Public Insight Forum: Is Our Democracy Unraveling? A Talk With Richard Harwood

Registration for the Public Insight Forum with Richard Harwood is now closed.

* Public Insight Forum *

Hosted by Minnesota Public Radio and the Citizens League

Is Our Democracy Unraveling? A Talk with Richard Harwood

Wednesday, November 9^th, 7:00 p.m.

Macalester College, Kagin Commons Hill Ballroom

The media and politicians portray the U.S. as a nation divided — into red and blue, religious and secular, urban and rural. But this conventional wisdom, which drives today’s politics and public life, is dead wrong, according to Richard Harwood. Harwood argues in his new book, Hope Unraveled: The People’s Retreat and Our Way Back that extreme views reign because most citizens have retreated from public life after years of frustration and anger with politicians, media and government. Harwood will explore the reasons behind the public retreat and how we can reverse it and he will invite those attending to share their insights on how to re-engage people in our democracy.

About the Speaker

Richard C. Harwood is founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people imagine and act for the public good. He has helped develop new kinds of leaders and civic-minded organizations in dozens of communities from Newark, New Jersey to San Francisco, and from Flint, Michigan to Las Vegas. Harwood has helped groups from housing corporations to arts collaboratives to faith-based organizations, working with citizens, leaders, and news media across the nation.

About the Public Insight Forums

Minnesota Public Radio News has developed a new model of newsgathering called Public Insight Journalism® and created a network of 12,000 people who share their knowledge to deepen news coverage on Minnesota Public Radio. Other Public Insight Forums have included discussions on the “Radical Center” with Ted Halstead of the New America Foundation and on the achievement gap between white and minority students. Minnesota Public Radio and the Citizens League have worked individually and collaboratively to tap into public knowledge and insights on the most critical issues facing the region and its citizens. Minnesota Public Radio and the Citizens League are collaborating to present the Richard Harwood talk and to present “Policy and a Pint” sessions where people gather informally with leading experts to discuss issues such as the state's preparedness for disasters and the politicization of the Supreme Court.

Reservations

This event is sold out. Registrations are now closed.

Sponsors

Sponsors for the Public Insight Forum include Macalester College.

Policy and a Pint: Community and Catastrophe

The Citizens League, 89.3 The Current and The Onion

present

Policy and a Pint

Community and Catastrophe: Building the Best While Preparing for the Worst

With Greater Twin Cities United Way President and CEO Lauren Segal and Dan Johnson, Executive Director of Homeland Security.

We saw what happens when disaster preparation and response fails - but how should it really work? In addition, what is government responsible for in this equation? How about the voluntary sector, businesses, and citizens? What can you do, and what can communities like the Twin Cities do to prepare and respond in a way that ensures maximum safety, service and dignity for all of our citizens. Join leadership from Greater Twin Cities United Way for an interactive and relevant conversation on what disaster preparedness and recovery means for us.

Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. SE, in Minneapolis' Dinkytown

Monday, October 24. Doors open at 5:30, program starts at 6:30.