About the Program:
Through the Democracy and Dialogues Initiative, UConn is working to increase democratic and civic capacity by supporting community dialogues on critical issues, providing moderator and facilitation training for dialogues and deliberations, and partnering with campus colleagues and local institutions to increase meaningful participation by all community members.
The Encounters Series is dedicated to fostering unexpected conversations around divisive issues and obscure knowledge. The program dives deeply into subjects that are of interest to the Greater Hartford community through facilitated, small-group dialogues followed by a question-and-answer style conversation with our UConn faculty and community partners. Resources are provided beforehand to encourage informed and informal dialogue within conversations that may otherwise prove to be polarizing, and thus unproductive. The aim is to strengthen our ability to know ourselves and to develop a forum for respectful and challenging dialogue.
Our partners in this Encounters Series include the Hartford Public Library, Connecticut's Old State House, the HartBeat Ensemble, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut Humanities, and many valuable others. 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.
Join us!
You are warmly invited to take part in this series of interactive dialogues. To participate, please register below.
March 4 – Encounters: Historic Black Journalism and Its Legacy
Historic Black Journalism and Its Legacy
In partnership with Capital Community College, Connecticut's Old State House, CT Humanities, the Hartford Heritage Project, and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Saturday, March 4 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Capital Community College - Community Room, 2nd Floor.
950 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
Register in advance for this event:
s.uconn.edu/encounters/black-press
As a journalist and a historian, Jelani Cobb, this year’s Pennington lecture speaker, has used public media to present deeply researched long-form journalism on pressing issues. He is a part of a long tradition of Black journalists who have done so. Join us for this community conversation event to explore the history and legacy of Black writing, Black journalists, and advocacy in and through the Black press. This Encounters program is part of the 2023 Pennington Lecture Event, inspired by this year’s speaker, Jelani Cobb.
*A light lunch will be served after the event. All participants are welcome and there is no cost to register or attend.
April 11 – Encounters: Destigmatizing Intimate Partner Violence-The Alyssiah Wiley Program
Destigmatizing Intimate Partner Violence-The Alyssiah Wiley Program
Hosted by Capital Community College & The Alyssiah Wiley Program
Tuesday, April 11 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Capital Community College, 2nd Floor Community Room
950 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
Register in advance for this event:
http://s.uconn.edu/alyssiahwiley-dialogue
Domestic violence is a pervading issue across our world. During the fiscal year of 2021, over 38,989 people sought domestic violence services in the state of Connecticut alone. This number is not reflective of all those who endure domestic violence, as violence often goes unreported. We need to shatter the silence. Through education, engagement, and empowerment, this program will shed light on domestic violence and encourage social change. Join us as we learn, listen, and reflect through small group discussions with facilitators, and engage with experts in domestic violence services about this critical issue.
*A light lunch will be provided ahead of the dialogue at 12:30 pm. All participants are welcome and there is no cost to register or attend.
April 15 – Encounters: Reparations-A More Perfect Union?
Reparations - A More Perfect Union?
Hosted by the Hartford Public Library Albany Branch
Saturday, April 15 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hartford Public Library Albany Branch
1250 Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT 06112
Register in advance for this event:
http://s.uconn.edu/reparations
Have you ever wondered about the lingering impact of historical injustices and how they continue to shape our society today? The issue of slavery reparations has been at the forefront of conversations surrounding social justice and equity, and now is the time to engage in a thoughtful and thought-provoking dialogue on the topic.
Join us for a captivating and enlightening discussion on the complex and multifaceted issue of reparations for slavery. Together, we will explore the historical context and current implications of systemic inequalities, and examine if reparations could serve as a means of redressing these injustices. Whether you are an advocate for reparations or skeptical of their efficacy, this dialogue promises to challenge your thinking and deepen your understanding of this critical issue.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the conversation on reparations and help shape the future of our society. Join us for an insightful and inspiring dialogue that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
*A light lunch will be provided following the dialogue at 12:00 pm noon. All participants are welcome and there is no cost to register or attend.
April 29 – Encounters: Amistad: Artistic Perspectives
Amistad: Artistic Perspectives
Hosted by Connecticut's Old State House & Connecticut Freedom Trail
Saturday, April 29 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Connecticut's Old State House
800 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103
Register in advance for this event:
https://forms.gle/ov8NUHwum8Wjhdps8
Artists from all over the world have raised the Amistad saga beyond the history books. In 1839, fifty-three African captives rebelled onboard the Spanish ship, La Amistad. They took over the ship, but were recaptured and then went on to win back their freedom through the American courts in Connecticut. Their bravery and eventual victory has been immortalized in the history books. But long before historians began to examine the Amistad saga, artists had already claimed the story in their own work. From contemporary portraits of the Africans to modern day stage performances, artists have told us the story of Amistad from diverse and unique perspectives.
What can these works tell us about their subjects and the artists that remember them? What happens when different interpretations come at odds with each other? Can a viewer’s perspective clash with the artist’s? Join us for an informed and collaborative exploration of these fascinating questions!
The Encounters Series is dedicated to fostering unexpected conversations around divisive issues and obscure knowledge. The program dives deeply into subjects that are of interest to the Greater Hartford community through facilitated, small-group dialogues followed by a question-and-answer style conversation with our UConn faculty and community partners. Resources are provided beforehand to encourage informed and informal dialogue within conversations that may otherwise prove to be polarizing, and thus unproductive. The aim is to strengthen our ability to know ourselves and to develop a forum for respectful and challenging dialogue.
Lead a Dialogue!
We are always looking for more facilitators and moderators to help support the Encounters Series. If you are interested in getting involved, register for one of our trainings!
February 10 – Facilitator Training
Facilitator Training
Hosted by the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Friday, February 10 | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Online
Register in advance for this training:
http://s.uconn.edu/fac.training
Facilitators are fundamentally important to running a successful dialogue. They are the folks who work with the small breakout groups and keep the conversation moving and productive. Want to learn more about the theory and practice of facilitation? Join us virtually on February 10.
March 6 – Facilitator Training
Facilitator Training
Hosted by the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Monday, March 6 | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
In-person: The Dodd Center for Human Rights, Room 162.
405 Babbidge Rd., Storrs, CT 06269
Register in advance for this training:
s.uconn.edu/trainingform
Facilitators are fundamentally important to running a successful dialogue. They are the folks who work with the small breakout groups and keep the conversation moving and productive. Want to learn more about theory and practice of facilitation? Join us! A light lunch will be provided.
March 9 – Moderator Training
Facilitator Training
Hosted by the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Thursday, March 9, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online: Zoom
April 20 – Facilitator Training
Facilitator Training
Hosted by the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Thursday, April 20 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
In-person: The Dodd Center for Human Rights Lounge
405 Babbidge Rd., Storrs, CT 06269
Register in advance for this training:
http://s.uconn.edu/encounterstraining2023
Facilitators are fundamentally important to running a successful dialogue. They are the folks who work with the small breakout groups and keep the conversation moving and productive. Want to learn more about theory and practice of facilitation? Join us!
April 21 – Moderator Training
Facilitator Training
Hosted by the Democracy & Dialogues Initiative
Friday, April 21 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online: Zoom