Each Fall, CCE hosts Democracy Day, featuring events and opportunities designed to educate incoming students on the importance of supporting democratic ideals and practices.
The day typically features a panel discussion with public sector representatives and Bard alumni/ae on cutting edge topics related to preserving democracy. Past panels have featured commentary on challenges to democratic practice, such as the struggle for student voter access and the systemic silencing of marginalized voices.
Later in the day, students can participate in local civic engagement opportunities or action-focused workshops. Democracy Day also features a Democracy Teach-In, where classes across Bard College are tailored to spark conversations about democracy.
The day typically features a panel discussion with public sector representatives and Bard alumni/ae on cutting edge topics related to preserving democracy. Past panels have featured commentary on challenges to democratic practice, such as the struggle for student voter access and the systemic silencing of marginalized voices.
Later in the day, students can participate in local civic engagement opportunities or action-focused workshops. Democracy Day also features a Democracy Teach-In, where classes across Bard College are tailored to spark conversations about democracy.
11 AM - 12PM Democracy Day Alumni/ae Panel
Discussion on Civic Engagement
Moderated by Acting President Jonathan Becker
Moderated by Acting President Jonathan Becker
1:30PM- 5:30PM Democracy Day
Action Workshops/Engagement Activities
Workshops & Activities
Please select the events you are most interested in attending. You will be assigned based on interest and availability for IN PERSON Engagement Activities between 1:30PM & 5:30PM on WEDNESDAY, August 19TH. You will be asked your top choices for off campus and on campus activities but will only be ASSIGNED TO ONE.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM BY Sunday, August 16th at 4:00PM.
We will be contacting you VIA EMAIL from [email protected] with your assignment for Wednesday afternoon's engagement activity/workshop.
Join us at the annual Bard Block Party 6:00PM - 7:30PM after your workshops/activities on Kline Commons Lawn. Enjoy a BBQ, DJ, food trucks, lawn games and resources from on campus and community partners.
Contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns!
IN PERSON Workshop/Engagement Activity Options between 1:30PM & 5:30PM.
OFF CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT *Transportation and Snacks provided*
PANDA TV
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes
Volunteers will get an introduction to PANDA TV and a tour of the studio and an opportunity to test the equipment. PANDA is Public Access Northern Dutchess Area, Inc., a public, educational and government (PEG) access television service for five municipalities: Town of Rhinebeck, Town of Red Hook, Village of Rhinebeck, Village of Red Hook and Village of Tivoli. PANDA records and airs town council and village trustee meetings. Other municipal and school boards may record their meetings for airing on PANDA.
Thrift 2 Fight
Tivoli, NY
90 minutes
Come to Thrift 2 Fight to see and help with the behind the scenes work of a thrift shop that raises funds for local activist organizations fighting for racial, queer, and disability justice! We will be sorting clothing donations, organizing the storefront, and curating a Bard Student top picks rack, with the option to be part of an IG video. We will share more about the organization we are currently funding: Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative.
Red Hook Public Library
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes - 2 hours
Assist the library with sorting donated books and sign up for a library card.
Herban Cura
Saugerties, NY
2-3 hours
Students will have the opportunity to tend to the plants on our farm. Activities may include weeding, mulching, harvesting, and planting. Herban Cura is a healing justice herbalism and ecology school that creates learning opportunities to restore relationships to land, ancestry, and cultural lifeways.
Historic Red Hook
Red Hook, NY
2 hours
Volunteers will assist with organizing museum collections storage, moving collections boxes out of storage room, disassembling shelves and putting together new shelves.
Pony Up Rescue Collective
Tivoli, NY
2 -3 hours
Volunteers will help Pony Up spruce up the property for their fall fundraising event by painting and leveling stalls among other chores as well as meet and learn about the horses they help. Pony Up Rescue Collective rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses while connecting them with people.
