WHEN: Monday, Feb. 23, 4 – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Farrell Learning and Teaching Center, Room 301
HOSTED BY: Collaboration for Interprofessional Education (CIPE)

This event will be a dinner-for-democracy and will engage students from across WashU in a discussion of how ballot initiatives shape health policy, influence democratic participation, and affect health equity. The event aims to promote civic learning and encourage meaningful participation in democratic processes among WashU students. 

Caitlin McMurtry (Assistant Professor, Brown School at WashU; Co-Director, Advocacy/Global Health Pathway, WashU School of Medicine) and Cerise Siamof (Medical Student at WashU School of Medicine) will present key findings from their research on healthcare ballot initiatives and translate these insights into real-world policy implications. By grounding the discussion in interdisciplinary scholarship, the event will promote inquiry, integrity, and critical thinking around the role of direct democracy in shaping public health outcomes.

The focus on health equity aligns with the Gephardt Institute’s commitment to equity and empathy by examining how ballot initiatives impact health policy and access to care for community members. In addition to building understanding, the event will highlight actionable ways students can engage in ballot initiative voting and civic action, reflecting the Institute’s mission to prepare students for active, informed participation in civic life.  

RSVP Here:

What is Civic Action Weeks?

From Feb. 16-27, 2025, Civic Action Weeks galvanize WashU student groups and campus units to host events sharing information about the social issues they care about, practicing civic dialogue, and inspiring civic action. Civic Action Weeks events provide the learning and community building that leads to strategic and sustainable civic engagement.  A special thanks to our sponsor, the Women’s Society of Washington University, for their financial support of this endeavor.