The Parthenon: Inspiration for the inception of the WCU Public Policy Institute
Greece enjoyed an Age of Democracy during 600-400 bce, and the formation of democratic ideals reached its apex during the time of Pericles (c. 495-429 bce).
For Pericles, democracy entailed critical reflection, discussion and decision-making by group assembly. The Parthenon, temple of Athena, symbolizes the critical thinking necessary for democracy to be effective. The Greek legacy of citizens assuming responsibility for governance.through assembly meeting is considered by many as the turning point in Western Civilization, as citizens took on the new and unique role of governmental involvement.
...HISTORY...................................................................................................................................
The Western Carolina University Public Policy Institute was authorized in 1999 by the University of North Carolina General Administration. It was initially proposed in 1998 by Gordon Mercer with the involvement of Chancellor John Bardo, Abdul Turay, Dean of the Graduate School and Bob Vartabedian of the College of Arts and Sciences. The primary purpose of the Public Policy Institute is to enable the university to work internally and externally to help the region of Western North Carolina deal with emerging policy issues, organize policy summits and prepare policy reports to strengthen policy in the region.
Specifically, the Public Policy Institute aims to empower the region of Western North Carolina to effectively deal with real policy problems by mobilizing community leaders, faculty, citizens and students to discuss and develop viable policy options into more effective policies. Leaders across North Carolina attend yearly summits where faculty and policy experts talk about practices for improving our region and state. A policy report is prepared after each summit based on survey data, presentations, and panel discussions.
Examples of summits organized by the Public Policy Institute include, Domestic Terrorism: Technological, Chemical, Biological and Conventional Weapons ( Planning, Prevention and Education), 1999; The 21 st Century: A Conference and Workshop on Cultural Diversity, 2000; Is It Time to Renew Citizenship, Democracy and Responsibility in America? 1999; Planning for the New Economy, 2000; Creating the Spirit of Community: Cultural and Heritage Tourism , 2001; Safe School Summit, 2002; Catching the American Dream: A Summit on Entrepreneurship, 2003; Renewing America: Restoring the American Community Through Citizen Participation and Civic Engagement, 2004; Winning the War on Methamphetamine: A Multidimensional Approach, 2005; A Commitment to Energy Independence and Economic Development: A Summit on Resolving the Energy Crisis, 2006. In the fall of 2007 a major summit is being planned on Emergency and Disaster Leadership: Preparing for the 21 st Century.
All policy summits include top keynote speakers such as Governors, Lt. Governors and top national officials. Each summit is organized into a one day event with a policy report to follow the conclusion of the event. All summits have had over 500 in attendance and involved Western Carolina University in providing policy leadership for the region.
In the spring, the Public Policy Institute will continue its seven year tradition of organizing and planning the American Youth Congress for middle and high schools. Students prepare, propose, debate and vote on legislation which is then sent to the United States Congress and the North Carolina Legislature. The event operates as the nation’s first youth legislative think tank. Western Carolina University faculty and students work with the PPI to organize this annual event. The Public Policy Institute also organize and support many other policy events including a weekly radio program on WFSC geared towards a policy focus. Western Carolina University Public Policy Institute also serves as the contact point for U. S. Constitution Day on campus.
Some of the other goals of the Public Policy Institute along with organizing events and policy reports are as follows:
- To help students to become active participants in their communities through involvement in conferences and policy issues;
- To improve public policy in the region by bringing citizens, policy makers, students, faculty and political leaders together to recognize regional policy needs and to prepare policy reports based on such participation;
- To exercise leadership in the region where policies are not well-conceptualized, developed or adequately implemented;
- To work to obtain grants and other resources to carry out the mission of the institute and to attract dedicated students, faculty and staff to assist in carrying out the mission.