University of Houston-Downtown’s Post

The Texas Tribune will convene a diverse group of Texans and experts in multiple fields for “We the Texans: A symposium on the state of democracy.” Join us Tuesday, Feb. 27, for a daylong event examining the state of democracy in Texas, what can be done to reinvigorate trust and encourage civic engagement, and how we can work together to solve local, regional and statewide challenges. We’ll start with a conversation about democracy at a national level and then turn to Texas-specific topics, including: • Voter turnout — and how to increase it • The local media landscape — and how it’s helping or hurting • How young Texans are making a difference — and changing the conversation • Governing Texas communities and the challenges that come with it — especially at the local level RSVP today: https://trib.it/HJQ

The Texas Tribune will convene a diverse group of Texans and experts in multiple fields for “We the Texans: A symposium on the state of democracy.” Join us Tuesday, Feb. 27, for a daylong event examining the state of democracy in Texas, what can be done to reinvigorate trust and encourage civic engagement, and how we can work together to solve local, regional and statewide challenges. We’ll start with a conversation about democracy at a national level and then turn to Texas-specific topics, including: • Voter turnout — and how to increase it • The local media landscape — and how it’s helping or hurting • How young Texans are making a difference — and changing the conversation • Governing Texas communities and the challenges that come with it — especially at the local level RSVP today: https://trib.it/HJQ

Enjoying this informative conversation today about democracy in our state.

Nearly two-thirds of 18-year-old Marylanders are registered to vote, thanks to policies and education efforts, finds a report by University of Maryland Democracy Initiative (MDI) and Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement (CDCE). While the state leads the way, the report highlights areas for improvement, especially in Baltimore and Prince George’s counties. https://go.umd.edu/1rxi

In this special edition of Public Policy Talks, Markee Tate, President of Advancing Black Businesses, hosts a dynamic live session from Top Golf Atlanta. This episode delves into the dual celebration of Juneteenth and the nuances of local politics, highlighting how historical events and current political dynamics intertwine to shape our community. In this engaging discussion, Markee: • Reflects on the historical significance of Juneteenth and its implications on current racial and economic disparities. • Provides an overview of recent local elections, emphasizing the impact of community involvement in political processes. • Discuss upcoming events, including the second annual golf tournament at Top Golf Atlanta, and encourage community participation. • Offers insights into the importance of public policy advocacy and the role of business leaders in fostering economic development through active political engagement. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the deeper connections between our past and present struggles for justice and equality and how they relate to the economic empowerment of the Black community. Key Moments: Reflection on Juneteenth and its ongoing relevance. • Discussion on the outcomes of recent local elections and what they signify for business and community development. • Highlights of the upcoming golf tournament at Top Golf Atlanta and its significance as a networking and fundraising event. • Call to action for greater community involvement in public policy and local governance. Subscribe to our channel for more Public Policy Talks and stay informed about how you can contribute to shaping a more equitable future. https://lnkd.in/eeB_z-Nb

The Time Has Come - Texas is Right! IT IS ABSOLUTELY TIME FOR AT LEAST 34 STATES TO GATHER TOGETHER AND HOLD A CONVENTION OF STATES, AS ALLOWED BY ARTICLE V OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION. THAT EVENT WILL AWAKEN ALL AMERICANS TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE BY DESIGN A COUNTRY ORGANIZED INTENTIONALLY AS A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY WHERE FEDERALISM IS THE MODE OF POLITICAL ORGANIZATION AND THE STATES CREATED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. It is also time for all Americans to reeducate themselves and their kids in CIVICS which is the branch of political science that deals with the affairs and the rights and duties of citizens and their role in understanding the OPERATION of their government and holding their elected representatives ACCOUNTABLE. Every American should understand that the Administrative State is both not elected and no longer functioning to the benefit of American citizens because like all bureaucracies they have swollen their ranks and become self-serving in the absence of persistent oversight and accountability by a dysfunctional congress. This process should result in more informed voters at every age and begin the process of electing those that will truly listen and act on behalf of the majority of “We the People” once again.

The Time Has Come - Texas is Right! IT IS ABSOLUTELY TIME FOR AT LEAST 34 STATES TO GATHER TOGETHER AND HOLD A CONVENTION OF STATES, AS ALLOWED BY ARTICLE V OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION. THAT EVENT WILL AWAKEN ALL AMERICANS TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE BY DESIGN A COUNTRY ORGANIZED INTENTIONALLY AS A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY WHERE FEDERALISM IS THE MODE OF POLITICAL ORGANIZATION AND THE STATES CREATED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. It is also time for all Americans to reeducate themselves and their kids in CIVICS which is the branch of political science that deals with the affairs and the rights and duties of citizens and their role in understanding the OPERATION of their government and holding their elected representatives ACCOUNTABLE. Every American should understand that the Administrative State is both not elected and no longer functioning to the benefit of American citizens because like all bureaucracies they have swollen their ranks and become self-serving in the absence of persistent oversight and accountability by a dysfunctional congress. This process should result in more informed voters at every age and begin the process of electing those that will truly listen and act on behalf of the majority of “We the People” once again.

It’s been a big year for higher ed in Texas. The state’s colleges are at the center of many high-profile conversations about policy and politics — including the banning of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on campuses and intensifying debates over free speech. At the same time, people across the country are losing faith in their colleges. That's particularly true among Republicans — and it's a dynamic that governors like Greg Abbott are tapping into. What should colleges be doing to regain the public's trust? What would it take to lessen the partisan divide? How can higher ed in Texas get its mojo back? I'll be talking about these issues tomorrow, 9/6, at #TribFest24 with Amy Bosley, Tedd Mitchell, & Harrison Keller. Come join us at 1 p.m. Central. https://trib.it/sBHbuK

Want to feel a bit more hopeful about US democracy, Gen Z political participation, and reaching across partisan divides? The results from America in One Room: The Youth Vote are out! Some highlights: ✨ When asked about those with whom they strongly disagreed, there was an increase in mutual respect. The percentage agreeing that those with whom they strongly disagreed “have good reasons; there just are better ones on the other side” went up overall from 64% to 71%. ✨ The experience of deliberation also increased their satisfaction with democracy. When asked “How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the way democracy is working in the U.S” overall satisfaction increased an impressive *29 points* from 29% to 58%. Republicans increased dramatically from 38% to 72%. Independents increased from 24% to 40% and Democrats increased from 26% to 52%. The deliberative experience seemed to be a positive demonstration for how democracy could work across our many differences. See the full report here to learn even more about what new voters care most about: https://lnkd.in/eWe_iCBB