Past Events
2020 Events
Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Constitution Day Event
6pm-7:30pm, Virtual – “What is wrong with gerrymandering? Everything! And the solution is the Iowa solution”
Participants:
Former WI State Senators Dale Schultz and Tim Cullen
LWVWi Executive Director, Debra Cronmiller
UWO Political Science Professor, Dr. James Krueger
Wednesday, September 30
6-7 PM, Virtual – “Voting 101”
Learn the how and why of voter registration, and get a preview of the upcoming elections on your ballot!
Lead by Dr. Tony Palmeri and Dr. James Krueger.
2019 Events
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Constitution Day Events
11am-1pm, Polk Library Mall – Writing block chalk conversations; Free cupcakes and pocket constitutions
6:30-8:00pm, Sage 1214 – Panel discussion on the economic and technological threats to the First Amendment, with: Dan Roherty (Editor, Oshkosh Herald); Ted Mulvey (UWO Library); Dr. Miles Maguire and Dr. Sara Steffes Hansen (UWO Journalism Department).
Monday, October 21, 6-8pm, Sage 1210
Film “Knock Down the House” and talkback (in partnership with the UWO Women’s Center)
Wednesday, November 6, 4:30-6pm, Sage 4232
“What is Gerrymanding and why should we measure its effects?” with Dr. Steve Szydlik (UWO Math Department) and Dr. James Krueger (UWO Political Science Department)
2018 Events
Campus Conversations
Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m, Reeve Union 202
Real Issues. Real Dialogue. Real Change.
Do you ever find yourself wishing for more real conversations about important issues? Do you ever feel like you want to make a change in your community, but you aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an evening of round table conversations about ethics, politics, voting, and strategies for citizen engagement.
Pictures from the Event:
ADP Committee Meetings
Winter Semester Meeting:
- Thursday, February 15, 2018, 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Sage 2210
- Thursday, April 12, 2018, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sage 2210
2017 Events
Public Policy Lecture
Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 7:00 p.m,. – 8:00 p.m., Reeve Union Theater (307)
Gerrymandering in Wisconsin: The Issues Before the Supreme Court
In 2016, a Federal Court found that Wisconsin’s legislative districts were excessively gerrymandered to favor the Republican Party. The US Supreme Court agreed to hear the Republican’s appeal of that finding, and will soon issue a decision on whether or not there can be limits placed on partisan gerrymandering. Their decision will impact every state in the nation. Jay Heck, Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin will be the speaker. Jay has followed the case closely and will explain the key issues before the Court. Jay became the executive director of Common Cause in Wisconsin (CC/WI) in 1996. CC/WI is Wisconsin’s largest non-partisan citizens reform advocacy organization with more than 2,500 members. He has been an outspoken advocate for campaign finance, ethics, and redistricting reform. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and graduated with honors from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with degrees in political science and history.
Pictures from the Public Policy Lecture:
Constitution Day
Monday, September 18
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reeve Union Ballroom 227AB1
Please join Representatives Michael Schraa and Gordon Hintz with discussions on the Free Speech Act.
Please also join us September 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m,. at the Reeve Union Concourse. U.S. Constitutions will be on display and available for pickup.
Public Policy Panel
Monday, April 10, 2017
9:10 a.m. – 10:10 a.m., Reeve Union Room 306
Campus Conversations
March 8, 2017
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Reeve Union Ballroom 227BC
CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS
Real Issues. Real Dialogue. Real Change.
Do you ever find yourself wishing for more real conversations about important issues? Do you ever feel like you want to make a change in your community but you aren’t sure where to start?
Join us for an evening of roundtable conversations about ethics, politics, voting, and strategies for citizen engagement.
