Gathering: Democracy Forum at Mansfield Center, Scheduled for Year 2024
On Monday, October 29, 250 high school students gathered at the University of Montana for the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center's Democracy Forum. The day-long event, held in the University Center Ballroom, was designed to engage participants in discussions and explorations of democratic values, governance, and civic engagement.
The day began with introductions and icebreakers, setting the stage for an interactive and engaging experience. Missoula's local caricaturist Josh Quick was present, creating a visual storyline throughout the day to aid knowledge retention.
Students were randomly seated at different tables throughout the ballroom, with variation at each table between grade, gender, and school. This diverse seating arrangement encouraged a mix of perspectives and fostered a vibrant atmosphere of discussion.
The event featured a variety of speakers, forums, and presentations. Jill Valley, an Emmy-nominated reporter at KPAX, and Ray Curtis, a media and journalism expert, shared their insights on the role of media and journalism in a democratic society.
Reverend Nelson B. Rivers III was the final presenter, preaching the gospel, civil rights, and the importance of democracy. His passionate speech left students feeling engaged, heard, and hopeful. Dr. Lozar, with a PhD in Native American studies, focused on the concept of tribal sovereignty, explaining its political significance and using it as a discussion point for brainstorming ideas for state-wide tourism.
The Democracy Forum took place all around the University of Montana campus, with students dividing into early lunch and early presentation groups. Dr. Lozar's presentation ended with the thought-provoking statement, "Democracy is messy." This sentiment resonated with the students, as the event fueled their interest in the importance of democracy and provided tools for future impact.
Many students expressed hope to attend the next Democracy Forum at the University of Montana. Named after Mike Mansfield, a prominent Montana statesman and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center often serves as a venue for educational and public programming related to democracy and public policy. Through its Democracy Forum, the center aims to help high school students gain a deeper understanding of how democracy functions and the importance of their role within it.
For more detailed information about the specific activities and impact of the Democracy Forum on high school students, contacting the University of Montana's Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center directly would provide the most precise and updated information.
- The Democracy Forum, sponsored by the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center, provided a platform for high school students to delve into the intricacies of democratic values, governance, and civic engagement through various educational discussions and explorations.
- The event featured speakers from diverse fields such as media, journalism, religion, and politics, supplying students with a well-rounded understanding of their roles and responsibilities within a democratic society.
- Students were encouraged to articulate their thoughts and opinions on vital topics such as the role of media, civil rights, tribal sovereignty, and democracy's political importance, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
- As the day progressed, students partook in skill-building workshops, including learning strategies for public speaking, critical thinking, and effective advocacy – equipping them with valuable tools for career development and future involvement in policy-and-legislation discussions.
- Demonstrating a keen interest in the topics covered and the skills acquired, many students indicated their intention to continue attending similar events at the University of Montana and partake in the important work of shaping general-news discourse, promoting education-and-self-development, and fostering personal-growth through sports, such as mixed-martial-arts, and other extracurricular activities.
