What does it mean to be an American?

Is freedom a right or a responsibility?

Explore these questions at On Principle, a community reading and discussion series hosted by Clatsop Community College in partnership with the Oregon Council for the Humanities (OCH).

The reading and discussion group begins with Linfield College Professor David Gutterman speaking on the topic of citizenship, longing and hope in America at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 3 at the Liberty Theater in Astoria.

A reading and discussion group will meet at Clatsop Community College from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday evenings October 5, 12, 19 & 26 following Gutterman’s initial lecture.

OCH invites Oregonians to reflect on five core principles of American democracy: individual freedom, equality, economic opportunity, civic engagement and justice. Clatsop County was selected as one of only four locations in Oregon to host the reading and discussion program, which encompasses a wide range of activities that encourage exploration of democratic principles, neighbor to neighbor.

A reading packet is available at the CCC Library circulation desk. For more information, visit the website at www.oregonhum.org/onprinciple

OCH is an independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for Oregonians by providing programs that enrich minds and broaden perspectives, foster positive human relationships, encourage civility and good citizenship and bring together the diverse peoples who make up our statewide culture.

download the poster here (672 KB .pdf)