We've worked closely with David Lisman at Aurora, and now are in partnership with Kansas City Kansas Community College in the civic education initiative Public Achievement. Second, argue that the obstacle to democratic renewal is a culture of detachment fed by an outdated philosophy, positivism. Third, outline strategies for democratic renewal. The president's call argues that higher education institutions must become agents and architects of a flourishing democracy. Now one can well argue of course that this is mostly rhetoric at this point.
Enormous pressures push in other directions.
In community colleges, for instance, there are strong pressures to redefine the work simply as workforce preparation. But eloquent rhetoric is important, nonetheless. It can lift the spirit in ways that provide organizing resources. It also represents the recovery of a remarkable tradition. In part, this means expanding access.