The American Democracy Project is launching a new Civic Engagement in Practice: Empowering Students to Lead Social Change series.
Democratic Setbacks and Civic Education, the first panel in the series, will be held Monday, March 10, from 1 to 1:50 p.m., in the Williams Center Room S204. Light refreshments will be served.
The thought-provoking spring panel series focuses on the role of civic engagement in shaping democratic processes, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, activism and practical action in driving meaningful social change. The panels will explore critical issues surrounding civic engagement and provide actionable strategies for students to make a tangible impact in their communities.
“The Spring 2025 series will urge attendees to think critically about the challenges facing democracy and how they can engage in the process of change,” said Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch, chair of the American Democracy Project. “This series emphasizes how students, as active participants in our democracy, can take leadership roles in addressing real-world challenges, from eroding civil liberties to rising authoritarianism.”
In this opening discussion, the panelists will focus on the challenges democratic institutions face worldwide. Panelists will examine the causes of democratic backsliding, the consequences for citizens and societies and civic education and activism's role in resisting these setbacks.
As Dr. McGowan-Kirsch explains, “Civic education and activism are critical to strengthening democratic institutions. Our students have the potential to shape the future, and this panel will explore how they can lead that charge.”
The panel will feature a diverse range of voices, including:
• Professor Ivani Vassoler, an educator focusing on international politics, will share insights on the causes and impacts of democratic decline in various countries.
• Professor Robert Dahlgren, an educator and scholar focusing on the importance of education in fostering resilience, will discuss how civic education can empower individuals to protect democratic values.
• Nikolay Fontanez, a student panelist, will highlight the significance of student involvement in advocacy and activism, offering a fresh perspective on how young people can contribute to social change.
Dr. Dahlgren has dedicated his career to exploring the intersections of civic engagement and education. With years of experience working in diverse educational settings, Dahlgren advocates for the power of informed, active citizenship to strengthen democratic societies.
Dr. Vassoler has worked extensively on issues related to democratic decline. Having studied political systems across multiple continents, Vassoler brings a unique global perspective, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and cross-cultural tolerance in preserving democratic values.
Mr. Fontanez, a senior with majors in Adolescence Education: Social Studies and History, with a Museum Studies minor from Ithaca, N.Y., is president of the History Club. He focuses on helping students make informed political and social decisions and is particularly interested in the relationship between democratic accessibility and socio-economic class.
The event also aligns with the mission of the Leadership Studies minor at SUNY Fredonia, which prepares students to become informed and active leaders who can address pressing social challenges. The panel highlights key aspects of leadership, including the ability to mobilize communities, advocate for democratic principles and take action against authoritarian forces.
McGowan-Kirsch notes that students interested in fostering their leadership skills will find the event especially relevant, as it underscores the vital role of leadership in sustaining democratic values and enacting social change.
“This panel will provide an important space for people to reflect on how democratic setbacks impact us all, and more importantly, how we can rise to the occasion,” said McGowan-Kirsch. “We hope this series inspires our community to take proactive steps toward a more just and democratic future.”
The event, co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project and the Leadership Studies minor, is free and is open to students, staff, faculty and community members. The event comes with support from the Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities of the Fredonia College Foundation.
