Most Americans know it's among their civic responsibilities to be informed and vote, but a lot of people are also checking out of both.
A series of free, nonpartisan, lively community gatherings hopes to change that and increase engagement this election year, with upcoming stops in Vermillion, Watertown, Sioux Falls and Custer State Park.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the interactive presentations delve into the role civics and communications organizations – from Revolutionary War papers to podcasters – have played in the nation's history. That includes the separation of powers among the branches of government and the system of checks and balances, the various civic duties and responsibilities of being an American, and how to find trusted sources of news and information.
The hourlong sessions, titled "250+ Years of American Civics and News," have received positive audience feedback in Yankton, Rapid City, Pierre and Brookings. Here details on upcoming stops and who will lead each:
- Vermillion firehouse, Tuesday, May 26 – 6-7 p.m. CT, 850 N. Dakota St., Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota and associate professor in political science, and Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch. Food will be available at 5:30 p.m.
- Watertown Regional Library, Monday, June 8 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT, 160 6th St NE, Jon Ruff, assistant professor of political science in SDSU's School of American and Global Studies, and Walker.
- Sioux Falls, Siouxland Libraries, June 29 or 30 – details forthcoming
- Black Hills Playhouse, Custer State Park, Sunday, Aug. 9 – Kathy Johnson, president of the League of Women Voters of South Dakota, and Walker. News Watch is the title sponsor for the fourth play of the season, "What the Constitution Means to Me." The presentation will happen immediately after the 2 p.m. matinee. Indicate you'd like to be seated with other News Watch supporters when ordering tickets and stay for a social time afterward.
The series is sponsored by News Watch, SDPB, the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, the Mike Huether Public Service Academy at South Dakota State University and the League of Women Voters of South Dakota.
Alexander Rifaat
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