Next Chapters - Strengthening Democracy
Resources:
-- Resources including a list of organizations you can join or support, and an extensive annotated bibliography on strengthening democracy.
-- Chat notes and Video recording from the 4-13 Zoom Gathering
Next Event:
-- Classmate-Led Discussions and Breakouts, Saturday June 4th, 2:30–3:50 p.m. EST
How can we, the Class of ’77, strengthen democracy in our country and in our communities?
According to our recent class interest survey, many of us, representing diverse points on the political spectrum, see serious if not existential threats to our democratic republic.
Together we will explore answers to this existential question across a range of related fronts and from different perspectives.
Join us in Cambridge or by Zoom on Saturday, June 4th, from 2:30 to 3:50 EST for a conversation on this important topic. There will be breakouts for deep dialogue about our personal experiences and potential solutions that can make a positive impact on what seem to be intractable problems. Based on your feedback and interests we’ve tentatively planned 12 breakouts with one of our classmates leading and moderating each:
- Strengthening Democracy: Overview of Challenges and Potential Solutions – David Brodwin
- Getting Involved: How to Find, Join, and Support Good Organizations that Strengthen Democracy – Harry Masters
- Can Harvard Create Momentum to Repair Endowment Disparities between Traditionally White and Historically Black Colleges & Universities? – Jim Berkman
- Strengthening Democracy, Improving Effectiveness of Government, and Reducing Polarization at the State Level – Alison Clarkson
- What I Learned About Strengthening Democracy While Serving in Local, State and Federal Government – Rich Lipman
- Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative as a Platform for Strengthening Democracy – Tom Manning
- Including Marginalized Populations in Strengthening and Expanding Democracy in our World -- Felipe Noguera and EnRico Melson
- How Global Inequality Drives the Drift Towards Authoritarianism and What can be Done -- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (invited)
- Why Congress Matters and What It Will Take to Make It Work the Way We Need It To – Bruce Patton
- What Can We Do to Bring Pressure on Social Media Platforms? – Tom Phillips
- How Can Education for Democracy (K-20) Challenge an Authoritarian Mindset – Dan Rothstein
Whatever your current level of experience or commitment, we hope you’ll join us for this high-impact conversation. Learn what classmates are doing, share your experience and perspectives, and explore potential ways to make a difference after the reunion.
Hope to see you next week!
Event organizers and facilitators
Adele Alvarado, Jim Berkman, John Brock, David Brodwin, Alison Clarkson, Nathaniel Foote, Luis Fraga, Alan Glickman, Vicki Judson, Renee Landers, Richard Lipman, Tom Manning, Harry Masters, EnRico Melson, Felipe Noguera, Bruce Patton, Andy Pierce, Dan Rothstein, Peter Tovar and others.