Take a Civic Power Walk with Erin Cannan, Managing Director of the Center for Civic Engagement
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes
Civic power is the capacity to influence the decisions that affect the community through meaningful participation. The goal of a civic power walk is to begin to better understand how power has played out in the local community through a reflective walkabout in Red Hook. We will consider questions related to power, talk about the local community ecosystem and consider how to meaningfully participate in your new community.
ON CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT/WORKSHOP
Build a Bluebird Box
Facilitated by Paul Marienthal, Dean of Social Action & Director of the TLS Program
Fisher Arts Studio
60 minutes
Learn basic wood working while assembling bluebird boxes which will be donated to regional community partners.
Community Connections through Notecard crafting
Facilitated by Lucy Huffman, Coordinator of the TLS Program
Bertelsmann Campus Center, Yellow Room (2nd Floor)
90 Minutes
Connect with others while crafting notecards that can be sent as thank you and appreciations to your community near and far.
GOTV (Get out the Vote)
Facilitated by Laurie Husted, Chief Sustainability Officer
Bard Farm Barn
60 Minutes
GOTV: did you know many people who support environmental issues don’t actually vote? Help us get them to the polls for a critical race in Virginia. Address and write postcards using text provided. Enjoy Bard Farm treats as you do this critical climate action with Citizens’ Climate Lobby for the Environmental Voter Project.
Disability Justice: The Disability Trap
Facilitated by Dumaine Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs
90 minutes
On Campus Location TBA
This workshop will explore disparities within the healthcare system by examining how the US health insurance system and state-to-state disparities can limit freedom of people with disabilities. We will explore the impact of the way that America administers essential health services for those who need them the most and the resulting social and health justice issues.
Affirmation Workshop with Sister2Sister(S2S)
Facilitated by Skylar Walker, co-founder of S2S
90 minutes
On Campus Location TBA
Join Sister2Sister for a self-affirmative workshop where you will make Positivity Jars and discuss the importance of using positive affirmations in our daily lives. These affirmations are especially essential during moments of transition, such as entering new environments or stages of life. Sister2Sister is a mentorship program dedicated to serving young women of color in the Kingston and NYC communities. A Bard College initiative, it was founded by Bard alums Sakinah Bennett and Skylar Walker .
Mosaic Mural
Facilitated by Dean Pam Serota
90 minutes - 2 hours
Help create and assemble the community mosaic mural outside Bertelsmann Campus Center. Work on applying pieces to the wall or crafting your personal tile as an addition.
Bard Farm Work
Facilitated by Bard Farm Coordinator, Rebecca Yoshino
2 hours
Bard Farm
Join Bard Farm Coordinator & Educator Rebecca Yoshino to learn about the Bard Farm and sustainability initiatives on campus. Come down to the farm and get your hands dirty.
*THIS IS ON Saturday 8/22 @4PM *Join or Die, documentary screening and discussion
2 hours
Campus Center - Weis Cinema
"Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM BY Sunday, August 16th at 4:00PM.
We will be contacting you VIA EMAIL from [email protected] with your assignment for Wednesday afternoon's engagement activity/workshop.
Join us at the annual Bard Block Party 6:00PM - 7:30PM after your workshops/activities on Kline Commons Lawn. Enjoy a BBQ, DJ, food trucks, lawn games and resources from on campus and community partners.
Contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns!
IN PERSON Workshop/Engagement Activity Options between 1:30PM & 5:30PM.
OFF CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT *Transportation and Snacks provided*
PANDA TV
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes
Volunteers will get an introduction to PANDA TV and a tour of the studio and an opportunity to test the equipment. PANDA is Public Access Northern Dutchess Area, Inc., a public, educational and government (PEG) access television service for five municipalities: Town of Rhinebeck, Town of Red Hook, Village of Rhinebeck, Village of Red Hook and Village of Tivoli. PANDA records and airs town council and village trustee meetings. Other municipal and school boards may record their meetings for airing on PANDA.
Thrift 2 Fight
Tivoli, NY
90 minutes
Come to Thrift 2 Fight to see and help with the behind the scenes work of a thrift shop that raises funds for local activist organizations fighting for racial, queer, and disability justice! We will be sorting clothing donations, organizing the storefront, and curating a Bard Student top picks rack, with the option to be part of an IG video. We will share more about the organization we are currently funding: Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative.
