Public Affairs Conference Agenda

Tuesday, September 29

7:30-8:30 PM

Keynote Speaker: TBA

Wednesday, September 30

9:05-9:55 AM

Amplifying the Voice of Teachers: Reforming Curriculum

Teachers and professors have a long history of creating their own lesson plans, assignments and learning activities to cultivate learning. With the gaining popularity of online Open Education Resources (OERs), or shared teaching materials in the public domain, educators from the elementary level through the university are re-shaping curriculum and instruction, allowing for amplification of their voices of educators. These accessible and (often free) licensed materials have transformed many educators’ course content and pedagogy. Instructors can now plan learning through collaboration and information sharing, rather than by traditional means. What are the implications of this vast new curricular resource? Are these tools too individualized to be useful on a large scale? Are issues such as personalization and collaboration being overshadowed by intellectual property concerns? How will professional learning standards and state achievement testing be affected? What are the pros and cons of expanded teacher efficacy?

Panelists: T. Jameson Brewer, Terry Jamieson, Laura Janusik, Carlene Thomas

Victim Blaming: Where Is the Voice?

Victim blaming is all too common in American society and is a symptom of a culture where personal responsibility is often lacking. From family abuse and rape to acid attacks on women as punishment for perceived wrongs, the practice of victim blaming is present in the U.S. Victims are told to change their behavior in order to avoid being assaulted. Women are told to dress less provocatively, drink less alcohol, and not put themselves in risky situations. How can we provide the power of voice for these victims? How can community norms and state justice systems change to hear the voices of children and adult victims? To what extent do mainstream media outlets perpetuate the culture of victim blaming, and how can we bring awareness to abusive behavior that is too often trivialized?

Panelists: Ada Booth, Christie Brungardt, Michael Heaney, Parvonay Stover

10:10-11:00 AM

What My Voice Says About Me

Multiple channels are used to communicate, and all are imperative aspects of our daily lives, our identities and our emotional well-being. Our voices are all unique and reflect a multitude of factors: where we were raised, actual languages we were exposed to as children as well as the language used by peers. Dialogue, spoken or otherwise, conveys a plethora of personal traits to listeners, whether intended or not. Some are more feminine or masculine, while others reflect the region of the country where one lives. These traits often cause the listener to form opinions or conclusions about the speaker before taking the time to get to know them. What phonetic and linguistic ‘habits’ in speech impact and convey information about us? Real or assumed, how does voice project information about gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity or social status? How do social norms and expectations impact one’s true voice? Are digital technologies such as texting and social media affecting voice identity and cultural diversity?

Panelists: Yolanda Gordon, Andrew Keaster, Benjamin Munson, Carlene Thomas

Giving the Humanities a Powerful Voice

Aggressive promotion of STEM-focused education and the rising cost of education has increased the prejudice against the humanities as useful in society and the workplace. This trend has forced specialists within the field to raise their voices in justification of their very professional existence. How can devotees of the humanities persuasively demonstrate the value of their work beyond abstract theory? What is the usefulness of the humanities for the wellness of our society? How can historical, anthropological, philosophical and religious studies lend their contributions to the real-world issues of today? In a higher education institution with a public affairs mission, what competencies and career building skill sets do the humanities provide for students and their employers?

Panelists: Karen Craigo, Liv Dooley, Daniel Fisher, Michael Heaney

11:15-12:05 PM

Death of the Experts

Every day, we entrust our lives to experts. However, empowered by access to unlimited online sources, such as self-authored blogs, Wikipedia and WebMD, there is a trend toward “self-proclaimed experts” drowning out the voices of qualified professionals. Technology allows anyone to post anything without having to defend their “facts.” Even through the coronavirus pandemic, true expert voices are being eroded. How does one balance freedom of speech with accuracy and quality? What can professionals do to defend themselves when emotionally charged accusations, often without scientific evidence, are used to attack their credibility? With degree mills offering easy credentials, websites hawking unproven cures and elected officials polarizing the issues, how does one arrive at a best course of action, especially in times of crisis?

