2022 Workshop Offerings
Presented by: Viraj Agarwala & Andrew Chen
(Not) Just the Tip of the Iceberg: Systems Analysis & Transformative Change
This workshop will introduce participants to the Iceberg Model of systems analysis, and guide them in using the model to analyze contemporary social issues.
Presented by: the Sustainability Council
A Debate on the Legislative Side of Environmentalism
This Democracy Day, join the Sustainability Council as we explore the legislative side of environmentalism and climate change action through an exciting debate. The workshop will open with a fun Kahoot and video. Then, we will simulate the interactions within the doors of congress with a focus on lobbying. We will break into three groups to debate on a specific and relevant climate-related issue.
Are your company’s products threatened by global warming? Join the group lobbying action against climate change. Alternatively, if climate change seems like an overreaction to normal weather, ally yourself with the lobbyists who resist climate action. Undecided? Give civil service a try as a politician advocating for either side of the climate debate.
Presented by: Ms. Shadaya Bennet, former Chief of Staff, State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-NJ)
A Diverse Democracy – How it All Works and Why Representation Matters in the Process
This workshop will explore the importance of a more diverse democracy. From the elected to the policies, a democracy should reflect the people it seeks to govern. Through video content and an interactive presentation, this workshop will include information about the work that takes place beyond elections from the perspective of a young professional who knows the landscape of government relations in NJ. The workshop will also explore the American political structure and process to demonstrate how the system impacts the lives of everyday people. These factors speak to the importance of perspective, why representation matters and why such is essential to creating a democracy that works for everyone. From lived experiences that inform public policy, the racial and ethnic make-up of governing bodies, to the politics of identity – our differences have the potential to make us great.
Presented by: Ms. Clancy & Ms. Sinai
A Matter of Fact: Dissecting Disinformation and Fake News this Election Season
While the internet is an incredible place to share knowledge, creativity, and a bit of levity (hello viral cat videos!), it has also become a breeding ground for mistruth, and can have a real impact on political discourse and the democratic process of elections. We will discuss why combating misinformation online matters, and build a basic toolkit for fact-checking the information we see across our news feeds in order to make the most informed decisions.
Presented by: Ms. Smith
Ancient Greek Theatre: Democracy in Action
Ever wondered why a "Greek chorus" exists? Seen Disney's Hercules, but really just cared about the Muses? Then you might be interested in coming to this workshop on Festival Dionysus and the use of theatre in ancient Greece as a Democratic tool. The Festival, a days-long competition of plays and speeches written and performed by men, was notorious for containing performances directly inspired by (and commenting on) hot-button issues of the time. Participants in this workshop will learn about the origins, buildings and contents of the Festival itself, read excerpts from winning plays, and maybe (just maybe) perform this inherently democratic art form for their peers.
Presented by: Cate Gogolak, Noori Dalamal
Art and Politics: What does democracy mean to you?
Creating a mural where each student can fill in a square artistically expressing what democracy means to them.
Presented by: StuCo (Sara Chiang, Ani Kozak, Iris Wu)
Beyond the Screen: "Boys State"
We will watch parts of the Boys State documentary followed by a group discussion. Explore the official site for Boys State here: https://boysstate.movie/
Presented by: Ms. Hedges
Developing equitable, self-protective, and effective civic agency in a digital age
How can young people be successful at developing equitable, self-protective, and effective civic agency in a digital age? We will delve into the 10 questions for young changemakers framework (from Harvard's Democratic Knowledge Project) and examine the Parkland Students' March for Our Lives Movement as a case study to explore this question.
Presented by: Mr. Ali
Change the Mental Model, Change the Story
This workshop will introduce participants to the concept of storytelling for social change, and invite them to develop their own stories as the basis for civic engagement.
Presented by: Dr. Noboa Berman, Dr. Concepcion
Conversation Around Voter Access
A discussion around voter access around the country and the inequities that happen due to socioeconomic status and race.
Presented by: Mr. Long
Flashback to the 1900s: The Color of Fear, in review
Celebrated Chinese American documentary film director Lee Mun Wah gathered a diverse group of young men and opened space for extempore dialogue on the topic of race in America. One particular exchange (see YouTube link below) will serve as the ‘text’ for our workshop on Democracy Day. Through authentic and collaborative conversations, students will feel the tenor of American discourse and consider how we might collectively cultivate cross-cultural connections. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nmhAJYxFT4
Presented by: Dean McMillan
For this Republic: Roman models and the US Constitution
What was the Roman Republic and how is is connected to US democracy? We will explore Roman ideas about government and discuss the differences and parallels to American democracy.
