Events

Democracy in Action: Mark Your Calendars for the Phi-Eu Debate!

October 8, 2024 by Willow Paul

The highly anticipated debate between the College Democrats and Republicans is just around the corner, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Happening only once every four years, this debate promises to be an exhilarating clash of ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm that will leave a lasting impression.

Join us for an engaging evening as representatives from both the College Democrats and Republicans dive into a spirited exchange on some of the most pressing issues in American politics today. Covering a wide range of topics—from economic policies to social justice concerns —the debate will enable each side to present their viewpoints and engage in discussion. In keeping with the tradition of past Phi-Eu debates, this year’s event will take place from the balconies of Phi and Eu Halls, building on the legacy of the college’s first debate societies that date back to the 1800s.

What makes this year’s debate particularly special is the inclusion of audience participation. After each round of the debate, attendees will have the chance to engage in respectful discussions with one another guided by the DCI’s trained facilitators. In an atmosphere of respectful dialogue, insightful debate, and constructive deliberation, you’ll be able to ask questions about the topics being debated, share your own perspective on them, and listen to the ideas of others also attending.

Whether you’re a political advocate or just interested in hearing different viewpoints, this debate offers a unique opportunity to witness democracy in action and gain valuable insights from across the political spectrum.

2024-Phi-Eu-Hall-Debate

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 18th, when we’ll gather in front of Eumenean and Philanthropic Halls from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST. Bring your friends and get ready for an evening filled with thought-provoking discussions and engagement. This is more than just a debate; it’s a chance to be part of an important moment in American history, where your voice can be heard alongside those of your peers and fellow citizens.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Be there to witness the exchange of ideas, share your thoughts, and become an active participant in the vibrant political discourse on campus. Click here to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!

A Deliberative Forum on Income and Wealth Disparities

September 27, 2024 by Willow Paul

Poster for Income and Wealth Disparities Forum.

Income and wealth disparities are a prominent topic in American politics that raise important philosophical and policy questions. Should we address these inequalities? If so, why and how? Should a just society allow or encourage the accumulation of individual wealth? What are the potential benefits and risks associated with policies such as increased taxation on the wealthy, universal basic income, or a higher minimum wage that are designed to reduce income and wealth disparities?

To explore these questions, Davidson College’s Deliberative Citizenship Initiative, Center for Political Engagement, College Democrats, College Republicans, Philosophy Department, Political Science Department, and Economics Departments, invite you to join us for a Deliberative Forum on Income and Wealth Disparities on Tuesday, October 29, from 7 PM to 9 PM ET at the Lilly Gallery or online.

This Deliberative Forum will enable participants to actively engage with this important issue, first by hearing from a panel of experts and advocates with diverse perspectives on the topic. Then participants will actively deliberating with one another in facilitated small group discussions (either in person or virtually) about these questions. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts, listen to the viewpoints of others, and share your own ideas about this challenging and complex topic.

The event is free but registration is required. Click here to register. We request that all registrants plan to attend both the panel and the small group discussions, which are designed to complement each other. Participants may join both in-person and online. Spaces are limited due to the number of trained DCI facilitators we have available to moderate the small group discussions. The Zoom link will be sent to online participants after they register.

Our panel features the following experts who hold a range of perspectives on the topic of the forum. They include:

Robyn Lake Hamilton is the CEO and President of the Urban League of Central Carolinas, which is on advocating for and equipping African Americans and all underserved communities with the tools to achieve social and economic equality. Hamilton was recognized in 2024 with the Urban League Movement Champion Award for her leadership in housing and community development.

Jessica Flanigan is Professor of Leadership Studies and Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law, Richard L. Morrill Chair in Ethics & Democratic Values at the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies. Co-author of “Wealth without Limits: In Defense of Billionaires,” Flanigan has published in a wide range of academic journals and is a proponent of effective altruism.

Brian Balfour is Senior Vice President of Research at the John Locke Foundation. Balfour previously worked for the Civitas Institute for 13 years and specializes in fiscal policy issues. He is the author of the book “Economics in Action” and articles including “Higher Taxes Doesn’t Guarantee Better Services” and “Markets, Not Politics, Are the Real Problem Solver.”

