You can now download Fulfilling the Promise of Full Citizenship: History as Foresight into the Continued Struggle for Universal Suffrage, Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact’s dialogue guide for Constitution Day this year on September 17.

The 2020 Constitution Day Dialogue guide has been compiled to guide dialogue participants in reaching individual and collective understandings about the history and future of voting. The conversations these materials are designed to facilitate are not about debating or contesting the historic or current reality of voter suppression in this country. Rather, these conversations will critically examine case studies and themes in our histories of voter suppression so that we might better navigate the present and actualize the ideals and principles of social democracy through the franchise.

The purpose of the guide is to provide the basis for a nuanced and action-minded discussion about the history, current state, and future of voting and civic engagement in the United States. The guide includes:

• Two case studies of moments in the centuries-long struggles for enfranchisement and full citizenship, “(Re)considering the Nineteenth Amendment Centennial,” and “Voter Suppression and the Constitution,” as entry points to contemplating the function, meaning, and promise of the vote today.
• “The Voting Ease Checklist” reflection and discussion exercise.
• References and a link to additional resources related to the 19th amendment centennial, the history of voter suppression, and resources from upcoming trainings.

Please contact Jane Turk at jturk@compact.org with any questions.

Upcoming Dialogue Trainings and Events

September 2, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Fulfilling the Promise of Full Citizenship Dialogue Training (Register here)
Learn more about planning and facilitating dialogue in online environments and participate in practice activities from this year’s Constitution Day Dialogue Guide to reflect on and sharpen your facilitation skills. Open to all interested participants on member campuses.

September 17, 7 – 9 p.m. – Fulfilling the Promise of Full Citizenship Constitution Day Dialogue (Register here)
This dialogue on the evening of Constitution Day will kick off this year’s Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact Critical Conversations Dialogue Series. Open to all interested participants on member campuses.

October 15, 7 – 9 p.m. – Critical Conversation Reflective Dialogue Series: Voting During a Global Health Crisis (Register here)