Dialogue for Democracy

On Election Day, the Carter School at George Mason University invites students and teachers across the DMV to Dialogue for Democracy, a hands-on summit exploring the complexity of current issues. Students and Teachers will engage directly (see separate tracks and register below) with Carter School faculty and join in dialogue with one another about the challenges facing our democracy—and the solutions we can create to strengthen it. 

On Election Day 2025, high school students from across the DMV will gather for a interactive workshop designed to explore the big issues shaping democracy—immigration, misinformation, extremism, the energy & the environment, and the global rise of populism. Through university faculty presentations, expert panel discussions, dialogue circles, and workshop activities, students, together with their peers, will explore the complexity of many issues facing this generation. 

Current Student Track Sessions:

Round 1 sessions (Select 1):

• Democracy & Immigration, Professor Tehama Lopez

  • Session Description: This presentation explores how immigration has both shaped and been shaped by American democracy. Students will explore historical and contemporary debates over belonging, citizenship, and participation, considering how immigration policy has expanded and challenged democratic ideals in the United States.

• Populism and Polarization, Professor Dan Rothbart 

  • Session Description: This presentation explores the recent rise in extremist violence in the U.S., examining the social-psychological roots of hate, fear, and aggression, and highlighting evidence-based strategies to reduce polarization and prevent violence that threatens democratic life.

• Children Under Fire: An American Crisis, Jordan Emely 

  • Session Description: Sandy Hook. Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Robb Elementary in Uvalde. Annunciation Catholic School. The list should end here, but these are just 0.002% of school shootings since Columbine. Each of these schools faced unthinkable tragedy, and yet real action to keep students safe hasn't happened. In this session, we’ll take a closer look at school violence—why it happens, what can be done to prevent it, and how it has shaped our democracy for decades. We’ll use powerful stories from John Woodrow Cox’s book Children Under Fire: An American Crisis, along with research and real evidence, to better understand the crisis and to think about democratic solutions. 

Round 2 sessions (Select 1):

• Democracy & the Environment: Local Energy and Data Centers, Professor Silvia Danielak

  • Session Description: This session guides participants through a participatory conflict analysis of Northern Virginia’s “data center alley.” Using news snippets, participants will map key actors, tensions, and environmental impacts, concluding with strategies for collective problem-solving, nonviolent resistance, and environmental peacebuilding.

• Youth Engagement in Democracy, Professor Linda Mann 

  • Session Description: Voting Rights: A Lineage of Resistance. In this interactive workshop, students will learn about where their right to vote comes from, as well as myths and misconceptions of voting in the United States. Does our vote matter? Is my right to vote guaranteed? These are some of the questions we will be grappling with over the course of the session.

• What is Viewpoint Diversity?, Professor Solon Simmons 

  • Session Description: In a time when it feels like everyone is talking past each other, understanding why we disagree is one of the most important skills for a healthy democracy. In this session, we will explore what “viewpoint diversity” really means — not just as a buzzword, but as a way of seeing the world through the stories and values that shape our beliefs. Drawing on his Root Narrative Theory, Dr. Simmons will help students uncover the deep moral and cultural narratives that drive political conflict in America.

Expert Panel: 

• Thomas Flores, PhD

  • Thomas E. Flores is an Associate Professor at the Carter School. His research focuses on democratization, civil conflict, and economic development. He is the author (with Irfan Nooruddin) of Elections in Hard Times: Building Stronger Democracies in the 21st Century (Cambridge University Press). His research has also been published in the Journal of Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Review of International Organizations, and Social Psychological and Personality Science, among other peer-reviewed journals. In 2017, he was a Democracy Fellow in the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance.

• Ilya Somin, JD

  • Ilya Somin is Professor of Law at George Mason University and the B. Kenneth Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute. His research focuses on constitutional law, property law, democratic theory, federalism, and migration rights. Somin’s writings have been cited in decisions by the United States Supreme Court, multiple state supreme courts and lower federal courts, and the Supreme Court of Israel. He has testified on the use of drones for targeted killing in the War on Terror before the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights. In 2009, he testified on property rights issues at the United States Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

• Jennifer N. Victor, PhD

  • Jennifer Nicoll Victor is an associate professor of political science at George Mason University’s Schar School Policy and Government. She studies the U.S. Congress, legislative organization and behavior, social network methods, political parties, campaign finance, organized interest groups, and lobbying. She is the coeditor of the Oxford Handbook of Political Networks (2017). Victor is the coauthor (with Nils Ringe) of Bridging the Information Gap: Legislative Member Organizations in the United States and the European Union (U. Michigan Press 2013). She has published research in the American Journal of Political Science, the British Journal of Political Science, American Politics Research, Party Politics, Interest Groups & Advocacy, P.S.: Political Science and Politics, and elsewhere. In 2019, she was awarded George Mason University’s Teaching Excellence Award. 

