Post-Event Recap: 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
Fostering Dialogue, Deliberation, and Civic Engagement
The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State hosted the 2024 Civic Learning Symposium on September 27-28,
Speaker at the 2024 Civic Learning Symposium on September 27, 2024. Photo by Bobby Ellis/Ball State University
Day 1: Friday, September 27
The symposium opened with a registration and reception in the Ball State Student Center Ballroom, followed by a series of welcoming remarks. Provost Anand Marri provided the official opening, setting the tone for the event by underscoring the importance of fostering civic agency and bridging divides through dialogue.
Next, Eric Grim, Director of Public Education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools, delivered remarks focusing on the collaborative nature of civic education and its potential to transform local communities.
The evening continued with a keynote introduction by Dr. Katrina Bulkley, Dean of Teachers College, who presented the night’s keynote speaker, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III. Dr. Hrabowski, President Emeritus of UMBC, captivated the audience with his keynote address, focusing on the pillars of education and leadership in democratic societies. He emphasized the role that educators play in nurturing future generations to be informed, responsible citizens. His passionate speech drew on his own experiences and his pioneering work in education, particularly among underrepresented communities.
After the keynote address, the symposium turned to the Civic Education Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing civic learning. This year’s honorees included:
- Heather Veatch (East Washington Academy): Recognized for her outstanding contributions to civic education, Heather Veatch was honored with the Award for the Advancement of Civic Education.
- Allen Kidd (Muncie Central High School): Another recipient of the Award for the Advancement of Civic Education, Allen Kidd’s dedication to fostering civic learning among high school students was celebrated.
- Elizabeth Rowray (Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce): For her leadership in advancing civic engagement in the business community,
- Mary and Cornelius Dollison (Whitely Community Council): This couple received the Leadership in Civic Education and Public Service Award for their tireless work in fostering community development and engagement.
In a particularly poignant moment, the Leadership in Civic Education and Public Service Award was presented to Mary and Cornelius Dollison of the Whitely Community Council, honoring their lifelong dedication to civic engagement and community service.
The first day concluded with a book signing and reception, where attendees had the opportunity to meet Dr. Hrabowski and engage in meaningful conversations about his work and the future of civic education.
Day 2: Saturday, September 28
The second day of the symposium featured a range of concurrent sessions that explored civic engagement from multiple perspectives, including civil rights, youth civic engagement, democratic practices, and grassroots civic initiatives.
Highlights from the Morning Session
John Snoad of the Sphere Education Initiative, who led a discussion on “Voices United: Navigating the Struggle for Equality and Civil Rights
The 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
Brooks Kirchgassner of DePauw University, who shared insights on “Rising Up For Our Communities: Building Solidarity Across Difference.”
Dr. Nathanael Snow from the Institute for the Study of Political Economy at Ball State, who presented on “Practicing a Repertoire of Egalitarian Deliberation,” exploring how students can engage in democratic deliberation.
Participants also had the opportunity to engage in sessions dedicated to the development of youth civic engagement. Jim Dittoe from the Sagamore Institute led an informative session on growing and developing Youth Civic Engagement Councils (YCEC), while Linda Hanson from the Indiana League of Women Voters discussed ways to engage citizens in the electoral process.
Mid-morning, the symposium turned to the role of information in civic dialogue, with Dr. Luis Orozco from Ball State’s Center for Information and Communication Sciences presenting on “Civic AI: How Artificial Intelligence Supports Civic Engagement.” His session sparked lively debate about the potential of AI in fostering civic participation.
Following a lunch break, the symposium reconvened with the keynote address by Harry Boyte, a renowned advocate for public work and civic engagement. Boyte’s address focused on the power of community-based civic work and the importance of sustaining democratic practices at the grassroots level.
The afternoon concurrent sessions offered attendees a chance to dive deeper into specific areas of civic learning:
Dr. Jorn Seemann from Ball State and the Whitely Community Council presented a community-based mapping and storytelling initiative called MASTS, which aims to engage local residents in preserving their neighborhood’s history.
Dr. Beth A. Messner and Dr. Kiesha Warren-Gordon, in collaboration with WaTasha Barnes-Griffin, CEO of YWCA Central Indiana, led an impactful session on “Bridging Racial Divides through Community-Engaged Learning,” where they discussed the role of cross-racial dialogue in promoting racial reconciliation.
The day’s events concluded with a demonstration of the We The People curriculum for middle school students, led by Tim Kalgreen from the Indiana Bar Foundation. This interactive session highlighted how the curriculum helps students actively engage with civic concepts and encourages critical thinking about government and democracy.
Conclusion
The 2024 Civic Learning Symposium was a resounding success, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for enhancing civic education and engagement. The two-day event reinforced the importance of dialogue, deliberation, and innovative civic teaching methods in building stronger, more informed communities. The involvement of esteemed speakers like Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III and Harry Boyte, along with the participation of key organizations such as the Indiana Bar Foundation and the Center on Representative Government, showcased the critical role of collaboration in shaping the future of civic education.
As Ball State’s Center for Economic and Civic Learning looks ahead to future symposiums, the 2024 event will be remembered for its emphasis on inclusivity, civic responsibility, and the power of education in fostering democratic engagement.