Walter Peterson Forum: Teens Speak Up

Read Monadnock Ledger-Transcript’s account of this program:

Calendar Listing as it appeared:
On Wednesday, March 18, at 7: p.m., the Monadnock Center for History and Culture presents a special session of the Walter Peterson Forum for Civil Discourse, featuring students from Conval and Conant high schools.

The Walter Peterson Forum was established as a collaboration of the Monadnock Center, Franklin Pierce University, and the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, to honor the late Gov. Walter Peterson. The purpose of the Forum is to explore ways in which the quality of our political discourse can be improved; specifically, to engage in more respectful dialog with those with whom we disagree, as we explore solutions to the problems facing our society. The Forum was launched in April of 2014 with former NH Governor and Senator Judd Gregg. A second session in September featured former MA governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. Both speakers presented some high level perspective on the challenges of respectful dialog.

Now we turn to a youthful perspective. Students aware of the challenges of civil discourse on the national and state levels, but they also have first hand experience with this at the local level. The purpose of this Forum is not to have students tell us about their opinions or desired outcomes, but to share their insights and observations about how we all, as a community, might improve the quality and integrity of our problem-solving process. The student panel includes Patrick Groleau and River Marmorstein from Conval High School,  and Drew Horne,  Trey Horne, and Kimberly Stanway, from Conant High School. Following short presentations from each of the panelists, the floor will be open to moderated discussion, starting with questions and comments from other students in the audience.

Walter Peterson served as  Governor of New Hampshire from 1969 to 1973. In 1975 he became President of Franklin Pierce University, a position he held for 20 years. After his retirement he continued to be involved in the New Hampshire political environment, and was admired for his commitment to fostering open and honest dialogue among individuals and groups with diverse perspectives. In addition to providing the opportunity for young people to share their thoughts, the Forum sees this as a means of extending Walter’s great legacy to the next generation.

The Forum is free and open to the public, with strong encouragement for high school and college age students to attend.