Student Political Dialogue to Focus on 2020 Elections
Student Political Dialogue, "Values That Inform Your Vote", to focus on 2020 ElectionsThe University of Scranton’s Political Dialogues Working Group will offer a virtual student political dialogue, “Values That Inform Your Vote”, on Constitution Day, Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This dialogues offers the opportunity for students to engage in a non-partisan open discussion about the values that they hold and how this will translate into who they will vote for at the ballot box, or mailbox, this November.
Students will have a chance to engage and encounter each other's experiences and views - not debate or persuade - through structured dialogue to build understanding. Registration is required here.
The University has organized similar discussions on campus since 2017 as part of an ongoing “Bursting Our Political Bubbles” Dialogue Initiative, which blends the reflective, structured dialogue methods of national non-profit Essential Partners with St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings of discernment and reflection. For tips on how to have your own constructive dialogue that involves both listening to and learning from others, click here.
In addition to 2020 being an election year, this year also marks the 150th anniversary of the 15th amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on gender. The virtual dialogue on Sep. 17 will be the culmination of day long events planned to mark Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, at the University.
This fall, the University has also launched “Royals Vote,” a non-partisan voter engagement initiative. To continue civic engagement beyond this event, University members are encouraged to visit the Royals Vote website at www.scranton.edu/royalsvote to learn more about registering to vote, voter deadlines in their state, and to find information about the candidates and referendums. This site offers additional resources from Catholic and Jesuit partners.
Questions about the virtual political dialogue or non-partisan voter engagement initiative can be directed to community@scranton.edu.
