NEWS
Davidson Deliberates! Exciting New Programs from the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative
On Friday, January 19th from 5-7 pm, Davidson College’s Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) is hosting its Spring 2024 Kickoff Party in the Alvarez-Brown Atrium at the Alvarez College Union. Students, staff, faculty, alums, and community members are all welcome to come out for an evening of connection, deliberation, and fun! There will be pizza, prizes, and some engaging deliberative activities in which you’ll be able to engage with members of our Davidson community on both local and national topics of concern. It’s a great way to kick off the new year and connect with others who are interested in building community and improving our public discourse. RSVPs are welcome but not required.
As AI is changing our economic, political, and social landscape, Davidson’s Office of Technology and Innovation, Computer Science Department, Digital Studies Department, Bonner Scholars Program, and the DCI are co-hosting a Deliberative Forum on Artificial Intelligence on February 5 from 5-7 pm. Participants will explore both the benefits and risks of this technology as well as how we should relate to it as individuals, communities, and policymakers. The forum will start with an expert panel including Damien Williams (UNC Charlotte), Lauren Kahn (Georgetown University), and Richard Boyd (AI Technologist/Entrepreneur). Following the panel, attendees will deliberate among themselves in facilitated small group discussions (in person or via Zoom) about this important topic. Learn more and register here by January 31.
The DCI’s D Teams Program provides an opportunity to have even more in-depth discussions with a small group that meets three times per semester. Participants can explore multiple aspects of an issue and talk in depth with people who have a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. These Spring 2024 D Teams will focus on three education-related topics – Public Education & School Vouchers, Grades & Standardized Tests, and College Admissions. Meetings are facilitated by DCI Fellows, Davidson students who are trained as deliberation facilitators. Learn more on the DCI Blog and sign up here! Deadline is January 25.
The Deliberative Citizenship Initiative also welcomes deliberation project proposals as part of its “Let’s Deliberate!” Partnership Program. If there is a contentious issue of public concern that your organization would like to have a conversation about but you are not sure how to proceed, the DCI and its Fellows may be able to help. Click here to learn more about this partnership opportunity.