Speaking of Democracy

Be Part of the Conversation

Speaking of Democracy is a series of engaging conversations between students and community leaders on the health of American democracy. Join us for a lively discussion during a U-hour! Speaking of Democracy is hosted by the Department of Service Learning and Civic Engagement. 

Spring 2022 Events 

• Tuesday, February 22 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Virtual

  Border Advocacy and Migrant Rights

  • Haitian migrants have taken a dangerous journey in hopes of making it past the border, as they had been informed that the border was open. Instead, they were met with brutality and racism from border agents, and were told to return. The inhumane actions of the agents and politicians are what led to this treatment, and we must advocate for change regarding our current border policies.
  • Students will learn more about the border, migrant and immigrant treatment, and ways that they can take actions themselves within the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium.
  • Discussion facilitated by local advocacy non-profit Universidad Popular.
• Tuesday, April 19 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Virtual

  Voter Suppression

  • • Join us for a lively virtual discussion about voter suppression: what it is, how it is enforced and it's impact on your current voting rights. The north county chapter of the League of Women Voters will facilitate this discussion with students. 

Fall 2022 Events

• Speaking of Democracy: Use your voice to STOP the Deportation of Community Members
  

  • Wednesday, November 9, 12:00 - 1:00 PM  USU 2300 B (USU Ballroom)
  • Learn how the San Diego Sheriff Department is colluding with DHS/ICE and what you can do to stop it. This collusion results in the deportation and detention of community members, and the separation of families in our region.  
    • Presenter: Lilian Serrano, Co-Director of Universidad Popular and Past Chair of the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC). 
    • Lunch provided!
• Speaking of Democracy: Vote Your Voice
  

  • Thursday, October 11 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM  USU 2310-B 
  • A lively discussion on the history of civil rights mobilization to gain the right to vote, importance of civic participation and local jurisdiction elections and their impact in our daily lives.  Don't hesitate to Vote Your Voice this election!
    • • RSVP for this event.

Spring 2021 Events

• Spring 2021 Events
   

  Speaking of Democracy: The "First 100 Days" of the Presidency

  • Thursday, February 11, 2021
  • 12:00 - 12:50 pm (U-hour)
  • Learn about the history of the first 100 days of the presidency, why it matters and what to anticipate after the 100 days. Share media impact and portrayal of success. 

  

  Speaking of Democracy: Slactivism to Activism with impactree

  • Tuesday, March 9, 2021
  • 12:00 - 12:50 pm (U-hour)
  • Resharing a post, using a popular hashtag and texting an organization link, is this activism or slactivism? Join us for a conversation on how social media has transformed the ways we advocate on issues that matter.

  

  Speaking of Democracy: Accountability by Email and Zoom, Virtual Civic Engagement

  • Thursday, April 15, 2021
  • 12:00 - 12:50 pm (U-hour)
  • Join Dr. Jonathan Bechtol for a conversation on how to be involved in your community by sending legislative emails, connect with a neighbor, attend city council meetings, etc.

  

For More Information

If you have questions and/or for individuals with disabilities who would like to attend this event, please contact Service Learning and Civic Engagement at civicengagement@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodations needs at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations.