Ralph Munro Seminar for Civic Education

Since 1986, the Political Science Department has a Fall seminar that brings together state policymakers, scholars and community leaders to discuss pressing public policy challenges in an open forum attended by Western students, faculty and the community at large. For more information on the seminar and the Munro Institute for Civic Education, contact Institute Director Kate Destler.

Dates

November 18th & November 19th

Making the System Work: Celebrating the Legacy of Ralph Munro with Lessons for Citizenship, Problem-Solving and Policy in Challenging Times

Tuesday, November 18th

Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room, WWU

Opening Reception: 4 pm
- Book Sales & Signing: Become America by Eric Liu
Keynote Address: 5 pm

"Finding our Common Purpose and Revitalizing our Faith in Democracy"

Eric Liu

CEO, Citizen University

Eric Liu is a speaker and scholar of democracy. At a time when the cracks in our civic culture are all too apparent, and it is hard to know what to do, Eric Liu will offer an honest appraisal of the challenges we face and steps we can take to live into our own role and responsibility for sustaining democracy.

Prior to founding Citizen University, Liu served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as the President’s deputy domestic policy adviser. He was later appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. In 2020, Liu was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he serves on its Trust and is co-chair of its Our Common Purpose commission on democratic citizenship.

Registration for in person attendance is encouraged but not required. To view the event remotely, click here to register in advance.

Wednesday, November 19th

Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room, WWU

12:30 pm Pre-Panel Reception

1:00 - 2:30 pm | Bridging Divides: Cross-party Collaboration to Meet the State’s Challenges

A lifelong Republican, Ralph Munro was beloved by Democrats and Republicans alike for his capacity to look beyond party and work across the aisle to address areas of common concern. But can public officials continue to work across parties when polarization is high? How can those in the minority gain power to shape policy decisions? And why, how, and when is it in the majority party’s interest to give the other party a voice? Experienced state leaders will discuss their experiences building power and sharing power at the state and federal levels to address critical challenges.

Panelists Include: Kim Wyman, former Secretary of State; Sam Reed, former Secretary of State; Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor

Recording of Panel

3:00 - 4:30 pm | Local Action, Unlikely Partnerships, and Creative Solutions

While celebrated for high-profile progress in voter access, orca protection, and refugee resettlement, less known are the many contributions Ralph Munro has made at the small scale, collaborating with volunteer groups and working with local government officials to identify critical needs and foster creative solutions to improve our lives and the community around us. This panel brings together both those who worked closely with Ralph and those who have taken up this mantle in new contexts, forging partnerships and working outside the box in small steps to get things done.

Panelists Include: Ed Wolfe, former Kitsap Commissioner; Bob Barnes, Propagation Nation; Mitch Friedman, Conservation NW; Lucia Schmit, Snohomish Emergency Management Services

Recording of Panel

Parking on Campus

Complimentary parking on the Western Washington University campus will be available in Lots 9G and C on November 18 and November 19. For those with disability parking needs, guests can park in Lot 11C or visit Western's accessible parking page for more information about disability parking on campus. Please contact MunroSeminar@wwu.edu with questions or for additional information.