Engaging Around the Election

As a student, engaging in the democratic process empowers you to shape the policies and decisions that affect your life and future and grow your sense of responsibility and community. We encourage you to become an informed, critical thinker who can advocate for change and civically engage with others. The following information includes resources for support and connection during election season, tips on engaging with others, and upcoming campus events.

• Wednesday, November 6 (10am-8pm)
• Thursday, November 7 (10am-3pm)
• Friday, November 8 (10am-3pm)
• Tuesday, November 12 (10am-3pm)
• Wednesday, November 13 (10am-3pm)

• Wednesday, November 6 (3:30-4:30pm): Bearcat Support Network Student Support Group Meeting More information on GetInvolvedUC
• Thursday, November 7 (3-4pm): Bearcat Support Network Student Support Group Meeting More information on GetInvolvedUC

"What has influenced your thinking?"
"Tell me more..."

"I feel optimistic when..."
"During this election, I am hoping for..."

"When you said...., what did you mean?"

"I understand what you have shared."

"If I'm understanding you correctly, you are saying...."
"What I'm haering you say is..."

"Can we talk about this after we've taken a break?"

The following optional events are hosted by various UC departments related to the 2024 election:

The upcoming forum will focus on the role of mediators and facilitators in helping communities move forward inclusively after the election. We’ll explore how to create spaces where everyone—no matter who they voted for—can express their concerns, feel heard, and engage in constructive dialogue. You’ll also hear from representatives of key organizations, each of whom will offer actionable steps for how you can get involved in their work. We’ll then open the floor for group discussion and idea exchange, where your voice will be vital in shaping next steps. Presented by the National Coalition for Dialogue and Democracy’s Practitioner Mobilization for Democracy

Register for this event. Presented by Foundations of Civil Discourse Workshops, Faculty Enrichment Center. Facilitated by Dr. Andy Cullison.

Register for this event. Join the ACLU Campus Action Team for a nonpartisan civic school overview outlining fundamental civics concepts, differences between the federal vs. state constitution, the power and scope of local government, and more. Are you ready to build strategic power for local change? Do you want language and frameworks to galvanize your networks this upcoming election? We're ready to hear from you! Session goals include: 

• An overview of the three branches of government with a focus on functions and stakeholders within Ohio's government 
• Introduction to county and municipal government; reviewing the structure of chartered vs. statutory counties, defining home rule, mapping of county leaders and who they report to, and how to apply pressure to win good policy 
• Community discussion on what it takes to win transformative policies at the local level, providing new language and frameworks to discuss the importance of voting in the upcoming election  

This session is ideal for new organizers or seasoned activists looking for skills to spearhead local policy change. Sessions are free and open to the public.

Hosted by the Portman Center. Facilitated by Alex Linser and Sherry Poland.

Register for this event. Presented by Foundations of Civil Discourse Workshops, Faculty Enrichment Center. Facilitated by Dr. Andy Cullison.

Register for this event. Presented by the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. Facilitated by Joya Dillard.

Register for this event. Presented by Foundations of Civil Discourse Workshops, Faculty Enrichment Center. Facilitated by Dr. Andy Cullison.

Join our BUILD Community of Practice, where practitioners come together to reflect, share, and support one another as we work to strengthen democracy. Whether you’re new or experienced, this is a space to deepen your practice, share challenges, and learn from others.

Register for this event. Support work is based on our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships. Our relationships are challenged by societal stress, trauma, and mental health. The concept and connection of family was radically affected by COVID-19. This calls us to deepen our listening and caregiving for our "family" members. Restorative practices will be offered to build skills to support positive, thriving, empowered relationships and can transform how we show up in our relationships. In this session we ask: How can we navigate effective communication to best repair broken relationships and/or reconnect with our loved ones? Ideas and experiences will be shared to position our hearts and minds to show up with a reframed best self and avoid repeating negative patterns such as boundaries, attachment and codependency. This workshop will encourage the importance of how we show up for others.

Register for this event. Presented by the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. Facilitated by Joya Dillard.

Register for this event. Restorative Justice, or "RJ," is a philosophy and set of practices that engage the community in building relationships and repairing harm through inclusive dialogue, deep understanding, and shared power. This session will be held as a space for attendees to openly share how the upcoming election is impacting how they show up in relational spaces. This space will NOT be an exchange for political ideology, rather a safe place for expression and how the partisan divide is affecting us respectively. The space will also allow for reflection on how we can utilize restorative processes as a means to move towards personal and interpersonal healing using safe and effective communication.

Register for this event. Presented by the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. Facilitated by Joya Dillard.

Register for this event. Presented by the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. Facilitated by Joya Dillard.

Register for this event. Rather than listening to respond, we need to develop the ability to listen to understand. This interactive event will feature a range of individuals providing nuanced political perspectives. You will learn to appreciate and better understand the views of the “political other.”

Register for this event. The Portman Center presents a conversation with Senator Joe Manchin (West Virginia Senator) and Senator Rob Portman (former Ohio Senator) with welcome and introductions provided by College of Arts & Sciences Dean James Mack. Lunch provided.

Register for this event on Zoom. Register to attend in-person. With Election Day fast approaching, concerns over the security and integrity of our democratic process are at an all-time high. The panelists will explore the challenges facing election security in today’s polarized political climate. Please be our guest as we discuss ways to ensure trust in the electoral process and the steps needed to safeguard the future of American democracy.

Register for this event. Presented by the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact. Facilitated by Joya Dillard.

More information is forthcoming.