We are a community passionate about learning, connecting, and engaging with international issues
WE promote understanding by hosting forums with diverse, global voices and perspectives
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UPCOMING FREE EVENTS
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ANNOUNCING THE 2024 FALL PROGRAM SERIES
The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) proudly presents its fall 2024 series on democracy, a vital opportunity for our community during a critical period in our nation's history. In alignment with the belief that discussing threats to democracy is not escalatory but essential for its health, this series explores how political disagreements can coexist within the democratic framework that facilitates such discourse.
As highlighted by our executive director during ICFRC's 40th-anniversary event, the latest Freedom House report reveals a sobering reality: democracy has been in decline worldwide for the past 18 years, with 60% of the global population now living under authoritarian regimes. In 2024, nearly half of the world's population will vote in national elections, marking an unprecedented scale in human history.
Our series is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of democracy through a rich tapestry of global perspectives, ensuring that all viewpoints are not just heard, but valued. This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to examining democracy without succumbing to partisanship or polarization. These perspectives will shed light on the implications for the US elections in November, making each of us a part of the conversation.
Confirmed programs so far include esteemed experts that will delve into the reshaping of European media, the historical context of South African democracy, and the rise of authoritarianism in Hungary. The series will conclude with a panel of Iowa experts interpreting the November elections and their implications for our state and international relations.
Join us in this crucial journey to navigate the complexities of democracy in a global context, understand its challenges, and foster a cautiously hopeful outlook for America's future during this consequential election year. Together, we can engage in meaningful dialogue and shape a brighter future. This series is not just about understanding democracy, but about actively contributing to a better tomorrow.
As highlighted by our executive director during ICFRC's 40th-anniversary event, the latest Freedom House report reveals a sobering reality: democracy has been in decline worldwide for the past 18 years, with 60% of the global population now living under authoritarian regimes. In 2024, nearly half of the world's population will vote in national elections, marking an unprecedented scale in human history.
Our series is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of democracy through a rich tapestry of global perspectives, ensuring that all viewpoints are not just heard, but valued. This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to examining democracy without succumbing to partisanship or polarization. These perspectives will shed light on the implications for the US elections in November, making each of us a part of the conversation.
Confirmed programs so far include esteemed experts that will delve into the reshaping of European media, the historical context of South African democracy, and the rise of authoritarianism in Hungary. The series will conclude with a panel of Iowa experts interpreting the November elections and their implications for our state and international relations.
Join us in this crucial journey to navigate the complexities of democracy in a global context, understand its challenges, and foster a cautiously hopeful outlook for America's future during this consequential election year. Together, we can engage in meaningful dialogue and shape a brighter future. This series is not just about understanding democracy, but about actively contributing to a better tomorrow.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Polling places are open from 7 am to 8 pm for most elections. Iowans have three options for casting their ballot: absentee, absentee in person at your County Auditor’s office or a satellite voting location, or in-person on Election Day.
A valid ID is required when voting in person!
You can provide an Iowa driver's license, non-operator ID, U.S. military ID or veteran ID, tribal ID card/document, Iowa voter ID card, or U.S. passport. If you have an out-of-state driver's license or your current address does not match the one on your ID, bring proof of residency, which includes a residential lease, utility bill or phone bill, bank statement, paycheck , government check, or other government document, or a property tax statement.
Early Voting
Early voting begins in October, twenty days before the election. Visit iowa.gov and johnsoncountyiowa.gov for more information on locations and deadlines.
UI Policy Manual. Voting
22.6 Voting: “Any person entitled to vote in a public election is entitled to time off from work with pay on any public election day for a period not to exceed three hours in length. Application for time off for voting should be made to the staff member's supervisor prior to election day. The time to be taken off may be designated by the supervisor. Time off for voting may be granted only if the staff member's working hours do not allow a three-hour period outside of working hours during which the polls are open.”
Hawk the Vote.
Student-led effort to increase voter registration and participation in elections.
Vote.Org
You can check your voter registration status in 30 seconds! Those registered in Iowa can check their voter registration status through the Iowa Secretary of State's website.
Where to Vote
Iowa Secretary of State offers this tool to help voters find their polling location.
UI Libraries: Civic Engagement and Voting
Selection of resources to help with voter participation.
A valid ID is required when voting in person!
You can provide an Iowa driver's license, non-operator ID, U.S. military ID or veteran ID, tribal ID card/document, Iowa voter ID card, or U.S. passport. If you have an out-of-state driver's license or your current address does not match the one on your ID, bring proof of residency, which includes a residential lease, utility bill or phone bill, bank statement, paycheck , government check, or other government document, or a property tax statement.
Early Voting
Early voting begins in October, twenty days before the election. Visit iowa.gov and johnsoncountyiowa.gov for more information on locations and deadlines.
UI Policy Manual. Voting
22.6 Voting: “Any person entitled to vote in a public election is entitled to time off from work with pay on any public election day for a period not to exceed three hours in length. Application for time off for voting should be made to the staff member's supervisor prior to election day. The time to be taken off may be designated by the supervisor. Time off for voting may be granted only if the staff member's working hours do not allow a three-hour period outside of working hours during which the polls are open.”
Hawk the Vote.
Student-led effort to increase voter registration and participation in elections.
Vote.Org
You can check your voter registration status in 30 seconds! Those registered in Iowa can check their voter registration status through the Iowa Secretary of State's website.
Where to Vote
Iowa Secretary of State offers this tool to help voters find their polling location.
UI Libraries: Civic Engagement and Voting
Selection of resources to help with voter participation.
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IN THE NEWS
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August 09, 2024
What's it like to travel the world? Exhibit seeks to inspire cultural exchange The Gazette | by Tom Barton |
April 15, 2024
NPR’s Frank Langfitt on being a correspondent, the state of democracy and what's at stake in 2024
Iowa Public Radio | By Caitlin Troutman, Ben Kieffer
NPR’s Frank Langfitt on being a correspondent, the state of democracy and what's at stake in 2024
Iowa Public Radio | By Caitlin Troutman, Ben Kieffer
March 5, 2024
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Iowa
U.S. Department of State
Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Iowa
U.S. Department of State
Glocal Voices PODCAST
WE ARE COMMITTED TO LIVING OUT OUR VALUES OF, RESPECT FOR, CURIOSITY ABOUT, AND OPEN-MINDEDNESS TO DISCUSSION OF INTERNATIONALLY FOCUSED TOPICS.
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