The MPA program at The Evergreen State College, along with Evergreen's Extended Education Program and the Evergreen Chapter of ASPA, are sponsoring a symposium on the theme, "Democracy--Rhetoric, or Reason?" This event is free and open to the public.

Recent local and international events suggest that there is little real dialogue between citizens, public officials, and public administrators on many critical issues. Citizens believe the government doesn't listen to them, and government officials bemoan the lack of citizen understanding of complex issues and the poor mechanisms for obtaining input into important decisions. This one-day event will provide tools for citizens and public administrators to enhance their dialogue over key issues and improve governance.

The Symposium will be held on The Evergreen State College campus in Olympia on October 26 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The location is the Seminar II Building, Room A-1105 (see http://www.evergreen.edu/tour/docs/areaMap.pdf for a campus map and directions). There is no charge to attend.

Scheduled morning speakers include Michael Shadow, adjunct faculty member at The Evergreen State College and internationally known communications consultant to political and business leaders, and Cheryl Simrell King, member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College and author of Transformational Public Service: Portraits of Theory in Practice. In the afternoon, the symposium will feature informal breakout sessions with guest speakers on four topics: GMAP (Government Management Accountability and Performance); engaging citizens/stakeholders in meaningful agency input; citizen participation in budgeting in local government; and conversations between tribal governments, federal agencies, and local communities.

In addition, the MPA program and Evergreen's Extended Education program are offering related short courses in October and November. Michael Shadow will follow up on his symposium presentation with a course entitled Persuasive Conversations , focused on improving communications skills; and Steve Marshall's course, Planning to Succeed , will provide students with solid strategic planning skills.

You have three choices for participating in these programs:

* To register for the symposium alone, or for more information, email Mary McGhee, mcgheem@evergreen.edu, or call 360-867-6554. There is no charge for attending the symposium, but space is limited. We recommend reserving your place as soon as possible.

* To take either or both short courses for academic credit, anyone not already admitted as an Evergreen student can register as a Special Student. For more information, email Mary McGhee, mcgheem@evergreen.edu, or call 360-867-6554. Evergreen students can register by the usual procedure. Space is limited, so register soon!

* To take either or both short courses without receiving academic credit, visit Evergreen's Extended Education website, or email them extendededucation@evergreen.edu, or call them at (360) 867-5515. Space is limited, so register soon!

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Mary McGhee
Associate Director, MPA Program
(360) 867-6554
mcgheem@evergreen.edu
www.evergreen.edu/mpa