Sponsored by the UW Oshkosh American Democracy Project
ADP Committee Meetings
Spring Semester Meetings:
- February 16, 2017, from 10:00-11:00 a.m, Sage 3210
- April 13, 2017, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Sage 3210
- Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Sage 2210
2016 Events
Lecture on Public Policy
February 22, 2016; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Reeve Union Ballroom 227AB1 David Canon, from UW Madison Political Science Department, lecture is titled “Voter ID, Early Voting, and Voting Rights: Will Changes in Voting Laws Affect the 2016 Elections?” You may check out David’s webpage for more background at http://users.polisci.wisc.edu/dcanon/
Campus Conversations
Real Issues. Real Dialogue. Real Change.
March 2, 2016, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Reeve Union Ballroom 227BC
Do you ever find yourself wishing for more real conversations about important issues? Do you ever feel like you want to make a change in your community, but you aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an evening of round table conversations about ethics, politics, voting, and strategies for citizen engagement.
September 21, 2016 – Voting 101, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Reeve Union Ballroom
Do YOU want to learn more about the upcoming election so you can vote here in Oshkosh?! JOIN US for VOTING 101. Dr. Tony Palmeri (Communication) & Dr. James Krueger (Political Science) will discuss: where to find research on the candidates, voter registration, voting locations, the ballot, & the voting process. The session will be informal and questions from the audience are welcome. Free pizza provided. Hosted by the American Democracy Project and Reeve Union.
September 26, 2016 – Diversity & Inclusion Film Series: Electoral Dysfunction Talkback with Bennett Singer, film maker, 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m., Reeve Union Theatre
THERE’S SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT VOTING IN AMERICA. For starters, where is the Electoral College—and does it have a winning football team? Why does America have 13,000 voting districts, each with its own set of rules? And why are residents of our nation’s capital denied full voting rights? Hosted by the American Democracy Project and Reeve Union.
October 10, 2016 – Environmental Advocacy Panel, 7:00 p.m., Reeve Union Ballroom
The Politics of Conservation.
Staush Gruszynski, Political Director, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters will discuss some of the top conservation issues facing the state and the advocacy process that the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters uses in their work. The interactive presentation will provide strategies for citizens interested in engaging in advocacy around conservation issues. Hosted by the American Democracy Project as part of the Earth Charter Community Summit.
ADP Committee Meetings
Spring Semester Meetings:
- February 4, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m,. Sage 3210
- April 14, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m,. Sage 3210
- October 18, 2016, from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Sage 3210
- February 16, 2017, from 10:00-11:00 a.m, Sage 3210
2015 Events
UW Oshkosh Hosts the Wisconsin Civic Participation Tour
Tuesday, October 27 – 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Sage Hall 1216)
- The Honorable David Obey (Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 1969-2011)
- The Honorable Tom Petri (Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 1979-2015)
Presented by:
- The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service
- The American Democracy Project
Former Wisconsin Congressmen Tom Petri (R) and Dave Obey (D) are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience via speaking engagements throughout the state. The focus of this tour is to underscore importance of civic participation and bipartisan discussion as healthy aspects of a representative democracy. The focus on this session is the meaning and purpose of public service. It will include observations and reflections on the experiences gained while serving in the community and as a member of Congress. Some questions to consider:
- What is the meaning of Civic Participation or Civic Engagement?
- Why is Civic Participation/Engagement important for our democracy?
- How can citizens become involved or engaged in public service?
- Why should citizens get involved?
