Bozeman’s annual Interchange Symposium (Interchange) will take place September 7th through 13th, 2016. Interchange is a humanities project. It introduces contrasting, sometimes polarizing, ideas into the same pot and gives them a stir. “We don’t necessarily need a solution when we’re finished,” remarks founder Tate Chamberlin, “though a good mind flush of new ideas and creativity can offer wisdom and perspective to our own process and development.” By doing so, Interchange creates a level platform for history, politics, religion, philosophy, criticism, ethics, self-consciousness, reason, creativity, human values and aspirations. Addressing multiple topics, provoking thoughtful dialogue and uniting people socially, Interchange harnesses the communion inherent in conversation to create strong communities empowered by similarities, rather than divided by differences.

An integral component of Interchange, Xchange is a moderated, talk show-style event that invites artists, activists, entrepreneurs and community members with differing perspectives to come together in thoughtful dialogue. The public is cordially invited to participate and be heard, fostering positive growth, communication and acceptance within the community. This year, Xchange dialogues will host: guns, vaccines, income inequality, the state of the world and city-to-county. Panelists for these discussions include: Greg Smith; Jeanne Brown; Jake Troyer; Sean Francis; Betty Stroock; Police Chief Steve Crawford; Logan Olson; Chris Forrest; Erika Krumbeck, N.D.; Karen Stanton, N.P.; April Buonamici; Rabbi Ed Stafman; Camilla Saberhagen; Matt Kelly; Jay Smith; Shadmani Amin; Yarrow Kraner; Don Loranger; Danielle Egnew; Mayor Carson Taylor; Commissioner Joe Skinner; Penelope Pierce; Randy Carpenter; Brian Popiel; and more to be announced.

The entire event is recorded and developed into podcasts – available at www.iaminterchange.com – to further broaden the reach of these important conversations and invigorate communities throughout the United States and the world.

Interchange will also involve a smattering of social events.

Attendees must register in order to participate.