Justice & Democracy

The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) is working to facilitate additional learning and reflection opportunities during this election cycle. Our Justice & Democracy series ignites greater civic engagement among our students, alumni, faculty and staff, and the community at large. This series of free events aims to support our community to live into social work values and further learn and engage with the democratic process.

We call our GSSW community to join us this fall (#GSSWresolve). Please reference this page for upcoming civic events and resources related to local, state and federal elections.

Justice & Democracy 2024 Events

Voting day sign and "I voted" stickers

Decoding Your Ballot

Have you ever wondered what the initiatives on your Colorado ballot are and how to read them to understand their intent, potential impact and go beyond the information outlined in your blue book? Join GSSW as we talk with political science Assistant Professor Phil Chen and Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor Steven Doherty and look at this year's ballot.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
  • 4 p.m. MST
  • Virtual

 

  • Steven Doherty

    Steven Doherty received his doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago and has served as faculty and department chair in the University of Wisconsin system and Dickinson State University. His research agenda has focused on the political behavior of Indigenous Americans and refugee groups.

  • Phil Chen

    Phil Chen is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Denver. He studies American political behavior, public opinion and political psychology with a focus on race, ethnicity, gender and partisanship. His work has been published in numerous political science and psychology journals and he’s a frequent contributor to local media outlets as an expert on U.S. elections.

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Volunteers at voting site giving out waters

Beyond the Polls

We've all heard it before: "Our work doesn't end on election day," but what does that mean in practice? How can we continue to build momentum for our political work while we contend with growing disillusionment in the U.S. political system? How do we navigate personal or community moral or ethical objections to voting while holding the fear of electoral outcomes that may exist in community as well? Join GSSW Assistant Professor Sophia Sarantakos and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Clinical Assistant Professor Annie Zean Dunbar as we answer those questions and more.

  • Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024
  • 12 p.m. MST
  • Virtual
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Resources for Compassion, Action and Self-Care

Community Resources & Events

  • Korbel Denver Democracy Series and Summit

    In this global election year, bringing leaders and the community together to address issues in democracy is more important than ever. As part of our ongoing commitment to evaluating efforts to strengthen democratic norms, values, and institutions and discussing strategies to meet the needs of a changing world, the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies proudly introduces the Denver Democracy Series and Summit. 

    Building on our cornerstone event, we will delve into critical issues confronting democracy at home and abroad. In collaboration with global partners, we will gather experts committed to advancing democratic values worldwide.

    Save the dates for this timely and important series:

    • Sept. 6, 2024 | Virtual – 9—11 a.m. MTN | Global Election Year Retrospective: How fares Democracy?
    • Oct. 11, 2024 | Virtual – 9—11 a.m. MTN | 21st Century Elections: Technology, Disinformation/Misinformation & AI
    • Nov. 15, 2024 | Virtual – 9—11 a.m. MTN | US Election Aftermath: What just happened and where do we go from here?


    Learn More

  • League of Womens Voters Colorado

    The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. The organization works to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education and litigation at the local, state and national levels.

    Learn More

Civic Engagement Through the Voices of Latino/a Youth: Exploring Definitions, Supports and Barriers

This research project aims to expand understanding of how Latinx adolescents define civic engagement, understand how Latinx adolescents see their own civic engagement both supported and hindered, and identify strategies that young people believe will help promote civic engagement among themselves and their peers. This qualitative study engaged 16 Latinx youth as experts in their own lives and as partners in data analysis, along with focus groups with 108 Latinx youth who may or may not be civically engaged. The study is situated in two major U.S. cities: Houston and Denver. Three community organizations focused on positive youth development and civic engagement collaborated on the project. Read More.