Events
We offer information about national events on democracy in America. To submit events, click here.
2020
February 13 - 16, Arizona State University
The IMPACT Conference is historically the largest gathering in the country focused on the civic engagement of college students in community service, service-learning, community-based research, advocacy and other forms of social action. Our mission is to strengthen communities through service, action, and advocacy.
Building on the rich 27-year tradition of the COOL Conference and the Idealist Campus Conference, IMPACT is the one time during the year when students, administrators, faculty, AmeriCorps members and VISTAs, and nonprofit professionals gather together to share resources and exchange stories.
February 26 – 28, US Institute for Peace, Washington, D.C.
The Summit is an exclusive gathering of 450+ leading next-gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social innovators that will convene to discuss key issues facing our country including opportunity zones, climate solutions, blockchain, immigration, impact investing, family prosperity, smart cities, public-private partnerships, philanthropy & natural disasters, wellness/bio-hacking, future of work, film & media for change, gender equity, conscious parenting, justice & equality, sports for good, education, human trafficking, refugees, music & arts for impact, indigenous rights and more.. We will hear from inspiring young leaders and explore solutions to pressing problems facing our generation and the future of American policy, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.
Harvard Social Enterprise Conference
March 7 - 8, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Save the date for the 21st annual Social Enterprise Conference (SECON), presented by students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, bringing together top leaders, practitioners, and students to engage in dialogue, debate, and expression around Social Enterprise. SECON’s mission is to educate participants about Social Enterprise’s potential in solving the world’s most pressing problems and to inspire meaningful discussion around the key challenges within the field.
Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Annual Conference
June 3 – 6, Minneapolis, MN
The American Democracy Project (ADP) and NASPA, the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, are committed to advancing the civic engagement movement in higher education. Join them for this annual conference which brings together faculty, student affairs professionals, senior campus administrators, students and community partners to explore how students will graduate from America’s colleges and universities--both public and private--prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens that our communities and our democracy need. Note: 2019 conference info is not yet available. Click here to see info on the 2018 conference.
Frontiers of Democracy Conference
June (Dates TBD), Boston, MA
Tufts University’s annual conference about democratic participation and civic life draws a wide range of civic leaders, researchers, theorists, and practitioners. The conference features provocative “short takes,” which are TED-style talks by notable speakers; engaging concurrent sessions on topics as varied as civic gaming, intellectual humility, and working with faith communities; and a series of plenary sessions.
National Conference on Citizenship
October or November (date TBD), Washington, DC
The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is dedicated to strengthening civic life in America, pursuing its mission through a nationwide network of partners. Connecting people for the purpose of strengthening civic life is its goal. At the core of NCoC’s efforts is the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and country thrive.
Imagining America National Gathering
(Dates and Location TBD)
The Imagining America National Gathering is an annual gathering of public scholars, artists, students, designers, and cultural organizers who are addressing the nation’s most critical issues. The gathering typically draws over 500 people. The 2019 theme was Mighty Dreams: Designing and Fostering Belonging in ‘America’.