On Monday, Oct. 29, 250 high school students attended the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center’s Democracy Forum. The day-long event took place all around the University of Montana campus. The impactful event consisted of speeches, forums, a tasty lunch, and newfound connections.
The chilly fall day began at 9:30 in the morning in the University Center Ballroom, with introductions and icebreakers. Students were all placed randomly at different tables throughout the ballroom, with variation at each table between grade, gender, and school. I was seated at a table of about 7 students and 2 educators, dedicated to Bob Marshall.
After that, students met Jill Valley, Missoula’s own Emmy-nominated reporter at KPAX, accompanied by Ray Curtis. The two focused our attention on the important role of media and journalism in the democratic US. Valley shared the differences between this local election and previous years, mainly how there was no senator’s debate this year.
Beside the podium was Missoula’s local caricaturist Josh Quick, who brought the important discussions to life on a large, colorful, whiteboard. In school we have learned how important it is that each person knows their learning style, and Quick helped our knowledge retention by creating a visual storyline throughout the day. This made the forum feel that much more inclusive.
Later on, students parted ways into either the early lunch group or the early presentation group. As I headed out to lunch, I had conversations with people I’d never met before, people I had seen around the school, and friendly, familiar faces. Everyone had differing opinions and ideas about the morning session, but the overall consensus was that it was a creative and engaging take on the broad discussion of democracy.
A quick walk in the crisp fall air took Bob Marshall’s table to our presentation, given by Dr. Patrick Lozar. Dr. Lozar has a PhD in Native American studies, and focuses on tribal sovereignty. He taught us about the definition of sovereignty: a political concept referring to a dominant authority within a territory. To simplify that broad term, Dr. Lozar had us share what we knew about tribal sovereignty, specifically in Montana. Keeping all this in mind, students brainstormed ideas they would consider and implement if they were planning state-wide tourism. This discussion allowed easy conversation about the future, what that looks like, and what we can do as highschool students to have an impact. Dr. Lozar ended the presentation with a final statement; “Democracy is messy.”
As the day neared its end, students and teachers alike regathered in the UC ballroom. Our final presenter: Reverend Nelson B. Rivers III, from Charleston, South Carolina. He preaches the gospel, civil rights, and the importance of democracy. He left students feeling engaged, heard, and most importantly, hopeful.
The entire day fueled students’ interest in the importance of democracy, and helped give them the tools they need to have an impact on the future going forward. Voices were heard, listened to, and shared. Along with most students, I hope and plan to attend the next Democracy Forum at the University of Montana.
