Description

DATE: May 23, 2024

TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Lancaster Chamber

COST: Free

Event Description:

You’re invited to participate in the YPN Advocacy Chapter’s most exciting opportunity yet: a deliberative forum on democracy! The Lancaster Chamber, Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement, and Franklin & Marshall College have teamed up to provide young professionals with this unique chance to weigh in on the one of the biggest questions facing society: how strong is our democracy?

What is a deliberative forum?

Deliberative forums, also known as “mini publics,” are a democratic innovation that is increasingly used around the world as a way to gather community feedback on pressing issues facing society. After gaining background information on the topic, participants are guided through small-group deliberations by trained facilitators, working together to develop well-informed and deeply considered collective judgement. The process usually culminates in policy recommendations that are shared with lawmakers and/or the wider community. A key feature of the deliberative forum is the opportunity to have respectful debate and discourse while working together to find common ground.

What will we be doing?

Participants will be deliberating on the state of democracy in Lancaster County. You will be discussing issues like elections and representation (campaign fundraising, gerrymandering, term limits, etc.), opportunities and barriers to participation (voting access, running for office), and information (news, media, civics education). You will be provided with a briefing document ahead of the event and will have the opportunity to gain additional insight and ask questions during the “topic introduction” portion of the forum. Then we will spend the majority of our time together discussing the issues with a trained facilitator, who will navigate us through consensus-building and discourse. Depending on the results of our discussion, we will conclude by compiling a list of policy priorities and recommendations for our elected officials to consider as we seek to strengthen our democracy!

Event Info and Agenda:

This event is free and open to young professionals in Lancaster County. Registration is required. Food, drinks, and a surprise giveaway item will be provided!

4-4:15pm – Arrival & Appetizers

4:15-5:00pm – Topic Introduction

5:00-5:45pm – Deliberative Discussion 1

5:45-6:00pm - Break

6:00-6:45pm – Deliberative Discussion 2

6:45-7:00pm – Wrap-Up

What is the YPN Advocacy Chapter?

The YPN Advocacy Chapter serves to educate and empower young professionals to get involved in advocacy work that supports employers, employees, and the wider Lancaster County community. Our quarterly meetings provide updates on local and state policy issues, training on the legislative process, and opportunities to engage with elected officials. We also host civic engagement events in the community and take an annual trip to the state capitol!