What About Guns?

A conversation about the role of guns in contemporary American society.

This event is part of The President’s Forum (an event series on controversial issues at the University of New England), in partnership with a Make Shift Coffee House (a pop-up place for people to understand each other’s political views). Audience participation will be encouraged.

Special guests:
• State Senator Eric Brakey, Republican, Senate Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee
• State Representative Charlotte Warren, Democrat, House Chair of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Introduced by University of New England President James Herbert

Moderated by Make Shift Coffee House Founder Craig Freshley

All welcome.

Free food and drinks.

Live music.

Topic

What’s right and/or what’s wrong with how we handle guns in America today?

Why do you believe what you do? What experiences from your life have led you to your beliefs about guns?

If there’s one thing about gun laws you could change, what would it be?

If there’s one thing you could change about people attitudes about guns, what would it be?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss both on the stage among the politicians and on the floor among everyone.

Our purpose is to explore the range of perspectives on the various issues related to guns in contemporary American society, with a particular emphasis on mutual understanding.

Each person is encouraged to speak from their own experience and questions are encouraged. It’s totally fine if we disagree, as long as we show respect for each other’s opinions.

In a world where the political divide is growing and where civil discourse is eroding — where debates on social media are increasingly mean-spirited and polarized — this is a face-to-face forum where people with different political views can talk and listen to each other in the spirit of mutual respect.

Format

5:45 Arrive early for live music and refreshments

6:00 Opening Remarks from President James Herbert

6:10 Moderated discussion among Senator Brakey and Representative Warren

6:50 Audience Full Group Discussion

7:20 Audience Small Group Conversations

7:50 Closing Remarks

8:00 Adjourn for more music and informal conversation