SEATTLE—Humanities Washington is bucking the anger trend. As public debate continues to digress into bitter rhetoric leading up to the fall elections, the state’s leading humanities organization is creating opportunities for Puget Sound communities to take a step back and engage in more thoughtful conversation.

Beginning October 12, 2010, Humanities Washington will host a series of Community Conversations at libraries in Burien, Everett and Renton to give the public the opportunity to participate in panel discussions and discuss  such civic issues as:

•  state ballot initiatives;
•  perspectives on immigration;
•  historic preservation v. ground-up development;
•  technology and its impact on how individuals and communities interact; and
•  annexation and the role of government.

“These programs are an antidote to the divisive rhetoric that we’re seeing around the country,” said Julie Ziegler, executive director of Humanities Washington. “This isn’t about one side trying to shout down the other – it is about encouraging people to come together, learn the history behind the issues, and have more productive discussions.”

“A healthy democracy depends on the ability of its citizens to come together to exchange ideas and perspectives,” Ziegler continued. “While we don’t expect these programs to change the opinions of audience members, they give everyone a chance to consider fresh perspectives and perhaps gain a greater tolerance of others and appreciation for civic discourse.”

Humanities Washington is one of three state humanities that received funding from The Boeing Company to experiment with models for civic dialogue which could be replicated around the country. The Illinois Humanities Council and the Maryland Humanities Councils also received funding.

Scheduled events include:
Taking the Initiative: Ballot Measures and Civic Involvement in Washington State
Oct. 12, 2010, Everett Public Library
Oct. 14, 2010, Renton Branch, King County Library System

Speakers and partner organizations will include:

•  Justin Marlowe, Assistant Professor of Public Affairs, University of Washington

•  Karen Scott, local attorney and Humanities Washington Inquiring Mind speaker

•  Sen. Ken Jacobsen, 46th District, Seattle

•  League of Women Voters

•  Washington Policy Center

Borders and Belonging: Perspectives on Immigration
Nov. 9, 2010, Everett Public Library and Nov. 17, 2010, Burien Branch, King County Library System

Historic Preservation: Saving the Past vs. Building for the Future
Jan. 11, 2011, Everett Public Library

Crossing the Gr8n Divide: New Modes of Technology and Intergenerational Communication
Feb. 8, 2011, Everett Public Library and Feb. 10, 2011, Renton Branch, King County Library System

(Where) to Be or Not to Be? Annexation and the Role of Government
March 16, 2011, Burien Branch, King County Library System

ABOUT HUMANITIES WASHINGTON
Since 1973 Humanities Washington has provided a rich array of programs, exhibits and experiences to hundreds of thousands of people across the state. As Washington State’s affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Humanities Washington supports and partners with a wide network of communities, organizations and individuals to offer a variety of programs and events.

Our work includes:

•  Inquiring Mind: A speakers bureau of scholars and cultural experts who are available for free presentations at organizations around the state.

•  Grants: Grants for community-based projects in the humanities.

•  Exhibits: Free access to Smithsonian traveling exhibits for organizations across Washington.

•  Motheread: Training to enhance teachers and caregivers’ abilities to nurtures appreciation for others’ perspectives and stories while building literacy skills.

•  Bedtime Stories: An annual event featuring new, original short stories from Northwest writers.

•  Humanities Washington Award: An annual award given to an individual or organization providing humanities leadership in the state.

For more information on Humanities Washington visit humanities.org.