Congressman Dave Obey is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with an undergraduate and Master of Arts degrees in political science with a focus on Russian area studies. He represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District in the House of Representatives for 42 years. The longest serving member of Congress in Wisconsin history, Obey was a key leader in Congressional reform efforts and chaired the committee that wrote a new code of ethics for the House. Throughout his career, he has been a leader of progressive forces on issues including worker rights, education, health care, medical research, environmental protection and international relations. Congressman Obey currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and on the Board of the National Alliance for Behavioral Health. Congressman Tom Petri represented Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District from 1979-2015 and before that was a Wisconsin State Senator from 1973-1979. After earning degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Petri was clerk to a federal judge, served as a Peace Corps volunteer and worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development before taking up a law practice in Fond du Lac. In the Congress, Petri served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (and chaired the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the Transportation), the Committee on Education and the Workforce (formerly Education and Labor) and the House Ethics Committee, among many other assignments. Important Petri legislative initiatives have included student loan reform, the federal highway program, cost-sharing for federal water projects, tax and welfare reform, banking reform, campaign finance reform and health care reform. Please read the article posted on thenorthwestern.com. http://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/news/local/2015/10/28/retired-congressmen-tout-civic-engagement/74638990/?utm_source=UW+Oshkosh+This+Week+-+Oct.+30%2C+2015&utm_campaign=UW+Oshkosh+This+Week%2C+Oct+30%2C+2015&utm_medium=email
ADP Committee Meetings
- Oct. 21, 2015: 2 – 3 p.m. @ Sage 3210
Panel Discussion: Why is the Constitution Important to Me?
Please join us for an interactive panel discussion and democracy dialog with invited campus and community speakers.
- Sept. 16, 2015: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. @ Reeve Union Theater, Room 306
Chalkboard Answers: Why is the Constitution Important to Me?
In the follow-up event to the Sept. 16 panel discussion, join us and write your response in chalk to the question, “why is the Constitution important to me?” Chalkboards will also be available for your answers in the Pollack house and in the Sage entrance.
We want to know what YOU think! Why is the U. S. Constitution important to you?
Stop by our Writer’s Blocks at Reeve Union and Pollock House on Thursday, September 17th to share your opinion. The Writer’s Blocks are sponsored by the UW Oshkosh American Democracy Project in honor of Constitution Day. The Writer’s Blocks encourage all campus and community members to reflect on why the U.S. Constitution matters, to express our opinions and to engage in conversation about our rights and responsibilities as citizens. So, stop by the Writer’s Blocks to add your opinion and engage someone else in conversation about the Constitution. For more information about National Constitution Day or the U.S. Constitution, visit http://constitutioncenter.org/ For more information about ADP, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/adp
2014 Events
ADP Committee Meetings
Mar. 5, 2014: 4 – 5 p.m. @ Sage 3208 Feb. 14, 2014: 2 – 3 p.m. @ Sage 3208
Community Events
Have a Voice in Your Future: What you need to know about voting in Wisconsin
Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network (www.lwvwi.org) and Kevin Kennedy, Director and General Counsel, State of Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (https://elections.wi.gov/taxonomy/term/31) (or possibly his designee) will speak about the voting process in Wisconsin for students. May 1, 2014: 6 – 7:15 p.m. @ Reeve 227AB
3rd Annual Creating a Stronger Community Contest
After providing seed money, networking opportunities, and momentum to new initiatives like the Oshkosh Food Co-op and Growing Oshkosh in its first two years of existence, ADP and its partners announce the opening of the third annual Creating a Stronger Community Contest! Apr. 20, 2014 – Submission Deadline Apr. 21, 2014 – Finalists will be announced at the Earth Week Dinner Apr. 24, 2014 – Finals Event, Becket’s Restaurant, 7 – 9 p.m.
