Civic Engagement
This caption describes the image above.
Civil Discourse Debates
One of the most important elements of the Jefferson Scholars Program is the Civil Discourse Debates Series. As part of the Jefferson Center’s civic engagement efforts, this debate series is designed to provide opportunities for students to engage in political debate that is both passionate and respectful, and to have their perspectives enlarged by hearing advocates for multiple sides of a controversial and important issue. Throughout the academic year, the Jefferson Scholars Program hosts a series of debates loosely following the Braver Angels model. Students can present their thoughts on controversial topics in a peaceful, protected environment. By participating in and attending these debates, students hone their capacities for civil discourse, and develop skills that are essential to responsible and thoughtful citizenship, such as critical thinking and the ability to listen to—and learn from—those with whom one disagrees.
"How is your relationship with Democracy going?"
Sustaining Democracy
Sustaining Democracy is an informal non-partisan watchdog group that focuses on constitutional governance and threats to its flourishing. Through readings and film screenings, lectures, and discussions, we explore how liberal democracy and the rule of law are undermined by authoritarianism, tribalism, and political corruption. We investigate the interrelationships between modes of governance and law (eg human and civil rights), economy (eg wealth distribution and class conflict), and culture (eg race, religion, and ethnicity). We pay particular attention to the mechanisms of authoritarianism, such as in dictatorships, fascisms, and ethnonationalisms.
In past semesters, we have read works such as How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy At Home and Abroad by Fareed Zakariya, Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaum, selections from The Paranoid Style in American Politics by Richard Hofstadter, and the 1935 novel It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. We have also held screenings with expert discussions of the PBS documentary The Dictator's Playbook and the 2020 award-winning film titled A Thousand Cuts, about Filipino human rights journalist Maria Ressa. Our lunchtime series has featured professors Alexis Carré, Jason Brownlee, and others. We produce a student-produced newsletter and meet regularly for democracy-sustaining discussions and actions such as tabling, registering voters, and contacting our elected officials on key issues.
Sustaining Democracy is sponsored by the Jefferson Center in Core Texts and Ideas, the Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center, and the Center for Law and Democracy. Meetings are open to all UT students/community. For more information, please email susdemUT@gmail.com.
To join this group, go to https://tinyurl.com/SusDemCanvasEnroll or the Sustaining Democracy Website
This caption describes the image above.
Tutoring
The Jefferson Center partners with Communities in Schools to provide reading buddies and tutors to children in Austin public schools. If you’re interested in volunteering, please follow the link above to register as a “Community Volunteer.” Then contact our tutoring coordinator and let them know your availability and whether you have a car.
Undergraduate Student Reflections on Tutoring:
Ashleigh Prather
I have been a Reading Buddy for Communities in Schools for nearly three months now, and I have loved every minute of it. Watching the kids develop their reading skills every week has been absolutely amazing. Volunteering is the highlight of my week, I adore seeing the kids’ faces light up when they successfully identify words as we read together. Being a volunteer allows me to help cultivate a love of learning in the next generation, which is worth everything.
Undergraduate Student Reflections on Tutoring:
Leo Gonzales
The Jefferson Scholars have given me an invaluable opportunity to directly serve the Austin community. I am so fortunate to help elementary school students improve their grammar and reading skills. I am also grateful I made an impact because I saw my buddies improve. Everytime I went to Becker Elementary School I was excited to be there since I sincerely enjoyed it. One of the best memories I have is when my little buddy applied our grammar and reading skills to comic books. Since I loved this experience, I plan on volunteering again in the fall!
Undergraduate Student Reflections on Tutoring:
Aidan Cournoyer
Volunteering with Communities in Schools (CIS) has been a really great way to give back to the community while taking a break from my academics. Service learning has always been a big part of my school experience, and volunteering with CIS has given me the chance to grow myself while helping younger students. I'm glad to make a genuine impact on kids who may not have anyone else in their lives, and I've felt like CIS has made that all the easier. I would highly recommend anyone interested in service to participate!
