Memorial Presents: Engaging Citizens: The Power of Collaboration in Democracy, February 13, 2013
Memorial Presents: Engaging Citizens: The Power of Collaboration in Democracy
Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 7:30 pm (NST)
Innovation Hall, Bruneau Centre for Innovation and Research, Memorial University, St. John's, NL
Complacency, comfort, wealth, and apathy have left our society more fragmented, and our democracy more beleaguered, than ever before. While our parents and grandparents were more likely to start or join social and civic groups and vote in elections, today, these types of civic participation are dwindling. The result is a growing disconnect between individuals and their community—between our day-to-day lives and our civic rights and responsibilities as citizens. The result is a squandering of social capital and a weakening of democracy.
With people skipping elections in record numbers, and long-standing civic and social community institutions dying off for lack of interest, how can civic engagement be restored? How can disillusionment with politics and governments be overcome? How can we recreate an air of civility, social cohesion, and a sense of common good? What is the role of new and traditional media in all of this? And—during the launch of Memorial’s Public Engagement Framework – what is the role of the university in fostering engaged citizens?
Speakers
Dr. Stanley Deetz, Professor, President’s Teaching Scholar, and Director of the Center for the Study of Conflict, Collaboration and Creative Governance and the Peace and Conflict Studies Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Dr. Scott Matthews, Associate Professor of political science at Memorial University and Director of the Canadian Opinion Research Archive at Queen's University.
Dr. Janna Rosales, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University.
David Cochrane is the Provincial Affairs Reporter for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador and the host of the political talk shows On Point and On Point Radio.
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This public forum is presented in partnership with Engage Memorial Week.