Campus Conversations: Round-table Discussions
Students are invited to attend this event to participate in loosely structured conversations about their education, the state, and the world. Table discussions are facilitated by volunteer instructors and trained student leaders. Question prompts will be related to the USP Signature Questions. Apr. 8, 2014: 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. @ Reeve 227ABC
How Politics Have Changed Over Time
The ADP Lecture in Public Policy will be presented by Congressman David Obey (retired) of Wisconsin’s 7th District. Obey was first elected in 1969, representing his district for 41 years. He was the only Democratic member of the House to sit on the Budget Committee, the Joint Economic Committee and the Appropriations Committee, which he most recently chaired. He previously served three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly. The lecture will focus on Higher Education Funding. Mar. 6, 2014: 6 – 7:15 p.m. @ Sage 1210
2013 Events
Constitution Day Speaker
Alison Staudinger is an Assistant Professor in the Democracy & Justice Studies and Political Science departments at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. At UWGB she teaches courses on constitutional law, gender, American politics and political theory. She earned her PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland-College Park in May 2013, with an interdisciplinary dissertation critiquing contemporary democratic theorists for ignoring the important relationships between work and citizenship, drawing on historical case studies and Supreme Court cases to argue for the intimate connection between how different types of work are recognized or rewarded and access to political membership. Her current work extends her doctoral research to explore the theoretical importance of work in the writings of political theorist Hannah Arendt, as well as developing normative theories of democratic citizenship that are powerful in a world where labor is precarious. She also is working with colleagues nationwide to develop “civic studies” as a multi-disciplinary research agenda, including pedagogy that encourages students to analyze and change the systems around them. Sept. 17, 2013: 6:30 p.m. @ Reeve 227BC
ADP Lecture in Public Policy
U.S. Attorney James Santelle will lead a lecture that will focus on justice and incarceration in American in the context that our law enforcement mission and larger community-centered issues (educational, societal, health-related, and financial) with which we continue to wrestle. For more information, please download the lecture handout. Feb. 18, 2013: 7 p.m. @ Reeve Ballroom
2012 Events
State of the State
The American Democracy Project interns wish to invite you to attend a program called the “State of the State.” Area elected officials will present their perspectives about the current state of affairs in our state as well as answer questions from the audience about the future of Wisconsin. All members of the Oshkosh community are invited to attend. Nov. 26, 2012: 6:30 p.m. @ Reeve Union Ballroom
Constitution Day Lecture – Speaker: Christopher Schmidt
“Broccoli. Liberty, and the Constitutional Battle Over health Care” Sept. 18, 2012: 7 – 8:15 p.m. @ Reeve unions Ballroom 227BC
2011 Events
Ten Year Anniversary of September 11th
Discussion and sharing of memories of Sept. 11, 2001.
Spring Local candidate Forums
Special event! UW Oshkosh will host an evening of forums for candidates bidding for seats on the Oshkosh Common Council and for the position of Oshkosh Mayor. Sponsoring organizations include the American Democracy Project (ADP) and Political Science Student Association (PSSA). The Mayor’s forum will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Common Council forum beginning at 7:30 p.m. Candidates will be asked questions by a panel of engaged UW Oshkosh students. We encourage all students to learn about their government and the candidates running for office, and to make their voices heard through the ballot box. The open positions for the spring 2011 election in the city of Oshkosh include City of Oshkosh Mayor, City of Oshkosh Common Council, Oshkosh Area School District School Board, Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge District 6, and Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Mar. 31, 2011: 6:30 – 8:45 p.m. @Reeve Union 221.
The Future of UW: Roundtable on Higher Education in Wisconsin
The American Democracy Project is sponsoring a timely event of interest to the entire UW Oshkosh community called “The Future of UW: Roundtable on Higher Education in Wisconsin.” We invite all members of the UW Oshkosh community and alumni to come together to talk about higher education in our state. Panelists include Dr. David Ward, a former Provost of UW Oshkosh and Chancellor in the UW System, Dr. John Koker, the Dean of Letters and Science, Dr. Josh Garrison, College of Education and Human Services faculty member, and Jolie Lizotte, a student representative from the System United Council student governance group. Come participate in this important discussion about higher education in our state. Mar. 15, 2011: 7 p.m. @ Reeve Union Ballroom
2010 Events
State of the State
The State of the State summit was sponsored by the American Democracy Project and the Political Science Student Association. Moderators for the event are Assistant Professor James Krueger (Political Science) and student Michelle Duren. Participants include State Representatives Gordon Hintz, Representative Elect Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Representative Elect Michelle Litjens, Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris and Fond du Lac County Executive Al Buechel. Nov. 30, 2010: 6 – 7:30 p.m. @ Reeve Theater (Room 307)
Rock the Vote!