Panelists: T. Jameson Brewer, Raychelle Burks, Tyson Langhofer, Dennis Schmitt

The Power of the Artistic Voice

Finding one’s voice is important in many aspects of life. One example is the artistic voice, that is, the style, craft and medium by which one’s unique point of view, experience, identity and values may be shared. Finding this voice is unique for each individual. The current global pandemic has spawned a flood of creative content on social media in an attempt to share the struggle and mitigate its impact. How does one uncover and develop an artistic and creative voice? How is this voice best implemented to affect positive social change? Is the digital age enhancing or disenfranchising artistic voices? How may candid online artistic expressions be protected from degenerating into harassment, bullying and discrimination?

Panelists: Mark Dixon, Beth Domann, Daniel Fisher, J. Anthony Smith

SPECIAL PANEL EVENT:

Graduate Students: Advancing the Public Affairs Mission

This panel is for current graduate students. MSU Alum panelists will discuss how they have used their advanced degrees, the impact on their careers and how they have incorporated the public affairs mission with their graduate degree/education to give back and make an impact in their communities.

Panelists: Greg Burris, Catherine Craft, Rich Dameron, Rachel Owen

Plenary Speaker

12:20– 1:20 PM

1:25-2:15 PM

Who’s Holding the Megaphone?

According to a study published in Science by Vosoughi, et al, a false story is more likely to go viral than a true story, and it reaches 1,500 people six times more quickly. Are you aware of the voices and motives of those who impact you and your decisions? With the vast amount of data available, the need to critically assess information is more important than ever. Some voices may be louder or more obvious than others based on privilege and access. Understanding whose voices are given a bigger amplifier may help people determine how to interpret what they hear. How may the person holding the megaphone be challenged to spread accurate information? In the era of widely-dispersed false information, how does one separate fact from fiction or bias from objectivity? How can you use your critical thinking skills to have the greatest impact with your voice?

Panelists: Karen Craigo, Brian Dotts, Dennis Schmitt, J. Anthony Smith

Even in Science, Representation Matters

The realm of science is often seen as a paragon of high-minded intellectualism bereft of bias and operating by pure thought and idealism. However, scientists are people who have biases, as well. While promotional efforts have increased, minority representation of gender, race and ethnicity continue to be severely underrepresented in these fields. Healthy advancement in any field is best served through a diverse workforce. In addressing this issue, are public institutions and higher education lacking imagination, or is it a lack of commitment? How can we aggressively address these imbalances throughout the sciences? Who will give voice to eliminate the compounding barriers to access, role models and educational equity? How can isolationism and bias be addressed for those minorities entering the STEM workforce?

Panelists: Ada Booth, Raychelle Burks, Andrew Keaster, Mark Kleinschmit

2:30-3:20 PM

Hidden Bias in Work Environments

Business leaders need to start sweating the subtle stuff. Subtle forms of discrimination, though often overlooked, may be as detrimental as overt actions. According to the Neuroleadership Institute, most people exhibit some form of unconscious, affinity or other subtle bias. These types of biases create negative work environments and reduce productivity. A study by Honesty and Maxfield revealed that 66 percent of the subjects reported biased treatment in the workplace had a large impact on their morale, motivation, commitment and desire to advance in the organization. What kinds of verbal and non-verbal communications enable this type of discrimination? How can active listening build trust among employees and resolve conflict? How may individuals learn to value opposing views without sacrificing their own? Are organizations devaluing diversity when fear of bias creates self-censoring?

Panelists: Mark Dixon, Petra Horn-Marsh, Laura Janusik, Tyson Langhofer

More Alike Than Unalike: A Plea for Civil Discourse

As American society becomes increasingly polarized, civil discourse is waning. From the mainstream media, to Twitter and a host of other social media applications, Americans hear a steady stream of unfounded accusations, demeaning comments and vitriol. In 2017, a survey by the American Psychological Association found nearly 60 percent of Americans felt stressed because of current social divisiveness, and this contributed to high levels of negativity in their communications. When and why did this hostility become so prevalent? How can citizens learn to value differing opinions when so many exist in silos, interacting only with others who share their opinions? Does civility require one to abrogate the right to free speech? How can America find its way back to civil discourse and affirm Maya Angelou’s wisdom, “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

