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citizens united
Feb. 27, 2020
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Represent Bay Area Presents: American Promise

Organizer: RepresentUs

Join us for a presentation by Laura Knipmeyer with American Promise and learn how we can work together to end Citizens United. At this presentation you will:

  • Meet anti-corruption organizers in your area.
  • Learn about what you can do to help unrig our system both locally and nationally.
  • Discuss the American Anti-Corruption Act and what we can do to support it.

If you are interested in making Bay Area work for everyday people want to learn how you can contribute, join the presentation and become a part of the movement!

Location: Berkeley Bowl West Community Room, 920 Heinz Ave., Berkeley, CA

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gerrymandering
March 2, 2020
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Redford Township Redistricting Application Workshop with Representative Love

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Voters Not Politicians volunteers will be at Representative Love's Town Hall to present information about the new citizens redistricting commission. Join us to complete your application and have it notarized on site. A representative from the Secretary of State will speak about new voting rights brought by the passage of Prop 3.

Location: Redford Township District Library, 25320 W 6 Mile Rd, Redford, MI

Register

gerrymandering
March 5, 2020
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Represent NC Triangle Phonebank to Stop Gerrymandering in VA

Organizer: RepresentUs

An amendment could stop gerrymandering in Virginia — but only if we help it win. Help secure a huge anti-corruption victory by calling Virginia voters and connecting them to politicians and demand an end to gerrymandering!

Virginia's anti-gerrymandering amendment is gaining steam, but there are still a number of delegates who haven't announced their position, and need to hear from their voters. On March 5th, we are gathering in Cary, North Carolina to support our friends in Virginia by making calls to VA voters. All you need is a computer and headset, and you'll be good to go!

We're calling Virginia voters and connecting them to their undecided representatives to show them that voters want an answer. Never phonebanked before? Have no fear — we'll train you on the script and dialer and make sure you have everything you need to start making calls.

Location: Cary, NC

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government corruption
March 5, 2020
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lansing Accountability Project Town Hall

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Join Voters Not Politicians to discuss Michigan's last-in-the-nation integrity rating and how we as voters can work for policies that fight corruption, hold politicians accountable, and bring integrity to state government. This event will be held in the Kiva Room.

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 5509 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI

Register

gerrymandering
March 7, 2020
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Iron River Redistricting Commission Application Workshop

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Join Voters Not Politicians volunteers to learn more about the new citizens redistricting commission, including eligibility requirements and how to apply. Complete your application on site, including free notarization services. Please bring photo ID to complete the notarization process.

Location: West Iron District Library, 116 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI

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gerrymandering
March 7, 2020
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Rochester Redistricting Commission Application Workshop

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Join Voters Not Politicians volunteers to learn more about the new citizens redistricting commission, including eligibility requirements and how to apply. Complete your application on site, including free notarization services. Please bring photo ID to complete the notarization process. This event will be held in the Multipurpose Room. This program is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Rochester Hills Public Library.

Location: Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd, Rochester, MI

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congress
March 10, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Is Congress Too Conflictual

Organizer: R Street Institute

The chambers of the House and Senate never have been entirely genteel. Congress is the place where political conflict comes in from the street for resolution. Unfortunately, recent events have highlighted the fact that Congress has become exceedingly conflictual. Our legislature today appears to be less a place for bargaining among distinct interests than a place where the majority rolls the minority. This meeting of the Legislative Branch Capacity Working Group will discuss the factors that have led to the win-at-any-cost mentality and perpetual campaigning culture in our national legislature. It will also consider what reforms might foment more healthy political conflict.

Location: R Street Institute, 1212 New York Ave NW #900, Washington, DC

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civic ed
March 11, 2020

Screening: Bring It to the Table

Organizer: Bring It to the Table

"Bring It to the Table" is a documentary film, participatory online platform, community engagement campaign + web series aimed at bridging political divides and elevating the national conversation about issues that matter to us all. The project is for those who want to listen to what their fellow students, co-workers, neighbors, friends, family members, and even total strangers, really think.

