SAINT PAUL, MN — Legacy Amendment funding supported by state Representatives John Ward (DFL – Baxter) and Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby) is helping support the Minnesota Humanities Center’s statewide initiative called Toward a More Perfect Union: Talking About the Constitution. The project is being done in collaboration with Twin Cities Public Television’s acclaimed PBS series, CONSTIUTION USA with Peter Segal.
Through this project, up to ten communities will be selected to host a series of specially-facilitated, kitchen-table style conversations allowing participants to explore the most basic questions of our democracy. Events will be held in communities statewide from March through November, 2014.
Community organizations throughout the state are invited to apply to be part of Toward a More Perfect Union. Host organizations may include libraries, community and senior centers, Veterans’ organizations, lifelong learning and community education organizations, civic organizations, and others. Selected host communities will work with the Minnesota Humanities Center’s trained conversation facilitators, receive training and orientation from the Humanities Center, and use specially created video resources from TPT’s CONSTITUTION USA.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our state and communities to learn and have great, engaging discussions about the US Constitution — the foundation of our great nation,” said Rep. Ward. “I strongly encourage community groups to apply to hold one of the ten events.”
The application process is open now through January 14, 2014.
“Our Constitution is an amazing, living document that has formed the basis of this great country,” said Rep. Radinovich. “Having one of these events in our area would build a greater understanding of the Constitution, deepen our appreciation of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and inspire civic engagement.”
Toward a More Perfect Union furthers the Humanities Center’s goals of building a thoughtful, literate, engaged society. Partnering organizations will be included in a groundbreaking, statewide community whose members are exploring fruitful ways to explore the Constitution as a living document.
The PBS series CONSTITUTION USA follows host Peter Sagal as he travels our country on a custom (We the People) Harley Davidson, exploring four of the Constitution’s most important themes:
1. The relationship of the federal government and the states
2. Individual freedoms and the Bill of Rights
3. Equal protection and due process under the law
4. Popular sovereignty and the separation of powers
To apply to become a host community for Toward a More Perfect Union, please visit the Minnesota Humanities Center’s website for details, guidelines, and an online application form at www.mnhum.org/constitution.
Deadline for host community applications: 4:00 p.m. on January 14, 2014.
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.