February 6, 2018
University's Annual Engagement Symposium to Highlight How Dialogue, Deliberation are Vital for Polarized Public Issues
Submitted by Chandra Ruthstrom
How to engage voices to effectively address communities' most pressing issues will be the focus of Kansas State University's 2018 Engagement Symposium, "Powerful Dialogue: Engaging Community Issues in Polarizing Times."
The daylong symposium, sponsored by the university's Center for Engagement and Community Development, will be Thursday, April 12, at the K-State Student Union. It is free and the public is welcome; however, registration is required at http://www.k-state.edu/cecd/events/symposium/application.html.
Keynote speaker will be Martín Carcasson, director of Colorado State University's Center for Public Deliberation, which is nationally known for educating students and working closely with community partners to address local and state issues. The symposium also will feature faculty, student and community presentations around a variety of community topics, including affordable housing, improving health, racism, food access, heritage preservation and water.
"In each instance we will highlight how dialogue and deliberation are essential in understanding an issue, in providing voice to both policymakers and those impacted by policy, and ultimately, in addressing the issue," said David Procter, director of the Center for Engagement and Community Development.
The symposium includes a mid-day workshop by Aliah Mestrovich Seay, K-State Research and Extension, on depolarization using the Intercultural Development Inventory. Activities conclude with an evening charrette on affordable housing at the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave.
To attend the symposium, register at http://www.k-state.edu/cecd/events/symposium/application.html. A more detailed agenda will be posted on the website soon.