Democracy Lab

The Democracy Lab provides a non-partisan forum for people with different perspectives to engage in civic dialogue around meaningful and often controversial topics. Launched in fall 2020, this unique program was designed to bring together community members at a time when conversation was desperately needed. The lab facilitates the skills of listening to understand and being curious about and open to other points of view. In its first year, the lab brought together students, employees, and community members to talk about politics and the election. In the second year, conversation focused on important questions about education, such as free speech on campus and the cost of higher education. For the third year, current issues like poverty and parents’ roles in education are being discussed. The Democracy Lab’s creator has set an excellent example for students in how to understand others and live in a global society.

Innovator

• Sarah Star, Assistant Professor, Arts and Humanities