Conversations for Democracy is a forum series sponsored by NKI, to bring knowledgeable speakers to open a dialog about important issues that affect us all as neighbors and community members.
Conversation #4: Wealth Inequality and Democracy
August 8, 10am-noon, Village Green Kingston
From the French Revolution to the Gilded Age, history has shown us that extreme inequality of wealth can lead to self-dealing and corruption, and ultimately societal upheaval or a period of reform and renewal. Are we in such a moment now? Join us for a conversation about the ways in which concentrated wealth undermines democracy and an assessment of its current manifestations (such as Citizens United). Our speakers for this topic are:
Scott Rausch, History lecturer at North Seattle Community College.
Andrew Villenueve, activist and founder of the Northwest Progressive Institute.
More details here.
Conversation #3: Politics of Religion
July 11, 10am-noon, Village Green, Kingston
The relationship between faith and American civic life is one of the most enduring and consequential conversations in our nation’s history. From the founding era to today, questions about the role of religion in public life, governance, and national identity have shaped policy, political movements, and communities across the ideological spectrum. Join us for a thoughtful, informed and balanced conversation on these topics featuring:
Paul Benz, an ordained Lutheran minister and longtime social justice advocate.
Jim Wellman, a Professor of the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies, where he leads the Initiative for Global Christian Studies.
More details here.
Conversation #2: Elections
May 9, 10am-noon, Village Green, Kingston
Join us for Conversations for Democracy #2: Elections — a free, nonpartisan community forum featuring Kitsap County Auditor Paul Andrews, the League of Women Voters, and local civic advocacy organizations working to build a more just and inclusive democracy. Get accurate information on voting rights, redistricting, election integrity, and ways to get involved.
The event will begin with introductory remarks by the panelists, followed by questions and comments from the audience.
Conversation #1: Immigration
Our first event will be 10am-noon April 11, 2026 at the Village Green in Kingston, and the topic will be Immigration.
For this event we will have a panel discussion with three distinguished guests:
Ross Coen is a Lecturer in the History Department at the University of Washington, where he received his PhD in 2021. Among the courses he teaches at UW is one focused on the history of U.S. immigration and citizenship from the colonial era to the present. He is the author of three books and several scholarly articles on the political, social, and environmental history of the American West.
Malou Chávez
Executive Director
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Jessica E. Salvador, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center
The event will begin with introductions and introductory words by the panelists, followed by questions and comments from the audience.