Location: Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Learn more

civil discourse
March 18, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Advanced Facilitation Skills: How to Keep Your Cool When Things Get Hot

Organizer: Essential Partners

Anyone who leads meetings can be thrown off balance in difficult moments. The difficulty might be an unexpected tension among group members or challenges to the facilitator's legitimacy. As a facilitator, you avoid "deer in headlights" moments by developing the capacity to stay cool and think on your feet.

This workshop helps experienced facilitators navigate these delicate, confrontational, or explosive moments effectively, with purpose and poise. The curriculum leverages reflective practices and real-world scenarios to develop a facilitator's existing tools to meet the needs of the most challenging circumstances.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
March 19, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Building Relationships with Congressional Staff

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Advocacy days can vary in many ways. Regardless, when supporters receive their schedules, one thing always happens without fail. Someone complains that they have no meetings with their Members, just staff. While building relationships with Members of Congress is very valuable, this program makes the case that meeting and building relationships with congressional staff is equally important. Participants will learn what it's like to work in Congress as well as tips for building relationships with congressional staff.

Location: Webinar

Register

gerrymandering
March 23, 2020
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Monroe Redistricting Commission Application Workshop

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Join Voters Not Politicians volunteers to learn more about the new citizens redistricting commission, including eligibility requirements and how to apply. Complete your application on site, including free notarization services. Please bring photo ID to complete the notarization process.

Location: IHS Sisters Motherhouse, 610 W Elm Ave, Monroe, MI

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gerrymandering
March 26, 2020
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Illinois Fair Maps Rally Day

Organizer: RepresentUs

If you've never been to Springfield to meet with your legislators before, this is a great opportunity! On the morning of the 26th, buses will pick people up from across the state to head to Springfield. With the help of CHANGE Illinois staff and our coalition partners, participants will have a chance to meet with their elected officials and urge them to support fair maps and come together for a massive rally in the State Capitol with some great speakers.

When it comes to ending gerrymandering, there is such a thing as being too late. If our legislators don't take action in the next 100 days, we will be stuck with politically-motivated maps that allow politicians to choose their own voters for the next decade. That's why it is so important that we have you at this rally.

Location: Illinois State Capitol, 301 S 2nd St., Springfield IL

Register

election security
March 31, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Copy of USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative: South Carolina

Organizer: University of Southern California — Election Cybersecurity Initiative

Campaigns, policymakers, thought-leaders and concerned citizens alike need objective, factual tools and information to help them secure campaigns and elections. The USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative is a brand new non-partisan independent project, supported by Google, to help protect campaigns and elections from cyber attacks. Who should attend? Anyone who touches campaigns and elections, including but not limited to candidates, campaign workers, political parties and state and local election workers. Designed for general audiences and technical specialists alike, topic modules will be led by election and cybersecurity experts from the public, private, research, and academic sectors.

Each program will address three topics:

  • Cyber safety and security
  • Disinformation and misinformation
  • Crisis communication

Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Register

big picture
March 31, 2020
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

'Contract to Unite America': A Conversation With Neal Simon

Organizer: Campaign Legal Center

As an independent candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018, Neal Simon was a witness to the destructive nature of modern American politics. In "Contract to Unite America,' Simon shows how degradations in party primaries, campaign finances, and election rules have caused American self government to collapse into gridlock and divisiveness. But the American promise is so much greater. The basis of our political systems, the first U.S. president noted in his famed address, is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. Capitalizing on personal insight derived from Simon's political campaign along with extensive research, "Contract to Unite America" provides specific, practical solutions for an improved government and a better tomorrow.

