Civic engagement and student-driven social change will be the focus of the American Democracy Project’s Spring 2025 panel.
The second panel in the American Democracy Project (ADP) series, Civic Education and Engagement: Democratic Backsliding from a Global Perspective, will be held Thursday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Williams Center Room S204.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
A robust democracy requires civic knowledge and sustained engagement; therefore, the conversation will emphasize the role of civil society in fostering an informed, engaged citizenry and the necessary steps to reinforce democratic stability.” Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch
Two panelists will examine global patterns of democratic backsliding, identifying common factors contributing to democratic decline and extracting lessons relevant to the United States. By analyzing cases from diverse political contexts, such as Venezuela and Hungary, the discussion will illuminate trends in democratic erosion and explore how civil society can strengthen democratic resilience.
“This analysis will enhance our understanding of the vulnerabilities and strengths within democratic institutions, including state governments, judicial systems, educational entities, and media organizations – both traditional and digital – and the arts,” said Department of Communication Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch.
“A robust democracy requires civic knowledge and sustained engagement; therefore, the conversation will emphasize the role of civil society in fostering an informed, engaged citizenry and the necessary steps to reinforce democratic stability,” added Dr. McGowan-Kirsch, who is also the ADP coordinator.
The panel featuring a diverse range of voices includes:
• Dr. Jonathan Chausovsky from the Department of Politics and International Affairs, who specializes in American political development, focusing on the legal rights of business corporations. His academic repertoire includes constitutional law, civil liberties, courts, and social policy courses.
• Student Paige Nosenchuck, who will bring a fresh perspective to the panel by representing the student body's voice and discussing how she advances civic engagement initiatives. Nosenchuck is a sophomore double major (Political Science and International Studies), from Buffalo, NY.
“We want students to see that civic engagement is not just about voting — it’s about advocacy, community action, and holding institutions accountable,” McGowan-Kirsch added. “This series is about equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to participate actively in democracy.”
The event is sponsored by the American Democracy Project with support from the Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities through the Fredonia College Foundation.
