Can We Talk? Public Discourse in Montana. A State-wide Conference, October 26, Bozeman Holiday Inn, 9am-5pm

A neighbor’s comments before the county commission ■ A letter to the editor ■ Discussion at a volunteer non-profit board ■ Debate among members of the Legislature ■ A call in to talk-radio

What is the quality of public discourse in Montana, among its citizens, its non-profit organizations, media, and governmental bodies?

What can concerned citizens and groups do to ensure that effective public discourse will support effective democracy in our state?

Join us for a day-long conference in Bozeman, featuring Pat Hughes, author of Gracious Space: Working Better Together, Brian Kahn, Dennis Swibold, Gordon Brittan, Jane Jelinski, Bob Brown, Ann Mary Dussault, Mark Noennig, Chuck Johnson, Carmen McSpadden, Judy Edwards, and others.

Sessions will address public discourse in Montana’s past; the nature and place of civility in a democracy, in city councils and county commissions, the legislature, and the media; factors bearing on effective public discourse; the nuts-and-bolts of working together; and resources available to Montanans for a more effective public discourse.

“Can We Talk?” is sponsored by Humanities Montana, in partnership with the Burton K. Wheeler Center and the Local Government Center at Montana State University-Bozeman; the O’Connor Center for ther Rocky Mountain West at The University of Montana; Leadership Montana; Artemis Common Ground; and the Montana Consensus Council.

For further information, visit http://www.humanities-mt.org or call 406-243-6022

Learn ■ Reflect ■ Together

Julie Hitchcock

Associate Director

Burton K Wheeler Center for Public Policy

Montana State University, Bozeman

406-994-0336 http://www.montana.edu/wheeler