the Institute for Civility in Government

Congressional Student Forums

“So as teachers declare a crisis of civility in the schools, and the search goes on for something to blame, the students have a simple request: Show us the way.” Chris Bury, ABC World News Tonight

Congressional Student Forums are events designed by the Institute to provide high school and college students a personal experience of civility in the governing process. Forums are held on university/college campuses, and last about 1½ hours. There is no admission fee, but the forums are usually not open to the general public. The Institute invites students, educators, members of the Institute and their guests to participate. Voter Registration is also made available at these events.

The first portion of the program is spent examining the importance of civility to the governing process and to life in community. The Forums include two members of Congress, one Republican and one Democrat, who dialogue (not debate!) about current issues. This is an opportunity for students to interact directly with their elected officials as the students set the agenda through their questions to the members of Congress. At the conclusion of the forum, each U.S. Representatives makes a closing statement.

The Institute believes that offering students a personal experience in the governing process that is grounded in civility sets an important precedent for their future involvement in the civic process. We all benefit when more voices come to the table. The more civil we are as we talk to one another, the more we can learn together, and the easier we can reach solutions that work for everyone.

If you are interested in bringing a Congressional Student Forum to your campus, we'd love to discuss the idea with you. Please give us a call or send us an email.

Past Forums

The Institute has held successful forums across the nation. The following table is a list of our previous forums and their locations: