STATE COLLEGE — The Constitution Day Democracy Roundtables will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the theme “Making Our Voices Heard.” The annual event is organized by Constitution Day Centre Inc., a local nonprofit promoting the annual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and civil conversations among people of all beliefs.
Led by moderators, groups of eight people will share their viewpoints on three questions: Does the Electoral College protect our democracy? Do legislators pick their voters? Whose voices are heard — voters’ or donors’? Each group will present highlights of their discussions to everyone at the conclusion. A summary of the roundtables will be shared with local media, public officials and the public.
David Hutchinson, CDC president, said, “Civility is the heart of a successful democracy. It governs the way we speak with and behave towards one another as members of a society. The goal of the Democracy Roundtables is to listen to each other, hear what values we share and seek common ground so our communities and our country can thrive and succeed now and in the future.
“Democracy has been described as a small hard core of common agreement, surrounded by a rich variety of individual differences,” he added. “Yet we cannot have truly equal participation and equal opportunities unless we are treated with the fundamental respect we deserve simply as fellow human beings.”
After the roundtable, there will be a presentation of the annual Madison Award for Civility in the Community. This award recognizes area residents or a local organization for their excellence in community leadership and civility.
Admission is free. To register, email [email protected] by Sept. 22.
Constitution Day Centre has hosted annual celebrations since 2017. More information is at constitutiondaycentre.org or by contacting [email protected].
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