Presented by: Mr. Pete Davis, Democracy Policy Network, Washington, DC.
From Dream to Reality: The Policy Change Cycle
How does change actually happen? Explore the 10 steps of the policy change cycle: From how problems are identified, to how new solutions arise, to how those new solutions are popularized, advocated for, enshrined in law, and fully implemented. This is a workshop for dreamers and realists interested in doing the creative, collaborative, and concrete work necessary to change the world for the better.
Presented by: Uma Zimmerman
Game Changers: Civic Engagement & Play
This workshop will introduce participants to games designed to inspire civic engagement and social change.
Presented by: Ms. Schulte, Ms. Sturley, Ms. Wilcox, Mr. Cibelli
Get Out The Vote @ Philly
This "session" will be different from all the others. We will be going to 4 polling stations in Philadelphia to help get out the vote. We will be working with an organization called Sunrise Philadelphia, a group for young people working towards stopping climate change and promoting a Green New Deal. Sign up to take part in making our democracy work! On Tuesday, we will leave at 7:00 am and return by 2:45 pm. In addition, there will be a training on Sunday (11/6) night from 7-8 pm. Those who sign up for this workshop must fill out this form and send a confirmation email to kpark23@lawrenceville.org and rcloninger25@lawrenceville.org by Saturday (11/5) at 11:00 PM.
Presented by: Yan Tsenter; Panelists: Hartley Ju, Kieran Yietman-Biggs, Mical Tuczapski, Michelle Zhang, Louis Park
Global Democracy: Revitalizing Civics Internationally
Join international students of the Lawrenceville community to hear about their experiences with youth activism and discuss the perception of democracy at an international level. This workshop will be in a panel format.
Presented by: Mr. Kerney
Great idea or pure insanity? What the ancient Greeks taught us about Democracy
Twenty-five hundred years ago, the citizens of Athens came up with a radical new way to govern. They called it democracy. The Athenian experiment ended in failure, and raised more doubts than it did hopes. How did this happen, and what did it mean for the young American republic?
Presented by: Mr. Kooistra
HOW (NOT) TO BE AN (IN)EFFECTIVE STUDENT LEADER
We'll start by talking about how to start down the wrong track by running a popularity-oriented, rather than a service-oriented, campaign. Then we'll talk about the classic mistakes to avoid and, instead, the key moves to make in setting oneself up for success--and, more importantly, the portion of the community one has an obligation to serve, for satisfaction--by pursuing a title, an office, and the mission incumbent upon the incumbent.
Presented by: Mrs. Ferguson, Ms. Patricia Hendricks Farmer
Local Governance: A Conversation with the President of the Board of Education for Lawrence Twp
Patricia Hendricks Farmer is the President of the Board of Education for Lawrence Township. This workshop will explore the importance and impact of elections and leadership at the local level.
Presented by: Ms. Susan Shaffet Kanter, Princeton School Board & Ms. McMenamin
Never thought I'd be trending!
Ever thought about running for office? What does a School Board do anyway? Did you know there were non-partisan offices you could hold? How can we ensure that elections stay focused on issues and candidates and not misinformation? Come join Ms. McMenamin and Ms. Kanter for a deep dive into local politics. Current member of the Princeton School board Ms. Kanter is running for reelection on Nov 8th so this topic is based on very current events! Come ready to learn and discuss what it really means to be a candidate in these divisive times.
Presented by: Dr. Von, Dr. Friedman, Dean Kosoff
Political Philosophy
Using the "Prisoners Dilema" game as a means to discuss whether we as humans are rational actors who tend to cooperate in mutually beneficial ways or actors who lean towards self-interest.
Presented by: Thalia Honorat
Social Artivism in Politics
Students will observe selections of political art printed out on paper without any description. They will walk around and find the one that resonates most with them. Then, they will be shown the description of the art piece, including the title, artist, and historical context. Group will discuss why they originally chose the piece, how their perspective on it changed/stayed the same after reading the description, and what aspects of the art we see we would want to incorporate into our own work, followed by discussing which political issues we'd like to find a way to illustrate. Students will break into smaller groups and begin sketching out their own artivism examples, being provided with drawing materials/paper, unless they want to create digital art with their own devices.
Presented by: Akeil Smith, Raymond Lee
Social Media and Democracy: “The Great Hack”
This workshop will screen an excerpt of Netflix’s “The Great Hack,” followed by a facilitated discussion of the role of social media in the democratic process.
Presented by: Dr. Hernandez
Sports and Democracy: Is there space for athletic protest in our democracy?