Panelists: T. Jameson Brewer, Latricia Buckner, Christie Love, Parvonay Stover

3:35-4:25 PM

A Voice for Mental Health in Education

There is a mental health crisis among American teens and young adults. The CDC has issued reports showing that rates of suicide among young people increased 56% between 2007 and 2016. Jean Twenge, professor and author of iGen states that there is a fundamental change in the way young people communicate and spend their leisure – less time with friends in person, less sleep and more time on digital media. Pandemic precautions saw most educational institutions adopt digital instruction. While remote learning has its benefits, extra stress, anxiety and unfavorable home environments may worsen the mental health crisis for teens and young adults. What responsibilities do educators have to provide or increase mental health resources, especially in virtual learning environments? How can prevention efforts be specialized to help increased risk populations such as certain racial and ethnic groups and LGBTQ teens? How may parents be educated to detect early warning signs of emotional distress? Should allowances be made for in-person communications when students show signs of mental health issues?

Panelists: Latricia Buckner, Brian Dotts, Sandra Graham, Terry Jamieson

The Power of Voice through Non-Verbal Expression

It’s not always what you say, but how you physically express what you feel that conveys what you are thinking. A great deal of a person’s communication lies in body language and non-verbal communication. Sometimes cultural norms of body language in one culture are misinterpreted as disinterest, disrespect or an invasion of other’s personal space. But, in another culture those same physical stances are seen as standards. Some languages are based solely on non-verbal expression. For example, ASL (American Sign Language) is a complete, unique language, rich in visual-spatial expression. Increasingly, new parents are using signing gestures with babies as a way to bridge communication. Gestures, posture, touch and eye contact all send strong messages. What can we learn from ASL to help become better communicators? How do expressions, movements and non-verbal actions impact the way one is seen and heard? How does the expressive nature of individuals communicate who they are as individuals, as a group and as a culture? How can we mitigate bias and discrimination resulting from the non-verbal voice?

Panelists: Beth Domann, Yolanda Gordon, Petra Horn-Marsh, Benjamin Munson

Plenary Speaker

Thursday, October 1

9:30-10:20 AM

Many Languages, Stronger Voices: The Essential Role of Language Learning

According to ilanguage.org, 60 percent of the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual, yet in the United States, only 26 percent speak more than one language. Over the past century, many of the world’s languages have disappeared and with it, part of the world’s knowledge and culture. In our global society, why do we tend to neglect the essential skill of learning a second (or third) language? As a nation that prides itself on speaking with a strong voice, why do Americans not value language learning as many of our neighbors do? It seems obvious to say that our voice is shaped by the language we speak, but how does the language(s) we speak shape the way our voices are used and heard? From K-12 through higher education, how does exposure to different languages and cultures contribute to the development of student empowerment and voice?

Panelists: Daniel Fisher, Petra Horn-Marsh, Benjamin Munson, Carlene Thomas

The Change of Voice in Business Communications

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any business. The coronavirus crisis came swiftly and unexpectedly to the global community and affected industries around the world simultaneously. Organizations have little choice but to rethink and redefine their forms of communication and operating procedures. Communication with all stakeholders is necessary to retain loyalty among consumers, employees and investors. Brand voice is not just about what is said, but how it sounds, feels and affects the intended audience. How are companies changing their message? Are they listening differently to their customers and employees? How are social media and digital tools such as Zoom impacting business communications? In a time of crisis, how can small businesses leverage communication to increase customer trust, the company’s public image and its social responsibility? Going forward, will these changes remain in place?

Panelists: Mark Dixon, Beth Domann, Laura Janusik, Mark Kleinschmit

11:00-11:50 AM

Hearing the Past – Preserving the Future

Cultural heritage is seen in a variety of ways, through the arts, archaeology, folklore, agriculture, religion and other traditions. It is the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the religion we practice and the skills we learn. When a society’s heritage and narratives are ignored, the wisdom of ancestors is lost, and future innovations may be compromised. In the field of science, there is increasing work to preserve native practices, such as heritage crops and traditional farming methods to counter the effects of extinction and loss of biodiversity. In what ways can other disciplines collaborate to preserve cultures? How may citizens use their voices to represent and safeguard their own history and that of their community? To what extent might our shared cultural heritage promote the sense of unity that we long for?