Sean McKeever is Professor of Philosophy at Davidson College, where he has been a faculty member since 2005. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Co-author of the book, Principled Ethics: Generalism as a Regulative Ideal, McKeever’s academic focus is primarily in ethics, including topics such as metaethics and normative ethics.

The panel will be moderated by Doug Hicks, President of Davidson College and Professor of Religious Studies. President Hicks has a longstanding interest in income inequality, one of his nine books, published by Cambridge University Press, is Inequality and Christian Ethics. Hicks received an AB degree magna cum laude with honors in economics from Davidson, a Master of Divinity summa cum laude from Duke University, and MA and PhD degrees in religion from Harvard University.

This event is a chance to dive deep into pressing questions about economic inequality, hear from diverse panelists, and engage in lively discussions with fellow participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your voice and insights on such an important topic. Click here to register, and we look forward to an engaging evening together!

Building Community Through Deliberation: Recap of Our Facilitator Training

September 19, 2024 by Willow Paul

On September 7th and September 14th, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative launched its annual Deliberation Facilitator Training at the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College. These trainings empower students, staff, faculty, and community members to become skilled facilitators of both formal and informal deliberations. Participants who complete the training become DCI certified facilitators, opening the door for participants to facilitate the DCI’s Deliberative Forums. This 8-hour training, spread over two days, enhances participants’ ability to facilitate meaningful discussions on political and social issues among deliberators with diverse perspectives.

This year, we welcomed a wide-ranging group of participants, with 21 joining us online and 33 attending in person. Our attendees included DCI Fellows, Davidson students, faculty, staff, and engaged community members, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This rich mix fostered an inclusive environment that encouraged meaningful dialogue and collaboration throughout the training.

During the first session, Dr. Graham Bullock guided participants through the essentials of setting up and preparing for deliberation. We were thrilled to invite Senior Fellows to facilitate a mock deliberation using our Deliberation Guide on Free Speech and Inclusion. This hands-on experience allowed trainees to observe how seasoned facilitators navigate challenging conversations on contentious topics. Participants took on the role of deliberators in the mock deliberation, sharing their thoughts and experiences on free speech and inclusion while also engaging in some role-playing activities. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy and respect in facilitating difficult discussions.

The following weekend, Dr. Bullock equipped our trainees with vital skills for facilitating tough discussions on contentious issues. Participants engaged in a gamified training experience that highlighted methods and tools outlined in the Deliberation Facilitator’s Handbook, making the learning process both interactive and enjoyable. They then practiced their newly acquired skills in a mock deliberation utilizing the DCI’s deliberation guide on Immigration, where they stepped into a facilitator role to explore diverse perspectives and motivate conversation. This immersive practice allowed trainees to build confidence and refine their facilitation techniques in a supportive environment.

The training concluded with a spirited reception, both virtual and in person, where participants had the chance to connect and build community over food and refreshments. We are immensely grateful for the time spent with all our trainees over these two weekends and are excited to see how they will apply their new skills to foster meaningful conversations within their communities. We warmly welcome them into our community of deliberation advocates, who are deeply committed to strengthening our democracy.

We invite all those interested in building a better democracy, one conversation at a time, to keep an eye out for future Deliberation Facilitator Trainings. We would love to welcome you to our community!

Celebrating Community and Conversation: The DCI’s Kickoff Party Success

September 12, 2024 by Willow Paul

On Friday, August 30th, the DCI kicked off the school year with a burst of energy and enthusiasm! Around 40 people gathered to dive into lively discussions over pizza, connecting with fellow Davidson students, faculty, and staff. The event was a vibrant mix of newcomers to the DCI and seasoned veterans, all eager to mingle and engage.

The celebration took place in the College Union’s 900 Room, where tables engaged in conversation on a diverse array of topics. Our new cohort of DCI Fellows did an exceptional job inviting students, staff, and faculty from the College Union, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged dialogue. Each table was thoughtfully equipped with Conversation Agreements and Deliberative Dispositions to help guide discussions.

