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NJCH announces new “Democracy Conversation Project” initiative

The New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) is proud to announce its new program, the Democracy Conversation Project. Funded through the “Why it Matters: Civic and Electoral Participation” initiative, the Democracy Conversation Project (DCP) is a public humanities program designed to foster discussions among New Jersey communities about civic life and democracy in America.

In these upcoming online events, participants can explore what democracy means, what opportunities are available and what challenges exist for nonprofits wishing to engage with civic life, and how NJCH can best support the cultural infrastructure of the state in the coming years as we all strive to enact and improve upon the society envisioned in the founding of the United States.

Eight New Jersey colleges will host two-part discussions throughout March and April.  Click on the title below to access the registration link. Registration links will be added throughout the next two months.

These online discussions will be held among scholars, students, and community members. The DCP will also feature “In the Weeds” (ITW), a signature NJCH follow-up series of events. “In the Weeds” will be hosted exactly one week after each initial conversation at noon. ITW is designed to ensure that event participants have the opportunity to explore and consider both big picture concepts and real-life application.

On Friday, March 26th, Brookdale Community College will feature nine Student Discussants who are all Political Science honors students.  Brookdale’s moderator will be Jonathan Moschberger, Professor of Political Science at Brookdale Community College. He is President Emeritus of the New Jersey Political Science Association and serves as Department Chair, Advisor of the History and Political Science Club, and Coordinator of the Honors Program at Brookdale.

The following are the nine Brookdale Discussants:

Amanda Laurore – Social Science major who is passionate about activism and advocacy. How Do Voter ID Laws Affect Young Voters?

Victoria Wicklund – Biology major who is passionate about a variety of issues regarding politics and feels it’s critical in today’s society to stay informed on current events. Voter Suppression Among Minorities

Christopher Choate -Reconsidering his path while exploring a major who is passionate about everyone upholding their first amendment right. Voter Suppression

Christopher Lopez – Psychology major who is passionate about term limits, media censorship, and the national debt. Fake News in Elections

Eleeza Faraday – Liberal Arts major who is passionate about issues concerning climate change, pollution, recycling, habitat, and wildlife conversation. Concerned about cyber terrorism, voter turnout, and media bias and manipulation. Critical Thinking and Analysis of Media

Cathleen Kane – Education major who is passionate about women’s rights and issues, in particular those of refugees and immigrants. Young People, Inspire Your Future with a Glance at the Past

Nicholas DeMauro – Political Science major who is passionate about youth and civics education. Engaging the Youth: How We Can Succeed in Increase Voter Turnout in Youth

Nora G. Thompson – Biology major who is passionate about environmental issues and human rights, and Taiphane Orange, a Political Science major who is passionate about human rights, women’s equality, and promoting education in low-income areas. Importance of Civic Education in New Jersey Schools.

“We are grateful for support for the Democracy Conversation Project from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation,” said Executive Director Carin Berkowitz. “We are all responsible for our democratic institutions, and we all have a role to play in our electoral process and in governance.”

NJCH is committed to working with community-minded groups that want to strengthen our democracy for all New Jerseyans. The Council is proud to partner with the eight-county colleges participating in this initiative and with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to launch this program, as it will create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and exchange.” DCP is administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

About the New Jersey Council for the Humanities
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities is a nonprofit state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. NJCH harnesses the power of the humanities to strengthen our pluralistic society. We envision a New Jersey that delights in diversity, appreciate that there are no easy answers, and finds joy and understanding in the humanities. We work statewide with cultural and community organizations to bring dynamic programming to the local level.

Diversity Statement: Brookdale Community College fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging. We promote a safe and open culture, encourage dialogue respecting diverse perspectives informed by credible sources, and uphold the virtues of civil discourse. We celebrate all identities with the understanding that ultimately, diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate belonging and make us a stronger Brookdale community.