Location: Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café, 1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

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civic ed
April 3, 2020

Media Literacy Challenge Submission Deadline

Organizers: The Flip Side and Civic Spirit

In today's media environment, most of us are exposed primarily to articles, messages, and posts that reinforce our existing way of thinking. Yet, there is tremendous power in understanding the logic of "the other side" for the purposes of problem-solving. The Media Literacy Challenge invites students ages 13 to 19 nationwide to learn to navigate today's complex media landscape. The winning submission will be read by thousands of newsletter The Flip Side subscribers and winners will attend a private lunch (in person or virtual) with The Flip Side founder Annafi Wahed and Spencer Bokat-Lindell, host of The New York Times' "Debatable" newsletter.

Location: Virtual

Learn more

government corruption
April 25, 2020
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Pheasant Glen Forum for Happy Strong Citizenship

Organizer: RepresentUs

Everyone knows our political system is broken. Here's what most people don't know: We can fix it. Unbreaking America shows why nearly every issue we face as a nation is caught in the grip of corruption – and what we can do to stop it. At Represent LA Verkin's Unbreaking America Screening, you will:

  • Watch Unbreaking America: Divided We Fall, the short film starring Michael Douglas, followed by a discussion about America's corruption crisis
  • Connect with current RepresentUs members in the La Verkin, Utah area
  • Learn how you can make an impact locally and nationally in the anti-corruption movement

Whether you're a longtime volunteer or brand new to the movement, this is the perfect opportunity to get informed and involved in Utah.

Location: TBD

RSVP

civil discourse
April 30, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

big picture
April 30-May 3, 2020

2020 SLLF Leadership Summit

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 2020 SLLF Leadership Summit will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 30 through May 3. Plan to join us at the National Constitution Center where we will reacquaint you with the founding fathers and remind you of their sacrifices and love of liberty. On day two we will shift our focus to how today's America fits into the framework of our Constitution.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent out in February 2020.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Learn More

congress
May 5, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

How to Create a Local Event That Will Attract a Member of Congress

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

As Tip O'Neil once stated, "all politics is local." CMF research shows that Members of Congress consider visits to local facilities to be one of the most valuable ways to understand constituent views and opinions – more than any other source of information. This webinar will show participants how to entice Members of Congress to attend local events or meet with key stakeholders. The program will walk participants through the steps to invite legislators to participate in a powerful in-person experience that promises to inform them about the impact your organization has in their district or state and educates them about your issues.

Location: Webinar

Register

redistricting
May 6-10, 2020

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Las Vegas

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Las Vegas will host the third of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Register

civil discourse
May 12, 2020
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Designing Intentional Workplace Cultures

Organizer: Essential Partners

Organizational culture, once an afterthought in many workplaces, is recognized today as a key ingredient for the long-term viability of for-profit and nonprofit enterprises. Strong workplace cultures generate creativity, resilience, and accountability. They can improve employee retention and create genuinely inclusive environments. To achieve all that, staff members need to be able to communicate effectively—to navigate differences of opinions, goals, and identities without creating dysfunctional cycles.

For thirty years, Essential Partners has helped design constructive cultures of communication, equipping diverse teams with the skills they need to lead effective meetings and collective decision-making processes. This evening workshop will introduce a framework that allows you to identify your team's unique communication culture. You'll then receive the tools to design an intentional culture, one that is both inclusive and effective.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
May 13, 2020

Hack the Capitol 3.0

Organizer: ICS Village

Hack the Capitol 2.0 was an event in Washington, DC that happened at the Wilson Center on May 15, 2019 that provided hands-on education and awareness to Congressional Staffers, Think Tanks, and Press. This event had a significant value in raising awareness of our Nation's challenges with critical infrastructure and constructively providing kinesthetic learning at multiple levels.

Location: TBD

Learn more

big picture
May 15-17, 2020

Unrig Spotlight 2020

Organizer: RepresentUs

Unrig Spotlight 2020 shines a bright light on the most vital and unmissable content for the 2020 cycle – powerful speakers, inspiring leaders, world class entertainment and more. Unrig Spotlight is a more focused program in a more intimate setting, featuring an all-day mainstage lineup supported by a highly-curated slate of empowering trainings and connection-building activities.