Red Hook Public Library
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes - 2 hours
Assist the library with sorting donated books and sign up for a library card.
Herban Cura
Saugerties, NY
2-3 hours
Students will have the opportunity to tend to the plants on our farm. Activities may include weeding, mulching, harvesting, and planting. Herban Cura is a healing justice herbalism and ecology school that creates learning opportunities to restore relationships to land, ancestry, and cultural lifeways.
Historic Red Hook
Red Hook, NY
2 hours
Volunteers will assist with organizing museum collections storage, moving collections boxes out of storage room, disassembling shelves and putting together new shelves.
Pony Up Rescue Collective
Tivoli, NY
2 -3 hours
Volunteers will help Pony Up spruce up the property for their fall fundraising event by painting and leveling stalls among other chores as well as meet and learn about the horses they help. Pony Up Rescue Collective rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses while connecting them with people.
Take a Civic Power Walk with Erin Cannan, Managing Director of the Center for Civic Engagement
Red Hook, NY
90 minutes
Civic power is the capacity to influence the decisions that affect the community through meaningful participation. The goal of a civic power walk is to begin to better understand how power has played out in the local community through a reflective walkabout in Red Hook. We will consider questions related to power, talk about the local community ecosystem and consider how to meaningfully participate in your new community.
ON CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT/WORKSHOP
Build a Bluebird Box
Facilitated by Paul Marienthal, Dean of Social Action & Director of the TLS Program
Fisher Arts Studio
60 minutes
Learn basic wood working while assembling bluebird boxes which will be donated to regional community partners.
Community Connections through Notecard crafting
Facilitated by Lucy Huffman, Coordinator of the TLS Program
Bertelsmann Campus Center, Yellow Room (2nd Floor)
90 Minutes
Connect with others while crafting notecards that can be sent as thank you and appreciations to your community near and far.
GOTV (Get out the Vote)
Facilitated by Laurie Husted, Chief Sustainability Officer
Bard Farm Barn
60 Minutes
GOTV: did you know many people who support environmental issues don’t actually vote? Help us get them to the polls for a critical race in Virginia. Address and write postcards using text provided. Enjoy Bard Farm treats as you do this critical climate action with Citizens’ Climate Lobby for the Environmental Voter Project.
Disability Justice: The Disability Trap
Facilitated by Dumaine Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs
90 minutes
On Campus Location TBA
This workshop will explore disparities within the healthcare system by examining how the US health insurance system and state-to-state disparities can limit freedom of people with disabilities. We will explore the impact of the way that America administers essential health services for those who need them the most and the resulting social and health justice issues.
Affirmation Workshop with Sister2Sister(S2S)
Facilitated by Skylar Walker, co-founder of S2S
90 minutes
On Campus Location TBA
Join Sister2Sister for a self-affirmative workshop where you will make Positivity Jars and discuss the importance of using positive affirmations in our daily lives. These affirmations are especially essential during moments of transition, such as entering new environments or stages of life. Sister2Sister is a mentorship program dedicated to serving young women of color in the Kingston and NYC communities. A Bard College initiative, it was founded by Bard alums Sakinah Bennett and Skylar Walker .
Mosaic Mural
Facilitated by Dean Pam Serota
90 minutes - 2 hours
Help create and assemble the community mosaic mural outside Bertelsmann Campus Center. Work on applying pieces to the wall or crafting your personal tile as an addition.
Bard Farm Work
Facilitated by Bard Farm Coordinator, Rebecca Yoshino
2 hours
Bard Farm
Join Bard Farm Coordinator & Educator Rebecca Yoshino to learn about the Bard Farm and sustainability initiatives on campus. Come down to the farm and get your hands dirty.
*THIS IS ON Saturday 8/22 @4PM *Join or Die, documentary screening and discussion
2 hours
Campus Center - Weis Cinema
"Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary "Bowling Alone" research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.