What is Dining with Democracy?

Dining with Democracy is an event that brings students, educators, and community members together for facilitated conversations on pressing public issues over a shared meal. Dining with Democracy is an innovative, research-informed approach to civic learning that is rooted in deliberative dialogue practices that create structured opportunities for civil discourse across lines of difference.

Since 2019, NC State University has hosted 12 Dining with Democracy events and reached more than 1,500 participants. Dining with Democracy events have taken place on NC State’s campus, at local middle and high schools, and as part of local community events.

Follow this link to access the free educational resources used at past Dining with Democracy events.

How will ACE Fellows Engage with Dining with Democracy?

To extend the work of the seminar program to schools and local communities, each cohort of ACE Fellows will collectively plan 2-3 Dining with Democracy events in their region. Each event will include accessible materials to support multigenerational participation. Our teacher participants and their students will help choose the topics and co-facilitate the discussions, ensuring that the experience is rooted in their region’s voice. 

What Past Middle School Teachers Have Said About Dining with Democracy

I felt that the whole purpose of Dining with Democracy [was to] sit there, have a conversation, and not agree with people. And it’s okay. And hearing the students’ perspective was much more powerful in [the cell phone discussion]. I was sitting there, and I’m getting chills…it was really cool to see.

It’s a really cool opportunity for kids at that age group to really feel…valued for their opinion. I really feel like they walked away feeling positive about how they spoke to adults, and how they were able to speak with … NCSU professors, and with their teachers.