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The College of St. Scholastica’s Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice will open its 2026-27 lecture series Thursday with a program examining democracy, civic participation and the challenges facing democratic societies.
The series, titled “Democracy in Action,” will feature philosophers, activists, journalists and leaders from government, business, nonprofit organizations and other institutions. Programs will examine ways people participate in democracy and how communities respond to political and social challenges.
“As we face an important midterm election in the United States, and a gubernatorial election among others in Minnesota, we thought this was the right moment to focus our attention on the practice of democracy,” Alworth Center Director Tim Lorek said in a press release. “Our speakers and roundtable participants this year approach democracy as an active verb, as something one does or practices.”
Dr. Bethany Henning, an assistant professor of philosophy at St. Scholastica, will open the series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in Mitchell Auditorium with “Democracy Is a Party: The Lost Art of Getting Together.” Henning’s presentation will examine how celebration, community and shared experiences can become forms of civic and political participation.
Drawing in part on philosopher John Dewey’s view that democracy should be experienced as a way of life, Henning will consider whether greater social connection and shared experiences can strengthen participation at a time when many Americans have become dissatisfied or disengaged from democratic institutions.
The series continues Oct. 8 with the Tom Morgan Honorary Local Panel, “Immigration in Duluth,” co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Duluth. Mukhtar Ibrahim will present the Martha Alworth Lecture, “Rebuilding the Public Square: Local Journalism in an Age of Division,” on Feb. 11.
Heather McGhee will close the series April 1 with “The Americans Who Dared,” a program co-sponsored by St. Scholastica’s Dignitas Program. The four events will examine democracy through several perspectives, including community participation, immigration, local journalism and civic engagement.
All lectures are free and open to the public and begin at 7:30 p.m. Programs will be offered in person at Mitchell Auditorium and virtually.
The Alworth Center lecture series is supported by foundations, educational and community organizations and private donors. Additional information about the series and links to livestreams are available at css.edu/peace.
