Fostering Dialogue and Civic Engagement at Marist

The “Making Space” series sparks healthy discussion on democracy and its role on campus and beyond. 

The Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted an event with the School of Liberal Arts to talk about the importance of democratic dialogues and civic engagement. Photo courtesy the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Marist College hosted a vital conversation on democracy and civic engagement on Oct. 30, inviting students and staff to think critically about how democracy operates both inside and outside the campus. 

The event, part of the “Making Space” series, took place in the Hancock Center. The “Making Space” series was created in the wake of the Oct. 7 events, to encourage dialogue that promotes understanding, respect and open-mindedness. This year’s first session focused on democracy; it aimed to explore how students can engage in meaningful discussions and cultivate democratic values within their communities. 

The three facilitators — Melissa Gaeke, director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership and senior professional lecturer of political science, Sasha Biro, lecturer of philosophy and religious studies and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion academic coordinator and Lily Hardwick ’27, a political science student — each brought unique perspectives to the conversation. Together, they hoped to provide students with the tools necessary to engage with differing viewpoints, while maintaining respect and a commitment to justice, equity and inclusivity.

The event began with a set of agreements and guidelines to ensure that the conversation would remain both respectful and constructive. These guidelines emphasized listening without interruption, approaching the discussion with an open mind and focusing on shared values, even when opinions differed.

The event's overall goal was to create a safe space for students to express themselves freely, but in a way that honored the dignity of others. This groundwork was crucial for facilitating open dialogue in a space where differing opinions on democracy, justice and societal values could emerge.

After setting the stage for a respectful exchange, the facilitators led the discussion by asking participants thought-provoking questions: What does democracy mean to you? What would an aspirational democracy look like in practice? How can we foster democratic values on campus and in our local communities? 

These questions were ultimately designed to help students think beyond the traditional definitions of democracy and begin to connect it to their daily lives, their communities and their roles as citizens.

Throughout the discussion, the facilitators emphasized the importance of justice, equity and education in building a healthy democracy. Students were encouraged to reflect on what these values mean to them personally and how they might work to incorporate them into their actions, both as individuals and as part of larger social movements. 

A key theme that emerged from the conversation was the idea that democracy is not just a political system, but a way of engaging with others, participating in decision-making and working toward common goals.

In addition to discussing the broader concepts of democracy, the conversation also focused on how students can actively engage in democratic processes at the micro level. The facilitators discussed how students can advocate for change on campus, participate in student government and take part in volunteer opportunities to foster a sense of civic responsibility.

As the discussion wrapped up, students were urged to consider how they could implement democracy's values in their everyday lives. Whether through thoughtful conversations, activism or voting, the event reminded attendees that democracy is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort. The facilitators emphasized that the responsibility of building a healthy democracy lies not only in political institutions, but also in the actions of individuals and communities.

“It is crucial that fellow students hear from a peer,” Hardwick said. “It shows them that they can also get involved. It’s not just for people in politics or professors — it’s for all of us. We can all contribute to making democracy better.”