Democracy & Civic Engagement Webinar Series

Session One: Democracy in Crisis
Thursday, January 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
The Democracy & Civic Engagement Webinar Series is a monthly public conversation exploring the health of democracy, the forces shaping civic life, and the systems that influence how communities participate in public life.
Presented by WSLR and First Responders for Democracy, the series brings together scholars, journalists, and civic leaders for accessible, nonpartisan discussions on timely issues affecting democratic institutions and civic engagement.
The first session, Democracy in Crisis, examines the current challenges facing democracy and sets the foundation for the conversations that will follow throughout the series. Topics include democratic resilience, institutional trust, polarization, and the role of civic participation.
Presenter
Jeffrey R. Orenstein, Ph.D., is a political scientist and educator whose work focuses on democratic systems, governance, and civic engagement.
Moderator and Host
Jeffrey R. Orenstein, Ph.D. or Virginia Orenstein
Format
Each webinar includes a 40–45 minute presentation followed by moderated audience questions.
The series takes place monthly on the third Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
Upcoming Sessions
February 19: The Role of Money in Politics Campaign
March 19: Media Literacy and Disinformation
April 16: Taxes, Government Finances, and Democracy
May 21: Understanding Ranked-Choice Voting
June 18: Political Corruption and Democracy
This webinar series is part of WSLR’s ongoing commitment to civic education, informed public dialogue, and community engagement.