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of youth commons through respectful discussion and brainstorming.
As the 2024 Presidential Election season approaches, Youth Commons and the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy (CJD) at the Frederick Gunn School is focusing on a key theme: “Civic Respect.”
In a time marked by political polarization, Youth Commons and CJD aims to cultivate an environment where students engage in respectful, thoughtful political discourse. The theme is inspired by the scholarship of Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, emphasizing two essential principles: “recognition respect”—acknowledging the intrinsic moral worth of all individuals—and “democratic engagement,” which encourages openness to diverse political perspectives.
Youth Commons and CJD’s initiative aligns with its broader mission of preparing students for active, informed citizenship. Throughout the election season, the FGS Chapter will host a series of events, discussions, and debates that emphasize pluralism and respectful engagement. These initiatives are designed to help students practice disagreeing constructively, deepening their understanding of differing viewpoints. Central to these efforts is the recognition that democracy thrives when individuals can discuss their differences in a spirit of mutual respect.
The Berkshire Youth Commons Chapter is dedicated to addressing pressing issues surrounding women’s rights, including reproductive rights, economic equality, adolescent healthcare, and the fight against sexual violence throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. Through bi-weekly meetings, chapter members engage in educational discussions and conduct comprehensive research into the political dimensions of women’s rights, seeking to foster understanding and common ground across differing viewpoints.
As their understanding deepens, Berkshire Chapter members will refine their skills in political opinion writing, legislative drafting, and persuasive political communication. By June 2025, they plan to complete several initiatives that spotlight women’s rights, both in the United States and globally. Furthermore, the chapter aspires to organize a school-wide or community event to shed light on the damaging impact of political polarization on these essential issues.
Berkshire Youth Commons Chapter’s ultimate mission is to strengthen their collective research, writing, and public speaking abilities, empowering them to reduce polarization and advocate effectively on behalf of women’s rights in today’s world.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
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our previous workshops and projects
Executive Director Hyunjun Ryu
Email: commongroundx.org@gmail.com
Copyright 2023. Hyunjun Ryu
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