Building Trust, Bridging Divides: New Civic Initiative Launches at Dickinson
Stickers at a Dickinson Votes event. Photo by Stephen Munchel.
Building confidence in democratic institutions, countering misinformation and promoting peaceful civic participation
by Craig Layne
As Americans prepare for another election season, Dickinson will host a timely conversation about the importance of civic engagement, civil discourse and finding common ground across political differences.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, former congressmen, Republican Charlie Dent and Democrat Conor Lamb, will join Dickinson President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 for "Building Trust, Bridging Divides," a fireside chat exploring how citizens, leaders and communities can work together to strengthen democracy. The conversation begins at 7 p.m. in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium. It is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions and participate in the conversation.
The event is part of the launch of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Civic Trust (PACT), a new cross-partisan initiative dedicated to building confidence in democratic institutions, countering misinformation and promoting peaceful civic participation.
Hosted and moderated by Jones, a former U.S. district judge and nationally recognized legal commentator, the discussion will examine the value of engaging respectfully across political differences and the role of civic trust in sustaining American democracy.
“Dickinson has long championed informed citizenship, public service and the exchange of ideas,” says Jones. “This conversation reflects our commitment to preparing students and communities to engage thoughtfully with complex issues and with one another.”
Dent and Lamb serve as co-leads of PACT, which was initiated by The Carter Center. The statewide network brings together civic, business and religious leaders from across Pennsylvania to encourage constructive dialogue, foster confidence in electoral processes and address the spread of disinformation.
By convening voices from different political backgrounds, PACT seeks to model the kind of collaboration and mutual respect that can help bridge divides and strengthen democratic participation.
This event is supported by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost and Dean of the College.
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Published October 23, 2026