Some of our most refreshing events are weekly discussion groups at the Dole Institute. Hosted by Dole Fellows, each weekly discussion focuses on a specific topic or issue and features an expert in that field. These events are oriented toward KU students, but are also open to the public.
These small discussion groups provide hands-on knowledge and direct interaction with experts.
Note to Students: Dole Institute discussion groups are terrific networking opportunities! Many students have found jobs or internships with the help of our discussion group guests or Dole Fellows.
“Create Change: Women, Democracy and Global Politics” with Dole Fall Fellow Nancy Bocskor
Sept. 25; Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30; Nov. 6, Nov. 20, 4 p.m. at the Dole Institute
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 Bocskor will give you a roadmap to turn your knowledge and passion into a plan. By utilizing the tools that women activists use worldwide, you will be both inspired and ready to take action. Bocskor, tagged a “democracy coach” by a German newspaper, teaches citizens around the world how to communicate with passion to effect change in their communities. She is the director of the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy at Texas Woman’s University.
“International Trade in the 21st Century” with Dole Spring Fellow Ethan Corson
Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27; March 6, March 20, March 27; April 3, 4 p.m. at the Dole Institute
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 economic growth. An alumnus of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the current executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, Dole Fellow Ethan Corson leads an exploration of the issues surrounding international trade, including the different approaches taken by recent presidential administrations. Corson and his guests will dissect arguments for and against free trade and provide the historical context for understanding today’s debate.
“Political Campaigns, Top to Bottom: Data, Door Knocking and the 2018 Midterms” with Dole Fall Fellow Kelly Dietrich
Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. at the Dole Institute
Technology 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, leads a discussion group series on the midterm elections and their intersection with tech and data. Dietrich and his guests will glean real-world examples from the midterms as they happen, offering audience members an unparalleled look at the inner workings of today’s campaigns.
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