The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications will host an informational event on the meaning of democracy at the Nebraska Union Memorial Plaza on Thursday, Sept. 15.
The event, planned for Democracy Day in partnership with the college’s up-and-coming campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, UNL SPJ, will explore the importance of democracy and invite students, faculty and staff to answer, “What does democracy mean to you?”
“UNL can and should be at the forefront of uplifting democracy and encouraging civic engagement,” Zach Wendling, the political lead for CoJMC’s Experience Lab and president of UNL SPJ, said. “Democracy encompasses everything we do, and everyone has an interest in ensuring we continue to embody those values.”
The college will join more than 300 news organizations nationwide for Democracy Day that aims to examine the current threats to the form of government. Multiple articles will be published on Nebraska News Service and other CoJMC platforms that highlight Nebraskans on the frontline of democracy. Others from the college will participate in the day through guest speakers on the topic or in other ways.
The planned event at the Nebraska Union is the latest in CoJMC’s commitment to Democracy Day that will continue through the semester and beyond. The booth will also allow students to see firsthand CoJMC’s mission to “Do From Day One” and learn the importance of journalism.
“It’s been said that democracy rests on informed citizens. And one of the bedrocks of higher education is to expose students to new ideas and prepare them to constructively engage in discourse.” University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green said, “I applaud the students at CoJMC for hosting this event and encouraging their fellow students to think about what being in a democracy means to them.”
Those wishing to join in the day can visit the booth at the Nebraska Union Plaza from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, and visit the Nebraska News Service website to read the stories produced by students.
