Outreach & Engagement Programs and Scholars Database

The Democracy and Dialogues initiative at UConn enhances democratic and civic capacity by fostering meaningful participation and dialogue on critical issues. The program supports community discussions through moderator and facilitation training and collaborates with campus colleagues and local organizations to engage all community members.As part of this initiative, the Encounters Series encourages thoughtful, small-group dialogues on divisive topics and lesser-known subjects of interest to the Greater Hartford community. Facilitated discussions are followed by Q&A sessions with UConn faculty and community partners. Participants are provided with resources in advance to promote informed and respectful conversations, creating a forum for productive dialogue and self-reflection.

Contact: Brendan Kane

Email: brendan.kane@uconn.edu

Keywords: Democracy, Human Rights, Dialogue

Website: https://humanrights.uconn.edu/areas-of-focus/democracy-dialogues/

Community Partners: Hartford Public Library, the Wadsworth Atheneum, and the Amistad Center for Art & Culture, creating space for conversations that draw on expertise at the university and have the potential to effect change.

Grant Funded Agency: The Democracy & Dialogues Initiative is part of Dodd Human Rights Impact and supported at UConn by the Office of Global Affairs, the Office of the Provost, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Humanities Institute, UConn Extension, and the Division of Student Affairs’ Parent's Fund.

Scope: In-State