KU to resume Educate & Act Series, offering sessions to address participation in US democracy

LAWRENCE — A series that encourages civic participation among members of the University of Kansas community will resume this fall with two virtual events.

The Educate & Act series, led by The Commons, the Center for Service Learning and the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity will host two virtual events for students, staff, and faculty. The series will continue to feature opportunities to learn about engagement in democracy in the United States, offering information and sharing resources about civic participation.

Session 1: "Changes to Election Participation in Kansas"

Noon Oct. 6

The first session, hosted with the School of Social Welfare, will be presented during National Voter Education Week. The event will center Kansas House Bill 2183 and subsequent changes to election law in the state. Through this event, panelists will share updates to legislation and current litigation around the bill as well as how voting rights groups and other civic engagement organizations are adapting their operations in this evolving context.

Scheduled presenters:

• Steve Allton, KU Office of the General Counsel
• Patrick Miller, associate professor of political science
• Birdie Alt, government relations director, KU Student Senate
• Peyton Browning, Prairie Roots.

The discussion will be moderated by Melinda Lewis, associate professor of the practice in social welfare.

Session 2

Noon Dec. 1

Details are forthcoming.

Register for the events on Zoom through The Commons’ website.