Every 15 minutes or so, the DCI Faculty Director, Dr. Graham Bullock took the floor to briefly highlight upcoming DCI events and offer useful deliberation tips. To keep the energy high, we also held a fun raffle— each attendee had a chance to win a coveted DCI T-shirt. The excitement was palpable as names were drawn, and every winner received their prize with a smile, adding a festive touch.

The event proved to be a fantastic start to the school year, providing participants with a meaningful opportunity to connect in new and engaging ways. It highlighted the DCI’s dedication to fostering respectful and thoughtful dialogue in today’s polarized climate. By embodying the DCI spirit of building democracy, one conversation at a time, the event set a wonderful tone for what promises to be an enriching year of DCI programs and events.

Deliberative Pedagogy in Action: Highlights from the Annual DeeP Collaborative Workshop

September 6, 2024 by Willow Paul

On August 8th, we kicked off our fourth installment of the Deliberative Pedagogy (DeeP) Faculty Collaborative with our annual DeeP Collaborative Orientation Workshop. This year’s cohort brings together 18 new faculty collaborators who specialize in over 13 different academic disciplines, including anthropology, biology, communication studies, economics and business, health sciences, Hispanic studies, history, mathematics, natural sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and writing.

They also come from 14 different institutions, including Colorado College, Davidson College, Denison University, Drexel University, Furman University, Hendrix College, Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina A&T State University, Rhodes College, Rollins College, Sewanee: The University of the South, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Western Carolina University, and Wingate University.

The goals of this workshop were to introduce our new Collaborative members to the key principles and practices of deliberative pedagogy, to build community among the cohort members—who will be working together over the coming academic year—and to begin mapping out their goals for the fall semester, during which they will explore how they will apply deliberative pedagogy to their future courses.

DCI Faculty Director Dr. Graham Bullock led the workshop, using both active learning and deliberative strategies to introduce the motivations for using deliberative pedagogy practices, the most relevant concepts and frameworks, specific deliberative teaching methods and tools, and case studies of deliberation-involved courses.

What is deliberative pedagogy? In short, deliberative pedagogy is a teaching practice that involves the use of structured deliberative activities to teach learners how to express different viewpoints about an issue or approaches to a problem, how to evaluate these viewpoints or approaches critically, and how to identify both areas of agreement and disagreement through the course of their deliberative discussions.

The key to practicing deliberative pedagogy well is to setup deliberations in the classroom so that they include multiple viewpoints on the issue at hand, allow all voices to be heard, and promote the assessment of arguments for and against the variety of viewpoints on the table. One way to do so is by introducing conversation agreements, or ground rules for good discursive practices. Another way is to have a facilitator present who can ensure the deliberation represents multiple viewpoints and voices. (Want to learn how to become a trained facilitator for deliberative events in OR out of the classroom? Learn more about our upcoming Deliberation Facilitator Training Program here!)

Deliberative pedagogy is also connected to the concept of deliberative democracy, a type of democratic engagement in which reason-giving – broadly-defined – is used as a means for citizens to make progress on practical issues facing their community.

Some of the lively discussions among our faculty cohort members focused on how deliberative pedagogy can be employed beyond courses that focus explicitly on public policy, including courses in the arts and the sciences. Groups also discussed how deliberative pedagogy can be a form of inclusive pedagogy and how faculty can navigate the apparent tension between affirming our lived experiences as individuals while assessing reasons for and against policy decisions that impact those experiences.

Others discussed whether or in what circumstances instructors should remain neutral during debates about normative issues that do not have straightforward answers and about which there can be reasonable disagreement among deliberators. None of these questions have easy answers, but we look forward to diving deeper with our ’24-’25 DeeP Collaborative cohort on these and other important topics in the coming year. Look out for blog posts from this year’s participants next year, once they have begun applying what they have taken from our interactive learning sessions in the fall to their various teaching contexts.