University News

Illinois Campus Compact logo
[Download Print-Quality Image]

State of Our Democracy flier image
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU-QC to Host "State of our Democracy" Event Feb. 19

February 14, 2018

Share |
Printer friendly version

MOLINE, IL - - Moline mayor Stephanie Acri and a Rock Island alderman will be among the featured panelists for "The State of Our Democracy," an event focusing on state issues and their local impact, at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, 3300 River Drive. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in Riverfront Hall Rooms 103/104.

In addition to Acri and Rock Island alderman Dylan Parker, a featured speaker will include Abe Scarr, director of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). According to its website, Illinois PIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten citizens' health and safety, financial security or right to fully participate in a democratic society. Scarr was previously director of ConnPIRG, where he worked with students and staff on successful efforts to pass Election Day and online voter registration, and to pass a bill modernizing recycling in Connecticut, moving it closer to zero waste.

According to Audrey Adamson, WIU-QC assistant director of Student Services, Career Development and Disability Resources, the event will be held in collaboration with Illinois Campus Compact, a partnership between 34 Illinois college and university campuses, including WIU, that is dedicated to preparing college students to advance the public good in their communities.

"Democratic institutions in Illinois face serious challenges, from lack of meaningful participation to failures to achieve positive outcomes for the public," said Natalie Furlett, Illinois Campus Compact executive director. "At the same time, there are growing calls for democratic reform and growing bi-partisan and non-partisan efforts to achieve reform. The State of Our Democracy, a series of educational events on college campuses, will review problems and solutions, highlight the recent success of the automatic voter registration (AVR) campaign, and provide opportunities for discussion and civic engagement. College campuses are natural forums for discussion, education, and civic action and provide a way to hold conversations in communities throughout our diverse state."

For more information about the event, contact Adamson at (309)762-3999, ext. 62573 or anw-adamson@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Alison McGaughey (AR-McGaughey@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing