Humanities Montanta: PUBLIC AFFAIRS INITIATIVE
Rarely in our history have Montanans been more divided over basic issues and priorities than they are now. Rarely have they faced a future so complex and rapidly changing. And rarely has the need for informed and engaged citizens been greater. In view of these circumstances, Humanities Montana has decided to emphasize public affairs throughout all its programs. We have undertaken a new grant initiative, inviting proposals for projects of all sorts (conferences, workshops, lectures, media, etc.) that examine public issues and bring the humanities to bear upon them.
The 2009 initiative was preceded by two one-day conferences (“Can We Talk?” in Bozeman and Helena) held in late 2007/early 2008. These conferences helped Humanities Montana refine its approach to involving communities in civic engagement, demonstrating the appeal of various tools for enabling citizens to join conversations about their collective futures. In particular, both “Can We Talk?” conferences featured humanities scholars from the disciplines of philosophy, history, and jurisprudence, together with representatives from journalism, government, and a variety of civic organizations. The 2009 series of programs, including a civic reflection training and a civic education institute for teachers, can be seen as the fulfillment or realization of those lessons, including the importance of letting each community have a strong voice in the shape and content of its civic engagement programs.
Learn more about the Public Affairs Initiative.