This program is for all curious members of society who are eager for civil peer-to-peer discussion but are concerned with the lack of such conversation in our busy everyday lives. Every third Thursday of the month, the Common Space Forum offers an open debate for you and your peers to talk through topics that range from automation’s effects on the job market to climate change.

Here’s how it works: Before the event, members elect a single news topic to focus on. When a topic is chosen, the moderators—Miri, Tobias and James—will send out relevant materials, including podcasts, news articles, short videos and an easy-to-read fact sheet with the bare necessities. So, even if you are unfamiliar with the topic, you can quickly be brought up to speed and join the conversation. The goal is to have an informal but informative discussion where anyone can speak and everyone will listen. Bring your curiosity, your ideas and the desire to talk about anything but the daily travails of pop entertainers.

About this month's topic: There is a wide range of electoral systems around the world, and there is much debate about the pluses and minuses of each. Join us for a conversation about the differences and how we can potentially improve our democracy.