“Healing Our Democracy” the Theme of UMaine’s Annual Mitchell Lecture

Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell presented the annual Mitchell Lecture on Sustainability on Oct. 4 on campus.

“Healing Our Democracy” addressed some of the economic, social, and political factors that contribute to the polarization in the U.S. today. Besides discussing the challenges that polarization presents, Senator Mitchell also addressed some of the ways that communities and individuals can build consensus to help solve problems.

Senator Mitchell’s lecture can be viewed here.

Senator George J. Mitchell represented Maine from 1980-1995, and served as Senate majority leader from 1989-1995. Among his many accomplishments, he brokered the 1998 Good Friday Agreement for peace in Northern Ireland and served as U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.