Location: New World Center, 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Register

civic ed
June 3-6, 2020

2020 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting

Organizer: American Democracy Project

AASCU's American Democracy Project (ADP) and NASPA are committed to advancing the civic engagement movement in higher education. Join us in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for our annual conference, which brings together faculty, student affairs professionals, senior campus administrators, students and community partners. Together we will ensure that students graduate from our colleges and universities—both public and private—prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens that our communities and democracy need. Our 2020 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting (CLDE20) will facilitate exchanges of knowledge and develop a sense of community around our shared civic learning and democratic engagement work.

Location: Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 S 7th St., Minneapolis, MN 55402

Learn more

civic ed
June 11-12, 2020

Faculty Workshop: The Dialogic Classroom

Organizer: Essential Partners

From public universities to private colleges, Essential Partners has worked to adapt and innovate its approach to dialogue across differences for higher ed teaching. We call our model the dialogic classroom. From arts and humanities to STEM, we've trained hundreds of faculty to lead more open, productive discussions about difficult or divisive issues—topics like stem cell research, the role of race in American society, and gender identity. Join Essential Partners for a two-day training to learn how to implement the dialogic classroom. In first-year lecture classes and Ph.D. seminars alike, we have helped teachers and students make the shift to a dialogic classroom. The benefits have been broad and deep. Our research has found that the dialogic classroom:

  • Better, more constructive, more inclusive conversations about tough topics like race, immigration, gender, science and society, partisan polarization, or religion
  • Improved student retention of the course content
  • Greater student capacity to articulate and interrogate their own values and views
  • More consistent class participation among students who might be less likely to engage
  • Helps students feel like they belong.
Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge, MA 02138

Register

civic ed
June 11-13, 2020

Younify

Organizer: Mediators Foundation

The United States of America was founded on the belief that we are stronger united than divided. Yet, with the unprecedented levels of polarization we are experiencing, lately it feels like there are powerful forces that are dividing us and compromising our American spirit.

We need something to cut through the fog of division and build respect between people of all backgrounds and opinions in order to help us find a more perfect union benefiting all.

YOUNIFY will build upon, aggregate and grow the work that is already happening in pockets all across the country where people are beginning to come together to reach across divides and find common ground.

Location: Salt Palace and Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

Learn more

big picture
June 12, 2020
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Canvass Bonnaroo Art and Music Festival

Organizer: RepresentUs

Build momentum for anti-corruption wins at Bonnaroo! Join us in collecting signatures to gather support for the American Anti-Corruption Act. We'll talk to voters about our broken political system, the plan to fix it, and recruit new volunteers into the movement.

Join RepresentUs volunteers to:

  • Spread awareness about America's corruption crisis and how it impacts our lives
  • Learn how to use petitioning to build voter support for anti-corruption
  • Find new supporters to join Represent [city/chapter] and build support for campaign victories

Location: Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival, 627 Campground Rd., Manchester, TN

RSVP

congress
June 30, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

How to Hug a Porcupine: Relationship Building with Lawmakers and Why It's Important

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Building relationships with elected officials can sometimes be difficult and uncomfortable. It forces you and your key stakeholders to get close to politicians in ways that may feel "prickly" – like hugging a porcupine. This program will help participants overcome that discomfort, revealing the methods and benefits for building relationships with elected officials. Participants will learn: who Members of Congress and state legislators listen to; what congressional staffers believe are the most effective communications tactics for influencing undecided Members of Congress; and how to conduct effective in-person meetings, influence legislators at town hall meetings, as well as effective advocacy in the state/district.

Location: Webinar

Register

big picture
July 16-19, 2020

2020 Conference of State Majority Leaders

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 8th annual Conference of State Majority Leaders will take place in San Diego, California from July 16-19, 2020. Our host will be California Senate Majority Leader, Robert Hertzberg. This is the only meeting dedicated exclusively to our states' senate and house majority leaders. This unique program allows majority leaders to discuss their challenges, learn from one another and form friendships with other leaders from across the country.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent April.

