We the People: Conversations on the Montana and U.S. Constitutions

we the people: conversations on the montana and u.s. constitutions

In addition to being a major election year, 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Montana Constitution. In recognition of that formative document, Humanities Montana is organizing a two-day conference to take place at Carroll College in Helena on April 20-21. Instead of traditional panels, the conference will feature a series of moderated conversations on focused topics with participants representing alternative perspectives.

The conversations will build toward a closing plenary in which all participants have a chance to come together to share discoveries, lingering questions, issues for further reflection.

The conference will take place in All Saints Hall at the Carroll Campus Center. Conversations are free and open to the public. Join the luncheon for delegates on April 21 for $20.

AGENDA

Friday, April 20, 2012
1:30 pm	Welcome and Introduction of Conversations Steven Bullock, Montana State Attorney General; Ken Egan
1:45 pm	First Conversation: The Bill of Rights and Declaration of Rights Moderator: Mae Nan Ellingson Participants: Wade Dahood, Betsy Griffing, Justice Jim Nelson
3:00 pm	Break
3:15 pm	Second Conversation: Native Peoples and Constitutions Moderator: TBD Particpants: Ray Cross, Denise Juneau
5:00 pm	Reception at Montana Historical Society
7:30 pm	Keynote Conversation Moderator: Pat Cotter Participants: Carl Graham (to be confirmed), Brian Kahn
Saturday, April 21, 2012
9:00 am	Third Conversation: The Environment and Constitutions Moderator: Irma Russell Participants: Joe Balyeat, Arlyne Reichert
10:15 am	Break
10:30 am	Fourth Conversation: Local Government and Constitutions Moderator: Jim Lopach Participants: Dan Clark, Bill Bronson
Noon	Luncheon honoring Delegates to Constitutional Convention with Chuck Johnson
1:30 pm	Fifth Conversation: State Sovereignty in Two Constitutions Moderator: Jeff Renz Participants: Niki Zupanic, Anthony Johnstone
2:45 pm	Break
3:00 pm	Summing Up: Issues and Resolutions in Two Constitutions Bob Brown, Pat Williams
5:00 pm	Farewell Reception

RELATED...

Not One Without the Other: Religious Harmony and Political Civility

A month-long series conference this April at Carroll College in Helena, culminating with the dedication of the Carroll College Peace and Civility Wall. Click to learn more.

For This and Future Generations...

This hour-long documentary tells the story of Montana's 1972 Constitutional Convention.

Watch For This and Future Generations... on PBS. See more from KUSM.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS...

Sponsors (providing funding)

Humanities Montana

Carroll College

Kay and Jim Driscoll, in memory of

Donald C. Robinson

Helena Education Foundation

Montana ACLU Foundation

Montana Historical Society

Montana League of Women Voters

Partners (helping plan event)

Burton K. Wheeler Center

Local Government Center, Montana State

University - Bozeman

Montana State University - Bozeman

Rocky Mountain College

University of Montana - Missoula