Civic Discussion Meetup

Dating apps have transformed how people meet, connect, and build relationships—but what does that mean for modern romance, identity, and community values? In this discussion, we’ll explore how dating apps influence interpersonal dynamics, dating culture, and even social expectations. Are these platforms empowering users, or are they reshaping love in unintended ways? Join us as we dive into the pros, cons, and evolving ethics of swiping in search of connection.

Join us for a discussion on the changing birth and death rates in the U.S. and around the world—and what these trends mean for our communities, governments, and future.

In the U.S., birth rates have dropped to record lows while life expectancy is slowly recovering from recent declines. Globally, some countries face population booms while others are aging rapidly. These shifts raise major questions: Who will care for aging populations? How will economies adapt to fewer workers? Should governments encourage people to have more children—or prepare for smaller societies?

We’ll explore how demographic changes intersect with politics, immigration, healthcare, education, and labor. This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s about how we plan for the future, who makes those decisions, and what kind of society we want to build.

Relevant Content:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zItgxM1sNqw

From college stadiums to global arenas, sports are deeply woven into the fabric of American society. But beyond entertainment, what role do they really play in shaping our communities, values, and civic life?

In this discussion, we’ll explore how sports intersect with education, identity, politics, health, and global affairs. Topics will include the social divide in college athletics, the commercialization of professional leagues like the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, and the political implications of hosting international events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a casual observer, or a thoughtful critic, join us for a spirited conversation on how sports shape — and reflect — the values of a nation.

As rockets launch and billionaires set their sights on Mars, space exploration is no longer just a scientific pursuit—it’s a deeply political, economic, and ethical issue. In this civic discussion, we’ll examine the growing involvement of private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and international space agencies, and what their activities mean for society at large.

We’ll dive into the politics behind space funding, global competition, and national prestige, asking: Who decides what happens in space, and who benefits? We’ll also consider the environmental costs of rocket launches, the economic trade-offs of space investment, and the ethics of space colonization when basic needs remain unmet on Earth.

From a civic perspective, how do people view space exploration—hopeful curiosity or costly distraction? What are the pros and cons of pushing further into the cosmos? Should space be treated as a shared human endeavor or a competitive marketplace?

Join us for a grounded yet forward-looking conversation on the implications of reaching beyond our planet—what it reflects about us here on Earth, and what kind of future we want to build.

Relevant Content:

Politics of Space Exploration: https://youtu.be/bHcWNATk7bE?si=uDkD3EF70z5pT08a

International Politics of Outer Space: https://youtu.be/iNroL4ZT_qA?si=he-eaamR2S3Ojl2X