Community Conversation Project participants will participate in a day-and-a-half workshop focused on deliberative dialogue, civic engagement, and facilitated discussions on January 16-17 as well as three two-hour evening trainings during the weeks of January 16th, 22nd and 29th. Starting with basic public engagement and deliberative democracy theory, students will explore their value in democracy and community-building and challenges to effective implementation. On a practical level, students will learn basic facilitation skills and take part in mock dialogues to practice managing challenging group or participant dynamics and difficult conversations. Over the course of the semester, students should expect to commit between three and five hours per week to the project. This is a paid opportunity- all training and project work will be compensated.
This year's training will be led by Professor Alma Lowry. Alma Lowry’s work focuses on public participation, participatory democracy and environmental justice policy. In addition to her academic work, Lowry has practiced environmental law for more than 20 years, primarily representing low-income communities and communities of color. Currently she represents the Onondaga Nation on environmental and cultural resource issues. Lowry holds a law degree and a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Michigan and a doctorate in social sciences from Syracuse University.
The Levitt Community Conversations Fellowship is open to all Hamilton students regardless of concentration, career interest, or class year. Students must be able to attend the in-person, day-and-a-half session on campus January 16th and 17th 2023 as well as the evening trainings the weeks of January 16th, 22nd and 29th.
Please fill out the following application and upload documents as requested. Upon clicking "Apply Now", you will be prompted to create a free account with Interfolio. If you already have an Interfolio account, you should sign in. If you don't already have an Interfolio account, click on the "Sign up" button (NOT the "sign in through partner institution link).
NOTE: We have limited additional spots available. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with application reviews beginning December 16th and continuing through January 6th. If you have any questions or concerns but intend to be considered for workshop participation, please apply and then email levitt@hamilton.edu.