Facilitated Dialogue Groups: Hosted by the Carter School's Dialogue for Difference Program

• Mara Schoeny, PhD

  • Mara Schoeny is an associate professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University and the Director of Undergraduate Programs. She teaches courses in research and evaluation methods, practice skills and the integration of inter-disciplinary approaches to conflict analysis and resolution. She was a 1998 USIA Visiting Fellow in the Curriculum Development Exchange Program, in residence at Yerevan State University, Armenia. As part of the grant she developed and taught simulation courses for undergraduate and master’s level sociology and social work students in family, organizational, political and community conflict.

Closing Speaker and Call to Action

• Randy Lioz, MBA

  • Randy Lioz is a passionate political depolarizer, working to bring people together from all over the political spectrum to have productive and respectful conversations. Formerly the Senior Director of Events & Partner Engagement at Braver Angels, Randy is a highly skilled facilitator, organizer, writer, podcaster, and compelling communicator. Currently, Randy is a Master's Student at The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University and serves as the Lab Manager of the PiVoT (Polariziation and Violence Transformed) Peace Lab. 

On Election Day 2025, teachers from across the DMV will gather for a interactive workshop designed to explore the Conflict Analysis and Resolution topics in the classroom. Through university faculty presentations, dialogue circles, and workshop activities, teachers will explore the complexity of many issues facing this generation and find solutions to discuss it productively in the classroom.

Current Teacher Track:

• The Role of History & Memory in Classroom Instruction - Dr. Karina Korostelina

  • Session Description: This presentation concentrates on the role that the identity-based training for history teachers can play in the development of peace culture among students. History education is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool that can alter the dynamics of identity-based conflicts, reducing negative perceptions and intergroup tensions and promoting mutual understanding and reconciliation between conflicting parties. The training for history and social science teachers, developed by Prof. Korostelina aims to examine the critical points in identity formation precipitated by history education and to identify ways to reduce conflict attitudes and intentions. Identity management plays a critical role in the formation of a culture of peace through history education.  The training helps increase teachers’ awareness of the impact of history education on conflict resolution and provide specific skills and knowledge about the role of history education in the framework of peace education

• Integrating Conflict Resolution into Curriculum - Dr. Jeff Helsing 

  • Session Description: This interactive workshop helps high school teachers integrate conflict resolution into existing curriculum. Participants will explore classroom activities, simulations, and discussion strategies that promote critical thinking, empathy, and constructive dialogue—equipping educators to turn everyday lessons into opportunities for collaboration and peaceful problem-solving.

• Fostering Curiosity: Removing the Echo Chamber - Dr. Solon Simmons and Jane Walker

  • Session Description: In a time of polarization and digital echo chambers, this workshop helps teachers cultivate curiosity, belonging, and authentic dialogue. Participants will explore strategies to build trust and community—key to helping students engage as informed citizens who seek understanding over agreement. The session will also examine the link between intellectual humility and curiosity, offering tools for facilitating classroom discussions that move beyond opinion-sharing toward meaningful civic discourse. Teachers will leave with practical approaches to creating connected, curious classrooms that nurture critical thinking and respectful engagement across differences.

• Facilitated Discussion - Jane Walker

  • Jane did both her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Missouri, Columbia where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors with degrees in Secondary Social Studies Education and Curriculum and Instruction. She oversees student services in the undergraduate program and provides administrative support for various projects. Jane has been with the Carter School since 2008.  She teaches CONF 314 focused on career readiness and CONF 386 focused on maximizing the study abroad experience. Prior to her time with the Carter School, Jane lived in Missouri and taught high school Social Studies.  She and her family moved to the DC area in 2000.