Monday, October 6: The Truth About Turn Out
Presenter: Dr. Pat Supplee, League of Women Voter’s
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: TBD
Description: The 18 – 29 year old vote was 50% in 2020 but down to 42% in 2024. The Truth About Turnout, a program offered by Energizing Young Voters (an initiative of the League of Women Voters of NJ), engages students in an analysis of turnout data focusing on their own age group and identity. They identify who has the power now — and who could have the power now — if they turn out to vote, impressing upon them with possibilities if they participate as citizens. The program ends with a role-play game to challenge typical excuses for note voting.

Monday, October 6: The Myth of American Independence: From taking a stand to standing together
Presenter: Laura McCullough, English
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: TBD
Description: Part of our great American heritage is the concept of independence because it allowed us to stand up against an oppressive British king and establish one of the most important democracies the globe has ever seen; they’re always two sides to a coin, however, and the other side is the myth of independence that evolved into a belief that everyone can make it on their own, pull themselves up by their bootstraps, no matter what they are born into, they can become rich, and “rugged individualism” became part of the American psychology. From a Care Ethics perspective that focuses on human interdependence, this presentation will explore the evolution of relational ethics that can reboot our sense of democracy, civil engagement, as well as invigorate our personal relationships.

Tuesday, October 7: Remembering Democracy: The End of the Grand Experiment
Presenter: Thomas Cioppa, Political Science
Time: 1:30pm – 2:45pm
Location: TBD
Description: Join POLI 105-003RL as they open their class to the public. This lecture begins with an exploration of some of the rights and privileges articulated in the U.S. Constitution along with a brief history on the “grand convention,” the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The lecture then moves into a factual accounting of the ways in which the current administration has trampled on these rights and privileges, pushing the USA into a full-blown constitutional crisis. The lecture will close with some thoughts on “how democracies die,” drawing on the 2018 best-selling book by Levitsky and Ziblatt.

Tuesday, October 7: Civic Engagement Event with Elected Officials and special guests
Presenter: Jonathan Moschberger, Political Science
Time: 11:45am – 1:15pm
Location: TBD
Description: This excellent annual event produced by Political Science will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and panelists who will provide insights into the critical issues surrounding civic engagement.

Wednesday, October 8: Creative Tensions: Where do you stand?
Presenter: Angela Kariotis, Center for Transformative Learning
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: TBD
Description: Join us for Creative Tensions, an immersive, interactive event where you won’t just talk about your beliefs – you’ll physically take a stand. Through exercises, role, play, and debate, we’ll explore the complexities of civic life, decision-making, and how our beliefs are shaped. Expect to listen, move, challenge, and be challenged in a dynamic space that asks us not just to state our views, but to examine them. Step up. Democracy depends on it. Are you in?

Thursday, October 9: “Yes, you can!” How to *actually* run for office
Presenter: Dina Long, English
Time: 11:45am – 12:15pm
Location: Paramount Theater Room/MLK Lounge, Student Life Center
Description: Let’s take the mystery away from running for elected office. It’s not as complicated, or expensive, as you might think. This presentation will break down the process and cover strategies to not just launch a campaign for local office but also how to win it.

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