K-State group addressing hot-button issues through civil, meaningful dialogue in series of forums, debates and open mic opportunities

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Source: David E. Proctor, 785-532-7252, icdd@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/icdd
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415, ebarcomb@k-state.edu

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

K-STATE GROUP ADDRESSING HOT-BUTTON ISSUES THROUGH CIVIL, MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE IN SERIES OF FORUMS, DEBATES AND OPEN MIC OPPORTUNITIES

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University group encouraging meaningful dialogue on hot-button issues is addressing some of those topics on campus this fall through public debates, panel discussions and forums.

The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy at K-State is participating in The People Speak, a nationwide program on through November for promoting thoughtful discussions about the value of international cooperation between the United States and the world. This year's theme is "Working Together with the World: What's in it for the U.S.?" Topics include energy and global climate change; millennium development goals; and peace, security and human rights. More than 300 college campuses participate in The People Speak events.

At K-State, the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy has organized events addressing the role of the United Nations in preventing genocide, specifically in Rwanda, and an open mic event allowing members of the public to voice their opinions on the Iraq War. Coming events at K-State include:

* A public debate on the resolution, "The U.S. is better served with an imperialist foreign policy," noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in the K-State Student Union courtyard.

* A National Issues Forum on the challenges of U.S. immigration, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in Room 212 at the Union.

* A panel discussion pm whether there is a connection between the health of the environment and global security, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, Room 207 in the Union.

* A U.N. Day event to learn about the U.S. role and discuss future options, noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, Union courtyard.

* An open mic event for members of the public to speak out about what foreign policy issues will influence their vote, noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at the Union's Bosco Student Plaza.

* A National Issues Forum on the United States' national security policy, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, Room 207 in the Union.

* A public debate on the resolution, "The U.S. should emphasize human rights in its foreign policy agenda," 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Room 212 in the Union.

The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy was formed at K-State in response to incivility, citizen alienation and community fragmentation. The institute seeks to increase citizen reflection, communication and respect vital to democratic decision-making. The institute faculty include communication specialists, engineers, geographers, political scientists, extension specialists, database managers, authorities in conflict management and professional facilitators and evaluators.

More information on the institute is available at http://www.k-state.edu/icdd