Programs & Events

The Center for Civic Engagement promotes films, seminars, and events geared towards gaining better insight into civic engagement.

Inauguration Events

Want to learn more about the Inauguration?

So What Did you Think of the Inauguration? A National Times Talk with Students

Join faculty, staff, and students from across the country on Thursday, January 21 from 11 a.m to Noon CST for a national discussion to debrief and discuss the Presidential Inauguration. Designed to reach across differences and create a space for discourse, this national facilitated dialogue is based on the fundamental value of the pursuit of knowledge for the public good. American Association of State Colleges and Universities' American Democracy Project will provide access to articles covering the Inauguration and use those for guided questions and prompts for a lively conversation. Register here.

Political Polarization Virtual Event

Dr. Joseph Zompetti, professor of communication at Illinois State University, has been studying political rhetoric—those messages and their impact—for most of his career. Zompetti will lead a discussion titled “Political Polarization” from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 on Zoom.

Through "Political Polarization," Zompetti will look at the causes of polarized political discussion and offer potential ways of addressing them. He will also lead a discussion and offer practical techniques to help manage the political toxicity in conversations. The presentation is based on his recent book Divisive Discourse.

This event is being organized by the School of Communication Promotion and Development Team (SoC PD) Team in collaboration with the Center for Civic Engagement. The SoC PD Team is an internship opportunity in which student interns plan and execute professional development events for the School of Communication.

To attend the event on Zoom, simply visit https://illinoisstate.zoom.us/s/93713874407 (an Illinois State University account is required to attend).

Deliberative Dialogues

conversation bubbles from silhouettes The Center for Civic Engagement is excited to offer Deliberative Dialogues on campus!

Deliberative Dialogues are guided conversations on a political or controversial topic. This model of conversation removes polarizing positions and one-sided lectures by simply asking participants to investigate specific solutions to an issue through the help of an issue guide and facilitator.

Learn more about the Deliberative Dialogues program and request one for your class or group.