Re-energizing civic engagement: ‘Democratic Renaissance’

A nationally known civic organizer is coming to the UW Center for Civic Engagement on October 6 to describe how citizens in small towns can be re-energized and focused on helping their communities.

Harry Boyte will present on “Small Cities: Centers of a Democratic Renaissance” from 7-8:30 p.m. October 6 at the James F. Veninga Theater. The public is invited and admission is free.

“In a time of deep discouragement and feelings of powerlessness with government, small towns can help lead America back to a Democratic Renaissance,” said Boyte, a nationally known civic organizer whose talk will focus on how communities are re-energizing citizen engagement and government interaction – in positive and productive ways.

As founding director for the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Boyte collaborates with a variety of groups across the country to promote active citizenship and public work by people of all ages. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on organizing theory and practice at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.

Hoyte’s talk will launch the 20th Conference on the Small City and Regional Community, taking place October 6-7 at the UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau.

The October 7 session, from 8 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. features 15 presenters and 35 panelists discussing far-ranging topics related to civic engagement and grassroots community involvement. Conference cost is $75, with students free. Click here for more information or to register.

Event sponsors are the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, UW-Stevens Point Center for the Small City, Ministry Health Care, North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and Scherrer Construction Company.