A discussion will examine how democracy becomes more inclusive in practice in a program sponsored by the American Democracy Project.
The event, “Democracy in Action: Engaging Historically Marginalized Groups,” will be held Wednesday, March 11, from 10 to 10:50 a.m., in Williams Center Room S204-ABC.
The event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments served.
The program will bring together campus and community voices to examine how individuals and institutions can expand access to civic life for groups that have historically been excluded or overlooked. Rather than a formal panel presentation, the event is designed as a moderated discussion that encourages dialogue and reflection.
Topics will include building access to power and decision-making spaces, examining positionality and privilege in civic life, fostering inclusive leadership, strengthening community partnerships, and rethinking democratic participation through cultural, institutional, and grassroots approaches.
Participants include:
- Nathaniel Clark, a Community Impact Assistant at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, where he supports strategic community initiatives and serves on several regional advisory and leadership boards, including the Chautauqua County IDEA Coalition Advisory Board. A 2018 SUNY Fredonia alumnus with degrees in Political Science and Psychology, Mr. Clark earned his M.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He will discuss expanding access to decision-making spaces and building pathways that empower historically excluded communities.
- Stephine Hunt serves as Interim Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts at Chautauqua Institution and is a doctoral candidate (ABD) in American Studies at the University at Buffalo. She also teaches in the English and Ethnic and Gender Studies programs at SUNY Fredonia. Ms. Hunt will explore how storytelling, literary citizenship, and examining positionality can deepen civic responsibility and strengthen community belonging.
- Angelina May is an Honors Program student majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Studies. She will offer a student perspective on civic participation and inclusive democratic engagement.
- Melisa Bonilla is President of Latinos Unidos and serves as Speaker of the Assembly and Parliamentarian for the Student Association. A Political Science major with a minor in Communication, Ms. Bonilla will share insights on student leadership and advocacy within campus governance.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Tracy Marafiote, an associate professor in the Department of Communication, whose research examines intercultural communication and the intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, and the environment.
“This discussion invites us to think carefully about who has historically had access to civic power and how we can expand that access,” said Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch, who serves as chair of the American Democracy Project. “By bringing together community leaders, scholars, and students, we hope to foster meaningful dialogue about building a more inclusive and participatory democracy.”
The program is co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project at SUNY Fredonia and the Department of Communication with refreshments provided through support from the Faculty Student Association.
