Dialogue for Democracy

Where meaningful dialogue flourishes

Today’s political tensions call upon scholarly communities to engage in thoughtful and rich conversation, inviting us to speak, listen and explore the variety of perspectives that inform our civic life. Boise State is committed to encouraging intellectual engagement and meaningful dialogue. The Dialogue for Democracy Series is a university-wide initiative that continues our commitment to supporting open inquiry and the freedom of expression, and to celebrating the plurality of ideas.

Election Event Schedule

During the Fall 2024 semester, Boise State University is launching Dialogue for Democracy, an initiative to promote civic engagement among members of the campus community, who hold a diverse set of political opinions and values. At the core of the initiative, is an effort to create an open, welcoming, and central place for members of the campus community and beyond, to explore a host of events and programs geared toward examining the choices facing voters in the November election.

Fall 2024 Events

Week of August 26

Braver Angel Trainings

These workshops, open to the campus community, seek to help participants learn to disagree better in polarized times by:

Gaining more understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
Bolster skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
Bolster skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree
All workshops run by Braver Angeles Volunteers
Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the Disagree Better workshops

Disagree Better Workshop, Tuesday, August 27

10:30-11:45 a.m. Student Union Hatch Ballroom A/B

Disagree Better Workshop, Tuesday, August 27

Noon-1:15 p.m. Student Union Hatch AB

Disagree Better Workshop, Wednesday, August 28

10:30-11:45 a.m. Student Union Hatch AB

Disagree Better Workshop, Wednesday, August 28

Noon-1:15 p.m. Student Union Hatch AB

Red/Blue Workshop, Friday, August 30

Noon-3 p.m. Student Union Farnsworth (Breakout Cataldo)

Student Organization Involvement Fair, August 28

2-5 p.m. on The Quad

This annual event is organized by Student Involvement for students.

Week of September 2

Fellows Quad Tabling, September 3

10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center

IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.

Fellows Quad Tabling, September 4

10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center

IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.

Week of September 9

Fellows Quad Tabling, September 10

10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center

IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.

Presidential Debate Watch Party, September 10

Time TBD, Student Union Dining Room

A debate watch party for the campus community to come see together, the second of two nationally televised debates of the Presidential Candidates. Subject to change per national events.

Fellows Quad Tabling, September 11

10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center

IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.

Week of September 16

Constitution Day Voter Registration Drive, September 17

8 a.m.-6 p.m. on The Quad

Prop 1 Initiative (Open Primary/Ranked Choice) Forum, September 17

7 p.m. Jordan Ballroom in the Student Union Building

Featuring Tom Luna, partner at Strategos Group Public Affairs and former Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Hyrum Erickson, Idaho for Open Primaries. Moderated by Isaac Castellano, Associate Director of the Institute for Advancing American Values.

Week of September 30

Boise State Listens, October 1

5 p.m. Special Events Center in the Student Union Building

Ten students speak on what they value and why. See the Boise State Listens webpage for more information.

Week of October 7

Election Security Panel, October 9

7 p.m. Alumni and Friends Center Ballroom

A panel of Boise State Faculty participating in the Idaho Election Cybersecurity Center. Co-sponsored with ASBSU and SPS.

Week of October 14

War, Trade, and Geopolitical Consequences: What to expect in foreign policy from a Harris or Trump Administration, October 15

7 p.m. Micron Center for Materials Research Room 106

Policy debates on major issues in the presidential campaign including economic policy, international affairs, and culture war issues. Featuring Political Science Professors, Julia VanDusky, Michael Allen, Ross Burkhart, and Nisha Bellinger, moderated by Isaac Castellano.

What the heck are they thinking? The economic consequences of Harris and Trump, October 16

7 p.m. Micron Center for Materials Research Room 106

Policy debates on major issues in the presidential campaign including economic policy, international affairs, and culture war issues. Featuring Economics Professors Rafael Ribas and Anne Walker, moderated by Allen Dalton.

Week of October 21

Distinguished Lecture Series, October 25

7p.m. ExtraMile Arena

The Fall DLS features New York Times Columnist David Brooks. The event will also feature a Civic Engagement Fair at the end of Brooks’ remarks.

Week of October 28

State of the Election Roundtable, October 29

5:30 p.m. Student Union Hatch Ballroom

A roundtable discussion forecasting the election with SPS faculty and area journalists on the state of the national election.

Week of November 4

Brandt Lecture, November 4

7 p.m. Student Union Jordan Ballroom

Brandt Lecture featuring Larry Reed, Former President of the Foundation for Economic Education, will present his lecture: Presidents and Economics: Two Who Got It Right.

Week of November 11

Election Recap, November 12

Noon, Special Events Center in the Student Union Building

A roundtable forum with SPS faculty reviewing the election outcome, voting pattern data, and address questions or concerns about the election process and outcome.

Election Recap, November 13

5:30p.m. Hatch Ballroom in the Student Union Building

A roundtable forum with SPS faculty reviewing the election outcome, voting pattern data, and address questions or concerns about the election process and outcome.

Student Forum, November 13

3-5 p.m. Student Union Bishop Barnwell Room

IAAV student forum to discuss the election outcome, and process responses from students.