PULLMAN, Wash. Five years of “Under the Big Tent” public debates at Washington State University will expand into “Public Forums” that include not only debates, but also conversation and reflection discussions. Many will be streamed via live video at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/public-forums.
The first will be at noon Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Butch’s Den in the CUB lower level. With more than 1,500 newly registered student voters at WSU, College Republicans and Young Democrats will debate upcoming elections in “Decision 2012.” A conversation series exploring the future of diversity at WSU will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Multicultural Student Services at noon Oct. 23-25, in Butch’s Den.
Since spring 2007, more than 35 Under the Big Tent debates have promoted civil discourse about critical and sometimes contentious public issues. Core sponsors have been WSU Libraries, the CUB and the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE).
Research supports the developmental power of dialogue for students, especially in the context of diverse perspectives. The Big Tent format, and its basic premise of audience interaction, has served to meet these needs. It became clear, however, that debate was not the only form of discussion in demand.
Reflections, an integral part of service learning, are student-led discussions of issues based on experiences in the community. Conversations will provide opportunities for roundtable discussions framed by an introductory presentation.
“The branding and familiarity of the ‘Big Tent’ concept has meant that we are never short of potential collaborators with topic ideas,” said Melanie Brown, CCE director. A planning group meets regularly to evaluate opportunities – those proposed as well as emergent and topical issues. With the broadened scope of Public Forums, even more critical campus dialogues are anticipated.
Contact:
Erin McIlraith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Center for Civic Engagement, 509-335-7707, emcilraith@wsu.edu
Erin McIlraith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Center for Civic Engagement, 509-335-7707, emcilraith@wsu.edu