In April, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service will partner with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Central Arkansas Library System, and National Issues Forum on a pair of free virtual dialogues as part of the Partnership for Democratic Practices in Arkansas series.
More information and registration for the dialogues can be found through Eventbrite. The two dialogues will be held on Tuesday, April 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Below is more information on the dialogues.
“How should we make sure people have the food they need?”
That’s the guiding question examined by the National Issues Forum guide, “Land of Plenty,” and the question we want to ask of you and your fellow citizens. Led by trained facilitators, explore three national options around food security in groups of 5-10 during an approximately two-hour virtual meeting.
“Food security means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.”
– United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security
As a major producer of rice, poultry, and other food staples, Arkansans have an especially close relationship with the food system in America and around the globe. That’s why, as an additional bonus, these sessions will feature a look at several Arkansas-specific options prepared especially for these dialogues.
Attend these free sessions to have an actual discussion around the issues of food security with your neighbors, without having to defend or justify your position. Rather than a debate, these dialogue sessions are designed to give you a place to share your opinion on the options presented. At the same time, you get to learn about the points of view of other citizens just like yourself. Facilitators in each room will help capture your thoughts and create equal airtime for all participants, but won’t pick winners or losers. The only goal is mutual understanding, even, or especially, when you disagree.
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