Civic engagement on election day Nov. 2, 2010 celebrated in song by talented UW Oshkosh performers. Join us between Polk Library and Halsey for an all day event.
Debate: College Democrats vs. College Republicans
Oct. 21, 2010: 7:30 p.m. @ Reeve Memorial Union 201
State Assembly Debate
Concerned about your tuition? Concerned about Wisconsin? Concerned about finding a job? Come and hear from the people who help. Decide these issues and ask them questions! Gordan Hintz vs. Jonathan Krause Oct. 14, 2010: 7 – 8 p.m. @ Reeve Ballroom 202
Constitution Day Events
Constitution Day Dunk Tank, Sept. 17 11-1:20 p.m. outside Reeve Union Learn more about the US Constitution and have fun at the same time! Answer a questions correctly about the Constitution and earn a chance to dunk a campus leader or professor. 11 – 11:20 a.m. — Alex Grupp, VP of OSA 11 – 11:40 a.m. — Jason Hubbard, Reeve Union 11:40 – 11:50 a.m. — Jim Krueger, Political Science Professor 11 a.m. – noon — David Siemers, Political Science Professor 12:00 – 12:10 p.m. — Korey Kleinhans, football player noon – 12:40 p.m. — Marissa Reynolds, President of the Political Science Student Association 12:40 – 1 p.m. Travis Swanson, Chair of UWO College Democrats 1 – 1:20 p.m. — Amy Gearhart, Chair of College Democrats of Wisconsin 11:30 – 1: p.m. — Constitution, Cupcakes, & Conversation
Speaker: Dr. Howard Schweber
“Is the IVth Amendment Obsolete? The Constitution in a Dangerous World” Howard Schweber received his B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Washington. After practicing law for five years he returned to academics, studying American History at the University of Chicago and Political Science at Cornell University. He joined the Department of Political Science in 1999, where he teaches courses in law, legal studies, and political theory. He is also a member of the Legal Studies faculty and an adjunct faculty member at the UW Law School. Schweber is the author of books on the First Amendment, American legal history, and constitutional philosophy, as well as articles on related subjects. He has received several awards for teaching; he has twice been the Pi Sigma Alpha Professor of the Year at UW Madison and received the Kiekhoffer Award for Outstanding Instruction in 2006. Schweber is a frequent public speaker around the Madison area and appears regularly on Wisconsin Public Radio and local television stations. Sept. 16, 2010: 7 – 8:30 p.m. @ Reeve Memorial Union 307
View and Brews: Talk. Listen. Learn. Enjoy.
Discuss important topics in a comfortable setting in which you can enjoy a beverage and conversation is encouraged. At this Views & Brews, we’ll first discuss things people are doing or would like to do to increase racial and cultural integration in Oshkosh. The focus will be upon facilitated small group discussion at the tables (NOTE: if you are interested in being a small group discussion facilitator, please contact Paul Van Auken). Second, we’ll focus upon issues related to immigration in the Oshkosh area. We’ll have some panelists (led by Stephanie Glydenvand, community organizer for ESTHER Fox Valley, an interfaith justice organization) share some perspectives in this regard, and then once again shift to facilitated discussion at the tables. Feb. 11, 2010: 6:30 p.m. @ Atrium of City Center
Obama After One Year
We invite the Oshkosh community to attend a campus event sponsored by the American Democracy Project at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The event, Obama After One Year, will celebrate the one year anniversary of President Obama’s inauguration. A panel of faculty will discuss policy and comment on the last year from a variety of perspectives. Panelists include: Dr. David Siemers (presidency scholar) Dr. Mike Jasinski (international relations) Dr. Mike Lizotte (environmental politics) Dr. Chad Cotti (health care/economics) Alan Kania (College Democrats) John Nerat (College Republicans) The event is co-sponsored by the UW Oshkosh Political Science Student Association and the Office of the Provost. Jan. 20, 2010: 7 – 8 p.m. @ Reeve Union Theater 307