Laserfiche WebLink
Topics or Suggestions for Essay Contest <br /> 2017 Other Topics <br /> • Elected officials and other government leaders do not always reflect the demographics <br /> of the community. What do you think are barriers to equal representation in <br /> government and how can those barriers be overcome? <br /> • How do you define "privilege"?What kinds of privilege do you think exist today and how <br /> should society confront that privilege? <br /> • Studies show that Minnesota is home to many forms of inequality. What factors do you <br /> think explain this? How can Minnesotans overcome inequality? <br /> • Not all students in the Twin Cities have equal access to good education. What do you <br /> think contribute to educational disparities and how can they be overcome? <br /> • healthcare topic- is healthcare a right, a privilege, or should be individual?What does <br /> healthcare have to do with human rights -is it a human right? How does or doesn't <br /> affect communities and other human rights. <br /> • Another topic is civic engagement or community engagement how to get involved and <br /> what inspires you to get involved. What ideas do you have to get others involved. <br /> From the Institute for Civility in Government website: <br /> "Civility is claiming and caring for one's identity, needs and beliefs without <br /> degrading someone else's in the process. " <br /> Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It <br /> is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for <br /> dialogue about differences, listening past one's preconceptions, and teaching others to do <br /> the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we <br /> have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements. It is political in the sense that it is a necessary <br /> prerequisite for civic action. But it is political, too, in the sense that it is about negotiating <br /> interpersonal power such that everyone's voice is heard, and nobody's is ignored. And <br /> civility begins with us. <br /> Possible Essay Topic/Theme <br /> Inviting, Respecting and Promoting Diversity of Thought in our Community <br /> Seeking Civility: Welcoming Diversity of Thought over Divisiveness <br /> To encourage engagement and sense of belonging, people need to feel safe in expressing <br /> their thoughts and ideas. Promoting "civility" and respect for"diversity of thought" <br /> ultimately helps to create a community (and world) where more people would be <br /> interested in engaging and sharing and contributing... <br /> The questions: <br /> • There are many opportunities to write essay questions around this topic. Some essay <br /> questions could range from - <br /> • Have you ever felt that your views or thoughts were not accepted or respected? <br />