and more! |
6-8 p.m. |
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November 4 |
Post Election Town Hall Series: Part 1 Part 1 of a two-part series to unpack and understand what is going on after the presidential election. What happened last night in politics and what does it mean for the future? |
6-8 p.m. |
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November 11 |
Post Election Town Hall Series: Part 2 Final part to a two-part series understanding the election results. This will be a workshop with other students in a collaborative brainstorming session to join forces and make a change. |
6-8 p.m. |
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November 18 |
Mental Health and Politics The holidays are stressful for everyone, and many people feel high-anxiety before big family events. In this meeting we will explore problems some people face during the holidays, coping strategies, and how to redirect and defuse discussion. Hosted by Caroline Murray, the LGBT Resource Center and the CSLC. |
6-8 p.m. |
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December 2 |
Civil Dialogue A session to encourage productive conversations and challenge people to think critically about issues facing our community and nation. |
6-8 p.m. |
Check out photos from our past events!
Panelists from our youth political engagement panel discussion pose for a picture after their session.
Students listen in on an important panel discussion on PFAS in Michigan.
Relando Thompkins-Jones joined a panel of GVSU faculty and staff to speak to a group of students about the importance of free speech and inclusion.
In an interactive session on media literacy, Mindy Holohan joined GVSU student Jane Johnston and GVSU Librarian Elizabeth Psyck in sharing skills and lessons on the topic.
At 'Elect Her,' students and local officials gathered to talk about strategies for young women in leadership positions.
Have an Idea for a Democracy 101 Event?
Do you have a question about democracy, civic life or student democratic participation that you would like to explore?
Are you interested in presenting or facilitating a workshop or a conversation about a current public issue?
Do you have an idea or a project that promotes civic life and democratic participation that you would like to share?
If so, please share your idea with us at (616) 331-2348 or service@gvsu.edu.
Past Democracy 101 Event Recordings
Didn't make it? Don't worry - you can still dive in to Democracy 101 by watching the videos below!
The Mythology of the American Dream
Democracy and the American Dream
Student Media and Democratic Engagement
Why Democracy Needs the News
Human Rights and the Promise of Democracy
Media Literacy and You
PFAS in Michigan
Educating Toward Direct Democracy
Hitler's Rise to Power