Civic Discussion Meetup

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of education in the United States. From public schools to higher education, we’ll explore what’s going well, what’s falling behind, and how political, cultural, and economic forces shape what students learn—and how they learn it.

Topics may include curriculum debates, teacher pay, school choice, standardized testing, and how education is preparing (or failing to prepare) young people for civic life, critical thinking, and the job market. We’ll also talk about how recent cultural and political tensions are showing up in classrooms and school boards across the country.

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or just someone who cares about the future of learning in America, this is your space to listen, share, and reflect.

Relevant Content:

The US Education System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lpkj5d5t-E

America’s Education Crisis: https://youtu.be/72dc8VxyoqE?si=5HbHzt2t2sZDRznL

Immigration remains one of the most pressing and debated issues of our time—impacting economies, communities, and politics across the globe. In this discussion, we’ll explore the current landscape of immigration worldwide, with a particular focus on the United States.

We’ll examine the various types of immigration today, including family-based, employment-based, education-based, humanitarian (refugee/asylum), and undocumented migration. We’ll also discuss the key differences between legal and illegal immigration, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating both systems.

The conversation will touch on major policy debates, enforcement practices, border control, and the human impact of immigration laws. What are the proposed reforms being discussed in Washington? How are states responding? And what does a fair and functional immigration system look like for the future?

Relevant Content:

PBS Newshour: https://youtu.be/lfHwLTzGfm0?si=v8Vj9rFINiTeX0Lf

CrashCourse: https://youtu.be/RRhjqqe750A?si=Y8jiBTcHZWP7NYDv

American Immigration History: https://youtu.be/0ftferPxUS0?si=7vPp-JJTa8iYQNzr

The U.S. Immigration System: https://youtu.be/oqAnzGNfxCY?si=K0rRLfpyTzFf435J

The relationship between science and politics shapes many of the most important public decisions we face today. From pandemic responses and climate policy to debates over education, energy, and federal research funding, science often finds itself at the center of political conversations—and sometimes, political conflict.

Scientists and researchers rely on evidence, data, and long-term analysis. Politicians and lawmakers, meanwhile, must navigate competing interests, public pressure, and short-term political cycles. These different priorities can lead to productive partnerships—or deep disconnects.

In this discussion, we’ll explore how science informs policy, where it gets sidelined, and what happens when scientific recommendations clash with political or ideological agendas. COVID-19 public health guidance, climate legislation, and disputes over research funding offer recent, high-profile examples of this tension.

Relevant Content:

TedX Talks: https://youtu.be/rn8Sw3mh8yk?si=JuPy2CT9UWtSa0Y5

Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/07/01/americans-politics-and-science-issues/

National Institute of Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9614182/

Big Think: https://youtu.be/vDLFItfX9Jw?si=LSdDNdsJe1Gx9r0k