Panelists: Karen Craigo, Blake Hurst, Christie Love, J. Anthony Smith

Becoming Empowered to Use Your Voice

Have you ever had something to say, but hesitated to speak? Been passionate about a cause, but refrained from comment? Kris Carr, New York Times best-selling author, notes that it’s not about finding your voice, it’s about giving yourself permission to use your voice. Owning one’s voice gives the individual power in expressing values, beliefs and concerns. A 2017 survey conducted by FIRE and YouGov reported a majority of college students self-censor in the classroom and support the act of disinviting campus speakers with whom they disagree. How may we empower our voice when it is different from the norm and also engage productively with others with whom we disagree? What responsibility does the educational system have to develop and empower student voices and to defend their rights not to be silenced?

Panelists: Christie Brungardt, Raychelle Burks, Liv Dooley, Terry Jamieson

Plenary Speaker

2:00-2:50 PM

Marginalization and the Fight to End Poverty: Ethical Approaches to Advocacy

Marginalization can be defined as persistent inequality and adversity resulting from discrimination, social stigma and stereotypes. With limited voice, marginalized peoples experience poverty, stigmatization, homelessness, poor health outcomes and lack of education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 38.1 million people in the U.S. were living in poverty in 2018. Ending poverty will require a wide-reaching approach for systemic change. For this change to happen, the voice of the marginalized must go beyond the capacity to speak: that voice must be heard, understood and acted upon. How may we empower those with marginal opportunity? How can those who work to end poverty use their voices more effectively to enact social change? What can American legal and political systems do to give voice to those who promote genuine change?

Panelists: Brian Dotts, Yolanda Gordon, Michael Heaney, Christie Love

Using the Power of Voice to Stop Bullying

According to the U.S. Department of Education, one in five students between the ages of 12 and 18 are victims of bullying. Many incidents go unreported due to shame, fear of retaliation or belief that no one will help. These young people suffer serious consequences that may include physical, emotional and social distress that lasts into adulthood. Bullying is not limited to the school setting, but is found in the home, the workplace and within social circles. While state legislation is enacted, school policies are in place and anti-bullying campaigns abound, why is bullying in schools trending upward? How would more attention on the person inflicting the bullying change the equation? How can young people be empowered to find their voice to report and stand against bullying?

Panelists: Sandra Graham, Blake Hurst, Andrew Keaster, Tyson Langhofer

3:30-4:20 PM

Self-Talk: Why It Matters

Self-talk is the inner voice that helps people shape who they are. According to Psychology Today, self-talk can be positively motivating or negatively defeating. Some psychologists agree that 95 percent of our emotions are determined by the things we think and the words we say to ourselves. Eliminating negative self-talk can help one become more confident, motivated and productive. How does a person’s environment or upbringing influence and shape self-talk? How does negative talk influence academic achievement in students of all levels? How may one change the narrative of their self-talk to find inner peace and better connection with others? What power do we give others in developing how we communicate with ourselves? How can one distinguish between negative self-talk and the necessity of facing difficult topics?

Panelists: Christie Brungardt, Latricia Buckner, Liv Dooley, Mark Kleinschmit

Voice for the Innocent

In the United States, approximately 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year, and, according to Safe Horizon, more than 4 children die every day due to this epidemic - 70% of these children are younger than age 3. These statistics continue to be abstract numbers to many people. In most societies, including the U. S., children’s voices are silenced. Sadly, even when children are heard, the minimization of child abuse and neglect crime continues. How may advocates find new avenues to keep the voices of children alive and in the hearts of the community and present on the agendas of the justice system? In what ways can our society better focus on family health? What support do child advocates need in their efforts? Ultimately, how do we best support children to use their own voices?

Panelists: Ada Booth, Sandra Graham, Dennis Schmitt, Parvonay Stover

Plenary Speaker