Invitation to an Online Course:
“Democracy during the days of Corona”
With Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman
The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives in untold ways. Things we took for granted like intimate dinner parties, carefree travel, handshakes and hugging our parents & grandparents are no longer permitted. Social distancing and uncertainty are the new normal. We’ve lost freedom and livelihoods to a virus that’s invisible to the naked human eye.
The coronavirus has also rocked the boat in an arena we may be less inclined to contemplate: democracy. There, too, Corona has upset axioms we hold dear.
In the name of health and survival, we’ve acquiesced to quarantines, curfews, and expanded state surveillance of citizens. We’ve relinquished personal liberties that we never imagined we’d be asked, or willing, to do. Important questions arise. As the executive power expands, what freedoms and rights have we surrendered during this pandemic? What are the lingering threats to democracy, such as the risk for political abuse? What are we to make of these intrusions into the public domain? Questions as to who gets to make decisions in a time of crisis will be relevant in our lives long after this pandemic subsides.
This urgent topic will be explored and taught in an intensive international course called “Democracy during the days of Corona”. This program for group facilitation is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education and interpersonal communication and conflict resolution using the award-winning The Betzavta Method – Transforming Conflicts into Dilemma.
Moderating via ZOOM allows participants from across the globe to learn together and from each other. This cross-section deepens and broadens our understanding of the challenges to democracy in various countries. The course has been adapted to facilitate the vibrancy, excitement and emotional verve in the virtual classroom. Participants will be awarded a certificate upon completion of the program.
Since 1987, the The Betzavta Method – Transforming Conflicts into Dilemma has been taught to more than 30,000 people worldwide in five languages, primarily via cross-cultural encounter groups. This unique method of education for democracy was developed by Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. It has garnered awards in Israel and Germany. Thousands of educators, activists and professionals from countries such as Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, the United States, Israel and many others have been trained this engaging method. This link shows a map of locations.
This online course will help you:
- Gain initial instruction regarding the Adam Institute for Democracy & Peace’s signature method for group facilitation
- Gain an introduction into the issues that arise when educating about democracy during a time of crisis
- Gain tools to build community in a democratic fashion
- Learn to critically examine your social environment and build community action in a fresh way
This summer we will kick off the fourth “Democracy during the days of Corona” course. Since May, three courses have been taught on ZOOM to an international audience from across Europe and even New Zealand, drawing incredible interest and enthusiasm.
Here is just one testimonial:
“Once again, the Adam Institute has shown how quickly it can react to current social developments. The challenge of dealing with the Coronavirus in our democracy was truly touching in the seminar and helped us understand the different perspectives. A poignant online experience.” Jürgen Schlicher, CEO Diversity Works, Germany
The Course program structure:
The program will be taught over six sessions in English. Each session is scheduled for 90 minutes. When this pandemic subsides, we’ll advise you as to how to convert these activities for use in face-to-face moderating.
Program dates: August 6th, 13th; September 3rd, 10th, 24th; October 1st
Program hours: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Israel time; CEST 5 p.m. – 6: 30 p.m.; EST 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.- PST 8:00 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.)
Participants must commit to participate in at least five of the six sessions. Please notify the staff at least 24 hours prior to a scheduled lesson if you cannot attend.
Preparation meeting for ZOOM – participation is required: In this session, participants will learn valuable skills on ZOOM for participating in the course. Participants can sign up for one of the two options: August 2nd OR August 4th: 6 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Israel time; CEST 5 p.m. – 6: 00 p.m.; EST 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.- PST 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.)
COSTS:
The cost for a package of six sessions ranges from 100 to 250/350 Euros ($110/$275/$385), according to your ability. The pricing scale is intended to make this affordable for all.
Payment arrangements will be provided separately. Digital receipt will be provided upon payment.
| REGISTER TODAYWe kindly ask you to register in English (if possible) via email to:
Marett Klahn, (Coordinator): marettklahn@posteo.de with the following information:
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We’d be delighted if you would do us the honor of sharing this course description with your students, contacts, colleagues, teachers, activists and professional connections.
Varied and diverse are the challenges posed by this pandemic on citizens across the globe, as are its challenges to democracy. We’d like to conclude with the hopeful words of writer Yossi Klein Halevi, published in The Atlantic on April 30, 2020: “Let’s turn crisis into opportunity.”
With best wishes,
Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman, Director of the Adam Institute
Marett Klahn, Coordinator
Yolanda Greenhut, Projects and Publications Manager
