This virtual event series aims to provide resources and information on things to know before the election this November. Featuring university faculty, alumni and students, UMDemocracy 2020 highlights experts on topics such as election polling, dis-information and identity politics. Attend these events and make sure you vote this November - your voice matters!
UMDemocracy: Dis-information & Fact Checking Thursday, Sept. 17 | 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. EST As members of the Digital Age, we are constantly consuming information from the media be it through more traditional sources such as television or less traditional ones such as social media. At every turn there are facts and figures being shared, especially in an election year. Have you ever stopped to think, 'Is this true?' If so, join our panel of experts to learn more about dis-information and the importance of fact checking, and specifically how these topics relate to politics and elections.
UMDemocracy: Understanding Election Polling Wednesday, Oct.7 | Noon - 1 p.m. EST What even is polling? According the the Pew Research Center, polling is really just survey research that "focuses on people’s issue preferences, engagement in the election, opinions about the candidates, views of the campaign and (other) voter preferences" (source). News outlets and other media sources use polling during an election year to forecast election outcomes, among other things. Join our panel of experts moderated by CNN political correspondent, Sara Murray '07, to learn more about what polling is and how to decipher what different polls actually mean.
UMDemocracy: Identity Politics Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Noon - 1 p.m. EST What is identity politics and why does diverse representation matter? We invite you to this timely event, featuring an esteemed panel of elected officials to discuss the importance of civic engagement and leadership, particularly within Black and Brown communities. Our panel will share issues that are important to communities of color, how they are addressing those issues for their constituents and what can be done at the state and national levels. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with and hear from legislators and discuss what advocacy looks like for people of color, particularly heading into the 2020 presidential election.
The UMDemocracy 2020 event series is open to all University of Maryland alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members. This series is a partnership between the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the College of Information Studies, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, the School of Public Health, the School of Public Policy, and the University of Maryland Alumni Association.