Discussion Groups

Each semester, the Dole Institute selects local or national practitioners to serve as a Dole Fellow. As part of their appointment, Fellows craft a series of programs designed to build appreciation for civic or political involvement with students at the University of Kansas and the surrounding community.

Learn more about the Dole Fellowship program and explore past and current Dole Fellows on our website.

Upcoming Programs

Previous Discussion Groups Series

Discussion Groups


Congress in the 21st Century

November 13, 2024

In partnership with the Association of the Former Members of Congress, the Dole Institute will welcome Democratic and Republican former members of Congress for “Congress in the 21st Century,” a three-part Discussion Groups series. This program…

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Congress in the 21st Century

October 30, 2024

In partnership with the Association of the Former Members of Congress, the Dole Institute will welcome Democratic and Republican former members of Congress for “Congress in the 21st Century,” a three-part Discussion Groups series. Join us for an…

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The Battle for Congress

October 23, 2024

As Democrats and Republicans compete for control of the House and Senate, a look at the themes driving races across the country and what to look for in November.  Jonathan Shorman is The Kansas City Star's lead political reporter, covering…

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The Ticket-Splitting Voter

October 09, 2024

The United States remains politically polarized, but are some voters returning to ticket splitting? A look at whether voters are becoming more likely to support candidates from different parties and what that means for races across the country this…

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An Overview of the Kansas Election Landscape

September 25, 2024

A deep dive into the factors driving this year’s elections in Kansas, at both the congressional and state legislative levels, and what the outcomes in November could mean for Kansas politics moving forward.  Jonathan Shorman is The Kansas…

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Congress in the 21st Century

September 18, 2024

In partnership with the Association of the Former Members of Congress, the Dole Institute will welcome Democratic and Republican former members of Congress for “Congress in the 21st Century,” a three-part Discussion Groups series. This series’…

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2024 SPRING | Obstacles and Opportunities: Tackling Sustainability in Kansas

February 20, 2024

Our Spring 2024 Discussion Group series, "Obstacles and Opportunities: Tackling Sustainability in Kansas," will be a four-part series moderated by Kansas Rural Center Board Member Karen Willey. The series was created alongside Discussion Group…

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2023 SPRING | Building Democracy in the 21st Century

February 15, 2023

“Building Democracy in the 21st Century” is led by Qëndrim Gashi, Ambassador of Kosovo to France (2016 – 2021).Qëndrim Gashi is an associate professor at the University of Prishtina and was Kosovo’s Ambassador to France from 2016 until…

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2022 FALL | Big Stakes, Big Consequences

September 14, 2022

Gerald F. Seib will lead this semester’s eight-part Discussion Group Series. Seib is a graduate of the University of Kansas and was a journalist with The Wall Street Journal for almost 45 years. He served as the Journal’s Executive Washington…

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2022 SPRING | Giants of the Senate

February 16, 2022

This semester’s seven-part Discussion Group series, "Giants of the Senate," will be led by author and political consultant Robert Blaemire.The series will discuss former Democratic and Republican Senators, their accomplishments, and their…

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2021 FALL | What’s the Matter with American Politics: How Fake News, Black Women, COVID-19, Presidents 45 and 46, and Protests Might Shape Politics in 2022

September 22, 2021

The fall 2021 discussion group series will examine how the political issues, leaders, and events of the past couple years have brought us to our current political climate and explore how these factors will impact the upcoming 2022 election…

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2021 SPRING | The Modern American City: Past, Present, and Future

February 24, 2021

Dole Fellow Patrick TuoheyRead more about Dole Fellows >>This program is made possible through the generosity of Newman’s Own Foundation  The Shifts that Shape Our Cities, Demographic…

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2020 FALL | Politics, Pandemic and Protests

September 23, 2020

Unpacking the 2020 general election with the Dole Institute's fall fellow, Collen McCain Nelson, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Vice-President of the Kansas City Star.Dole Fellow Colleen McCain NelsonRead more about Dole Fellows >>The…

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2020 SPRING | Spying in the Cyber Age

February 12, 2020

Dole Fellow Ron MarksRead more about Dole Fellows >>The Dole Discussion Groups are made possible be a grant from Newman’s Own  Recruiting in the Cyber World – Q or Bond or…

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2019 FALL | Create Change: Women, Democracy and Global Politics

September 25, 2019

Dole Fellow Nancy BocskorRead more about Dole Fellows >>Do you dream of creating change in your community, state or country? Are you ready to become a more effective advocate, activist or even an elected official? This fall, Dole fellow Nancy…

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2019 SPRING | International Trade in the 21st Century

February 13, 2019

Dole Fellow Ethan CorsonRead more about Dole Fellows >>Once considered an area of bipartisan consensus, support has eroded for the idea that free trade benefits the U.S. and that engagement with the global economy is essential to the nation’s…

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2018 FALL | Political Campaigns, Top to Bottom: Data, Door Knocking and the 2018 Midterms

September 12, 2018

Dole Fellow Kelly DietrichTechnology has transformed every aspect of the modern political campaign, from polling to messaging to fundraising and beyond. Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) and KU alumnus,…

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2018 SPRING | Rise of the Independents: Candidates and Reform in 2018 and Beyond

February 21, 2018

Dole Fellow Jim JonasRead more about Dole Fellows >>In a partisan political environment, independent or unaffiliated voters now represent the largest voting bloc in many U.S. states. Can independent and third party candidacies seize upon this…

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2017 FALL | The Elusive Quest for the Lacrosse Mom: How do Politicians, Corporations, Organizations and the Community Engage Women?

September 12, 2017

Dole Fellow Cherylyn Harley LeBonAn experienced campaign advisor, D.C. insider and media contributor, fall fellow Cherylyn Harley LeBon will lead a discussion group series examining how various organizations, corporations and political entities…

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2017 SUMMER | Beyond the Border: U.S.-Mexico Relations

May 24, 2017

Dole Fellow Christina LuhnRead more about Dole Fellows >>For many, the U.S.-Mexico border presents a problem, for others, an economic opportunity. An expert in cross-border economic development, Christina Luhn will lead a summer discussion…

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2017 SPRING | President Trump: The First 100 Days

March 01, 2017

Dole Fellows Henry “C.J.” Jackson and Johanna MaskaRead more about Dole Fellows >>Fresh off a dramatic election season, KU alums Henry “C.J.” Jackson and Johanna Maska will examine and interpret the first 100 days of the Trump…

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