The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Heim Center has launched Voices of the Future: A Civic Dialogue Roundtable Series to amplify youth voices and foster civic engagement among Philadelphia high school juniors and seniors.

According to The Free Library of Philadelphia, the program series hosts moderated roundtable discussions with a student co-moderator to create an inclusive space for youth to discuss democracy and civic life. Participants can earn community service hours for taking part in the discussions. Each session will feature a professional moderator and a student co-moderator.

The sessions are held every second Monday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Parkway Central Library’s Montgomery Auditorium. Upcoming topics include the following: 

Monday, April 13: Bridging Divides: How to Talk Across Differences, moderated by Justin Villere, vice president of strategy and partnerships for the Committee of SeventyMonday, May 11: Social Media and Civil Discourse, moderated by Dr. Rhonda C. Boyd, professor of psychiatry at the University of PennsylvaniaMonday, June 8: Equity, Inclusion, and Representation, moderated by Dr. Guy A. Sims, chief diversity and inclusion officer of the Free Library of Philadelphia, and a special guest

The Parkway Central Library is at 1901 Vine St., between 19th and 20th streets on the Parkway, in Philadelphia.