|
Public Conversations is an ongoing series of community forums designed to convene Charlotte-area residents for discussion of timely and relevant topics. Our goal is to create comfortable settings that encourage a stimulating and enlightening exchange of ideas. By organizing these Public Conversations, WFAE intends to serve as a catalyst for community dialogue. Participants are encouraged to engage in conversation with a cross-section of community representatives, expert panelists, and with each other. Find out about upcoming events and check out past Public Conversations here.
Download podcasts of these conversations.
|
 Election 2012: Off And Running
WFAE hosted a Public Conversation Tuesday at Winthrop University on this year's presidential race. Charlotte and Rock Hill-area residents spoke out on issues ranging from education and immigration to same-sex marriage.
This forum was moderated by WFAE's Mike Collins and Winthrop professor Dr. Scott Huffmon.
 More  Listen
|
How Should We Grade Our Teachers?
More than 100 people gathered at Northwest School of the Arts for a WFAE Public Conversations forum on the topic, "How Should We Grade Our Teachers?" Teachers and other panelists from CMS and the community joined audience members to discuss the district's latest proposals for determining teacher effectiveness and pay. WFAE's Lisa Miller moderated this community forum.
|
Homeland Charlotte: How Secure Today?
This forum examined the state of homeland security in Charlotte/Mecklenburg, ten years after the nation's 9/11 terrorist attacks. We addressed how local homeland security initiatives have evolved, security and emergency response plans for the area and the role of government agencies. We also covered terrorism prevention and potential vulnerabilities in the local homeland security landscape.
More
|
'20-Somethings': Today's Changing Path To Adulthood
This forum explored what life is like these days for college graduates and others in their twenties. The discussion highlighted ways in which changing economic and social influences are helping to shape the expectations, experiences, and life course of today's young adults. The conversation addressed various dimensions of the transition to adulthood today, and the significance of these factors for "20-somethings", their careers, families and communities.
More Listen
|
Generating Charlotte's Energy Economy
Local business and political leaders point to energy-related jobs as one key to achieving a stronger and sustainable economy in the Charlotte area. This forum explord the recent growth of Charlotte's "energy economy" and the potential for continued expansion of a local energy "hub."
WFAE's Scott Graf moderated the conversation.
More Listen
|
Religion in Public Life
This Public Conversation explored the relationship between religion and public life in America, and the Charlotte region in particular. The discussion addressed the intersection of religion, politics and culture, and examined current and historic issues involving separtation of church and state.
More Listen
|
Charlotte's Evolving Job Market
The Charlotte-area job market is showing some signs of recovery. Which jobs will be most prevalent in the post-recession economy? What challenges lie ahead for workers and employers? WFAE's recent Public Conversation explored "Charlotte's Evolving Job Market."
More
|
Southern Cooking: Then And Now
How does a healthy lifestyle affect our relationship with Southern dishes that many call comfort food? Our Public Conversation "Southern Cooking: Then and Now" addressed that and other aspects of Southern cuisine.
More  Listen
|
Preserving Charlotte's Past
Panelists and audience members discussed Charlotte's track record on historic preservation and examined the motives, costs, benefits, and common obstacles surrounding such efforts. The discussion included perspectives on recent and ongoing initiatives to preserve historic neighborhoods and buildings in Charlotte. The conversation also explored public attitudes and perceptions regarding the value of historic preservation.
More Listen
|
When North Meets South: Charlotte's Culture Clash
Just how 'Southern' is Charlotte today? How has the region benefited from the influx of new residents from other parts of the country? What can newcomers learn from native Southerners? Can the region effectively "blend" these unique cultures, without losing important characteristics? WFAE's Public Conversation North Meets South: Charlotte's Culture Clash addressed these questions and more. Share your thoughts on the subject here.
Listen
|
Deciphering Health Care: How to Survive the System
This forum explored the challenges Charlotte area consumers face in understanding, accessing and dealing with the health care system. Panelists and audience members discussed the patient's role in obtaining high quality and affordable health care, and in interacting with health insurance providers.
Listen
|
CMS: The Quest for Equity
This community forum explored issues of equity and equality in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. How well is the district doing in achieving its mission to "maximize academic achievement by every student in every school"?
More Listen
|
WFAE hosts forum for 'Charlotte Mission Possible'
The economic recession and other challenges have made the past year an especially difficult time for charitable organizations seeking to meet basic human needs in the Charlotte area. To help address this critical issue, WFAE hosted a Public Conversation community forum on Monday, Oct. 5, as part of the local media collaboration, "Charlotte Mission Possible."
Listen to the evening's discussion here.
More Listen
|
What's Up with the Charlotte Economy?
This panel discussion addressed the state of the economy in the Charlotte region. We also explored current conditions and the future outlook for the Charlotte area's real estate market, and how the housing market interacts with the region's overall economy. Panelists also addressed what a "post-recession" economy in the region might look like.
More Listen
|
The Dad Factor
WFAE's Public Conversations series hosted "The Dad Factor." It addressed the role of fathers in family and community life. And explored problems and challenges that can occur in homes and communities when dads are missing from the family structure. The Public Conversation also highlighted programs and services in the Charlotte area that are designed to strengthen the influence of fathers and provide mentoring for children whose fathers are absent from the home. Listen to "The Dad Factor" here.
More
|
Building a Biotech Economy
WFAE hosted a Public Conversation on Building a Biotech Economy. The panel discussion explored the economic aspects of the Charlotte region's emerging biotech sector including economic development strategies, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and the role of biotech research. Listen to the discussion and join the continuing online conversation at The Watercooler.
Listen
|
Weighing Race and the work cut out for Charlotte
The nation has broken the color barrier at the highest level of elected office. WFAE hosted a Public Conversation looking at how Barack Obama's presidency might influence the future relationship between race, ethnicity and politics - at the national, state and local levels.
Still, the historic inauguration of Barack Obama has by no means resolved the issues surrounding race.
Many people shared their ideas at the forum in Charlotte about how race affects our interactions - both personal and political - and what work still lies ahead for this community. WFAE's Lisa Miller has more.
More Listen
|
Holiday Reflections
WFAE convened a panel of community representatives for a Public Conversation titled, "Holiday Reflections: From Food, to Faith, to Finances." Listen here to some highlights from the discussion.
More Listen
|
Politics Unplugged
Charlotte-area residents spoke out recently on issues in the presidential election during WFAE's community conversation event, "Politics Unplugged."
Hear a sampling of the discussion.
More Listen
|
The Media's Role in Election 2008
WFAE presents a community dialogue on the role of the media in the current election year. This informal and interactive session is designed to engage the audience in discussion with local media experts and journalists.
|
|
 |
|
Download:
Subscribe:
|
