Former Iowa professor facilitating forums in Quincy, Macomb to address issues facing electorate

QUINCY — Author and former University of Iowa sociology professor, Mark Chaffee, will be facilitating open community forums on issues facing the electorate in Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, Quincy and Macomb. The forums are focused on “Better Informing Our ‘Consent’: Some Problems Confronting ‘We, The People.'”

Chaffee’s work has focused on what pulls humans apart from each other, ensuring inequality and violence, and what pushes us together to collaborate and create community. He says democracies, as collaborations, are most effective if the electorate is informed to then give “consent.”

“Given that we know so little about most issues in our lives … what are we actually voting on? To accomplish what?” Chaffee said in a press release. “How are ‘we’ and ‘consent’ linked? Lots of values and beliefs, but minimal ‘success’ in delivering the world we seek.”

The forum schedule is:

• Mondays – Quincy Public Library, start time is 6:30 p.m. (starts on Sept. 9)
• Tuesdays – Burlington Public Library, start time is 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays – Keokuk Public Library, start time is 6:30 p.m.
• Thursdays – Macomb City Hall, start time is 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. Attendees are asked to bring paper, a pen, a smile and curiosity. Bring your own snacks or snacks to share. Donations are welcome.