Civic Discussion Meetup

Approximately 80% of Americans aged 6 and older engage in at least one sports or fitness activity, according to a 2023 report by Sports Destinations. This includes both recreational participation and watching sports.

From college stadiums to global arenas, sports are deeply woven into the fabric of American society. But beyond entertainment, what role do they really play in shaping our communities, values, and civic life?

In this discussion, we’ll explore how sports intersect with education, identity, politics, health, and global affairs. Topics will include the social divide in college athletics, the commercialization of professional leagues like the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, and the political implications of hosting international events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a casual observer, or a thoughtful critic, join us for a spirited conversation on how sports shape — and reflect — the values of a nation.

Bodily autonomy—the idea that each person has the right to make decisions about their own body—is at the center of many of today’s most heated debates in law, medicine, and ethics. In this discussion, we’ll explore the different ways this principle shows up in society, from abortion access and reproductive rights in a post-Roe v. Wade America, to vaccination mandates and the balance between public health and personal freedom. We’ll also look at the growing legal and cultural battles over gender-affirming care, especially for minors, and examine issues surrounding consent, medical freedom, and the limits of state intervention in deeply personal decisions.

The phrase “My Body, My Choice” is invoked across the political spectrum—but what does it really mean, and does its meaning shift depending on the issue? We’ll consider how federal and state laws define or restrict bodily autonomy, how court decisions shape the boundaries of those rights, and what happens when personal freedom collides with social responsibility.

This session is an open space to reflect, question, and discuss where the lines are drawn—and who gets to draw them—when it comes to control over our own bodies.

This discussion explores the ongoing challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental protection from a civic perspective. As communities and policymakers face competing priorities, decisions about resource use, regulation, and public investment often raise questions about potential trade-offs.

We’ll consider how these choices impact quality of life, public health, and future sustainability. With climate change and economic well-being both at the forefront, this conversation aims to provide a neutral space to examine whether economic progress and environmental care must conflict—or if they can advance together.

Relevant Content:

Save The Planet? In This Economy?: https://youtu.be/AxM0w-D_35A?si=4yITkLyJ26nA0Hb-

Environmental Economics: https://youtu.be/BlAfFgKQ5r8?si=U9dbGq9LZ1njRmg-