If you are among the nearly 85% who are dissatisfied with government and politics today, join us for this three-part series on Bridging Political Divides: Exploring the Radical Middle, presented by Kent District Library and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.
Amidst rising extremism and division, a growing number of citizens seek to transcend traditional political divides, prioritizing pragmatism, evidence-based policies and solution-focused discourse. Embracing the “Radical Middle,” they seek common ground to address challenges, fostering united, resilient societies.
This free series for adults will take place on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch of KDL. The branch is located at 4950 Breton Rd. SE. Attendance is free and registration is not required.
"There are a number of high-profile elections happening worldwide this year, including our own in the U.S," said Erica Kubik, director of programming at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. "This series aims to help everyday citizens understand the political context of the upcoming election and how we might foster better democratic processes and engage voters who feel their voices aren’t heard.”
Schedule
October 1, 6:30 PM - The Radical Middle(s): Reconnecting the Frustrated Majority and Reviving our Democratic Republic
Presented by Dr. Doug Koopman, Senior Research Fellow, Professor Emeritus, Calvin University.
Nearly 85 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with government and politics today. Drawing on local examples from past and the present, Dr. Koopman suggests strategies to improve trust in and functioning of government, and criteria by which to evaluate candidates and campaigns.
October 8, 6:30 PM - Digital Risks to Democracy: Countering Misinformation Online
Presented by Paul M. Barrett, Deputy Director and Senior Research Scholar, Center for Business and Human Rights, New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Digital risks in elections include amplifying of misinformation by generative artificial intelligence. Social media platforms neglect crucial election integrity protections, even regressing in efforts to safeguard democratic processes. What can we do to combat this misinformation?
October 15, 6:30 PM - Restoring Faith in Democracy: Election Integrity and Civic Resilience
Presented by Tonya Schuitmaker (Republican) and Christine Greig (Democrat), Senior Advisors, Michiganders for Civic Resilience.
How might we restore civil discourse, mitigate political violence and assure more accountability from our government and elections? Join this discussion of practical strategies for political engagement in the lead up to the 2024 U.S. elections and beyond.
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan empowers the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world. For more information, visit www.worldmichigan.org. For details on this series and other in-person programs at Kent District Library, visit kdl.org/events.