Protests at major sporting events, such as those by Colin Kaepernick, have raised a lot of controversy in recent years. How have politics changed the game? Come ready to discuss the intersectionality of sports and democracy. Is there space for athletic protest in our democracy?
Lead: David Chamberlain, Drew Inzer
The Architecture of Democracy
Have you ever visited Washington DC and wondered about the vision for the United States capital? How does Pierre L'Enfant's hallowed design reflect the ideals of democracy? How does the architecture of Washington DC reflect sacred geometry and ancient mathematics? Is there any truth to the conspiracy theories about the design? We will use photographs, historic maps, and brief readings to explore the history and most visible representation of democracy in the world.
Presented by: Jourdan Wright, Anoushka Sharma, Awo Addo, Lauren Hennis
The Art of Politics and the Politics of Art I & II
This workshop will introduce participants to key works of protest art, and provide an opportunity for them to develop their own protest art.
Presented by: Ms. Mankoff
The Electoral College: Let's Get Rid of it!
Rather than electing the president by popular vote, an electoral college casts the vote from each state to decide presidential elections in the US. What is the electoral college? Why can 2 states with different numbers of voters have the same final influence on the election result? How much is a vote worth in your home state? Should the US switch to a popular vote system or keep with its tradition? In this session, we will explore those questions and more as we learn about the electoral college, its history, and what different scholars think we should do about it. Come ready to learn, read, discuss, and dive into one of the most interesting (and strange) parts of the election process in the US.
Presented by: Mr. Leong
The Failure of Democracy - Myanmar's Troubled History
In this workshop we will examine the rise and fall of democratic institutions in Myanmar. We will begin with a brief history of democratic instructions in Myanmar in the aftermath of British colonial rule. The workshop will examine Myanmar’s transition to democracy under the contentious leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi and the 2021 military coup d’etat which overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government.
Presented by: Kelly Lu, Susan Lee, G-Cubed
The Immigrant Experience through Film: Joy Luck Club
G-Cubed, a club dedicated to empowering the immigrant community on campus, is hosting a movie session for The Joy Luck Club. After watching some of the movie, participants will discuss the themes of the film as well as how they connect to personal or general immigrant experiences.
Presented by: Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Inzer
The Paramilitary's Assault on American Democracy
Whether we take as our benchmark Charlottesville 2017 or the January 6th Insurrection, it is clear that The United States has been under attack from paramilitary groups in recent years. These groups leverage white supremacy, militaristic nationalism, and violence as the means to achieve their ideological vision. How and why do these brazen zealots threaten our modern democracy? How are the paramilitaries of our modern historical moment related to other violent extremist movements that have plagued America since its inception? We'll use video footage and brief readings to engage these questions, using the January 6th Insurrection as an exemplar.
Presented by: Mr. Murray
The Politics of Leadership
Through video clips, a case study, and a live experiment in group decision making, we will explore the following key question: When does a democratic approach to leadership improve decision making, create buy-in, and enhance the legitimacy of the leader, and under what circumstances might it not be the best approach?
Presented by: Satvik Dasariraju
The Politics of Rap and Poetry: Witty Wordplay and Striking Subtleties
Through this workshop, I want to share my love for lyricism and meaning in music. By listening to, closely reading, and talking about political messaging in songs and poems, participants will have an engaging way to explore the communication of political topics. We'll especially focus on contemporary art and its role in remembering the critical history we've experienced in the past three years. My goal is to promote the use of artistic written word to learn and share about politics and democracy.
Presented by: Leo De Giorgi, Rohin Dhaul, Connor Dougherty, Hunter Cassidy
Transitioning from Forces to Survey or Cases or Themes
We wish to demystify the transition from forces into a junior year history course. It centers around the idea of harkness as both classes offer different aspects of discussion and essay writing. Democracy day is about learning how and where to express your voice and a discussion about these two courses offers the outlet for sophomores and possibly even freshmen to learn about those opportunities built into our curriculum.
Presented by: Mr. Cetrulo
Voting Rights Act
Participants will explore the impact of the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the decision and reasoning in the SCOTUS decision in Shelby v. Holder (2013), and the subsequent developments at the state level over the last decade. Participants will consider arguments in the current debate about access to the ballot.
Presented by: Dean Easterling
What does a successful democracy look like?
In this workshop, we will use a recent NY Times article about successful democracies as a jumping off point to consider the requirements for healthy democracies, which will also allow us to think about what can put democracies in peril.
Presented by: Eric Frankel
What’s Your Political Identity?
What’s Your Political Identity? This workshop will challenge participants to move beyond the Republican vs. Democrat binary of political identity, and assess the benefits and limitations of political labels.