2023 PROGRAMS
2023 continued to exhibit signs of deep political polarization, socioeconomic disparities, and societal unrest. The country grappled with systemic issues such as racial inequality, economic insecurity, and environmental challenges, contributing to a sense of uncertainty and division among citizens.
APS responded by creating space for some of our most difficult conversations yet - abortion, cancel culture, gender identity among them.
But 2023 also saw communities across the nation exhibit creativity, resilience, and a sense of community that helped drive progress in the face of seemingly endless challenges.
In Kansas City, a commission came together to reconcile its role in slavery, segregation and racial injustice toward the Black community. Community activists across the nation united here in October for a weekend of collaboration, bridge-building and learning skills they could take back to help make their home communities stronger. On a warm summer evening, a group of women convened to share experiences and support each other on their individual civic engagement journeys.
A spotlight of several notable 2023 APS programs showcases the dynamic work of the organization as it navigated some of the most complicated conversations in APS history.
With gratitude to our
2023 SEASON SPONSORS
HALL FAMILY FOUNDATION
HEALTH FORWARD FOUNDATION
PLEXPOD
SUE SEIDLER NERMAN AND LEWIS NERMAN
MARNY AND JOHN SHERMAN
WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE
ADDITIONAL 2023 PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
American Public Square seeks to bring community members together through our Discussion Group Series to increase understanding and engage each other in honest and respectful dialogue. 2023 Discussion Groups included:
WOMEN. LIFE. FREEDOM. REVOLUTION IN IRAN
In the March event of our APS Discussion Group series, we discussed the ongoing protests in Iran, spurred by the arrest and subsequent death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Some have called these protests the biggest threat to Iran’s regime since the 1979 revolution. Amini was arrested in Tehran in September by the country’s “morality police” after allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely. She later died in police custody. Since her death, rallies and protests against the government have spread throughout the country, reaching into other parts of the world.
This event featured special commentary by Azzie Amani, Iranian-born activist who now resides in the Kansas City area.
IS AMERICA REALLY AS DIVIDED AS IT SEEMS?
In what started as a graduate thesis project, author Ryan Bernsten took a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states, documenting his experience in “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy.” Bernsten’s book is a work of narrative travel non-fiction in the style of Alexis de Tocqueville that takes readers on a journey to explore the complexities of America. Leading with the desire to listen and overcome our preconceived notions, “50 States of Mind” asks how we can infuse humanity and nuance back into political conversations to strengthen our democracy.
Bernsten joined the discussion group to lead participants in conversation about their own American experiences.
WOMEN IN POLITICS
Recognizing that many women view the current political climate as a major barrier to running for office and engaging in civic leadership, APS partnered with the United WE organization to host an open and frank discussion on the realities of engaging in politics and civic life as a woman.
This conversation was led by State Representatives Jamie Johnson (MO), Patty Lewis (MO) and Laura Williams (KS) and facilitated by APS Board Member, Joni Wickham of Wickham James Strategies and Solutions.
Participants were also invited to explore Kansas and Missouri Town Hall Reports developed by United WE.
CLASS OF COVID-19: FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
From initial lockdown to the first vaccines, Class of COVID-19 unveils untold and thought-provoking stories of courage and hope in the face of the coronavirus. The stories move far beyond school buildings to show the fears, challenges, and triumphs of exemplary educators and students. Faced with struggles around mental health, inequities in school resources, and racial injustice, the characters evolve to become true leaders in their communities and prove that sometimes the most important lessons are learned outside the classroom.
A 45-minute talkback session was moderated by APS Civics Education Initiative Program Manager, Tricia Maxfield, in conversation with Class of COVID-19 Director, Jon Brick, film Producer, Donna M. Davis, PhD, and K-State student, Kolbi Washington, who was featured in the documentary.
Special thanks to APS Program Partner: The Johnson County Library
BRIDGE-BUILDING INNOVATION FORUM
In today’s polarized climate, working across our differences to solve tough problems can sometimes feel hopeless. “The Bridge-Building Innovation Showcase” featured five teams of Americans from around the country who were selected by a panel of judges for working across differences to tackle significant problems in their own communities, outside of their “day jobs”. Organized by several leading bridge-building organizations, including American Public Square at Jewell, this event featured community-based teams showcasing their own efforts, as well as opportunities to learn about each team’s initiatives, engage in discussions, and be inspired to address problems across divisions in their own communities.
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
On Thursday, October 26, American Public Square partnered with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre to bring guests an enhanced show experience. Guests were invited to a special pre-show discussion group, followed by the live performance of “What the Constitution Means to Me” an original Broadway production.
APS Member and local attorney, Ashton Botts, served as the show's dramaturg, lending her expertise as a Constitutional adviser who provided vital research and consultation for the production.
Botts led the group in discussion along with panelists that included the show director, two local attorneys and an actor from the show. "What the Constitution Means to Me" can be streamed on Amazon Prime. Learn more here.
With gratitude to our
2023 PROGRAM CO-HOSTS
