The Vaclav Havel Civil Society Symposium

About the Václav Havel Civil Society Symposium

The Scholar-in-Residence program brings to the Twin Cities a well-known scholar for a week-long visit to engage students, church and community in a consideration of the importance of strong community groups in maintaining and furthering democracy, and to involve them in society building.

Activities include:

Classroom presentations at the University of St. Thomas and adult education programs at the House of Hope Church                                   

Outreach to the community suitable to the interests and experience of the scholar-in-residence

Public presentations at the University of St. Thomas and the House of Hope, including a sermon at the House of Hope                                 

Work with faculty involved in developing or carrying out service-learning projects

Previous Symposium Speakers:

Vaclav Havel - 1999
Madeleine Albright - 2001
Dr. Benjamin Barber - 2003
Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum - 2005
Martin Palous - 2006
Dr. Thomas Gouttierre - 2007
Martin Bútora - 2008
Zora Bútorová - 2008
David Bornstein  -2009
Dr. Lisa Schirch - 2010
Harry Boyte - 2011
Fr. Michael Lapsley - 2012

To nominate a scholar-in-residence, please contact Teddy Altman at teddyz@hohchurch.org.