Location: San Diego, CA

Learn More

civil discourse
July 28, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

civic ed
Aug. 19-22, 2020

Women's Leadership Seminar

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

An ability to handle chaos and curveballs can make or break your success as a legislative leader. This is a skills-based retreat for women in leadership interested better managing change as well as their chambers. By improving your ability to diagnose the legislative landscape, you will be able to generate a broader range of action options that help you make progress on the issues facing your state. Connect with other women legislative leaders in Cape Cod and come prepared to engage in a legislative problem or two that keeps you up at night, or reflect on a past challenge from which you can learn new lessons.

Location: Cape Cod, MA

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big picture
Sept. 9-12, 2020

National Speakers Conference

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 29th Annual National Speakers Conference will take place in Birmingham, Alabama from September 9 through 12. The meeting will be hosted by Alabama Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon. Speakers from all 50 states are invited to attend this annual event.

Registration is by invitation only. Invitations will be send out in June.

Location: Birmingham, AL

Learn More

redistricting
Sept. 24-27, 2020

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Portland

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Portland, OR, will host the fourth of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Register

congress
Oct. 8, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Creating Effective Stories to Share with Lawmakers: How to Create Stories to Move the Hearts, Minds, and VOTES of Lawmakers

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

People have trouble remembering facts, but they never forget a good story. Effective advocacy appeals to the heart, the head, and political health of the legislator. Learn how to organize and present your stories exercising the tactics actors use. This presentation includes the key elements of public policy advocacy storytelling, and walks participants through an exercise to develop their own personal stories to move the hearts, minds, and VOTES of lawmakers.

Location: Webinar

Register

civil discourse
Oct. 26, 2020
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

This one-day workshop uses real-world case studies to introduce participants to the theory and practice of EP's Reflective Structured Dialogue framework. For three decades, our unique approach has transformed conflicts across the country and the world—but the basic principles of EP's framework are applicable to local community issues, organizational development, congregations, and everyday conversations. Intentional communication helps individuals, organizations, and communities build trust, enhance resilience, and engage in constructive conversations despite deeply-held differences of value, belief, opinion, or identity. This workshop provides a set of simple tools to achieve those goals.

Location: 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 212, Cambridge MA 02138

Register

congress
Dec. 15, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)

Freshmen Spotlight: How to Build Relationships with New Members of Congress

Organizer: Congressional Management Foundation

Many advocates wake up the morning after elections to discover that their long-standing champions for their cause have been sent packing, causing a scramble to cultivate new congressional proponents on the Hill. Based on CMF research, including the first-ever survey of freshmen congressional offices in 2019, participants will learn about what it's like to set up and work in a freshman congressional office and how that impacts the strategies that many advocates commonly use to introduce themselves to new Members of Congress. This webinar is for citizen advocates as part of the Partnership for a More Perfect Union.

Location: Webinar

Register

redistricting
Jan. 15, 2021

NCSL Redistricting Seminar: Washington, D.C.

Organizer: National Conference of State Legislators

Washington, D.C., will host the fifth of NCSL's five Getting Ready to Redistrict: Seminars for Practitioners and Others. If you are a legislator, legislative staffer, a commissioner, a commission staffer, an outside advocate or just an interested member of the public, these seminars are for you. In 2 1/2 days, NCSL will deliver knowledge and practical instruction that you can customize for your state and your role in the process. Expect answers to:

  • What's the legal landscape for redistricting?
  • What technology is available for redistricting?
  • What data are useful to use for redistricting?
  • How do states balance various principles and priorities when they redistrict?
  • How do you involve the public in the process?
Location: Washington, DC

Register

civil discourse
May 17-19, 2021

Urgency of Civility: A Springboard for Action

Organizer: The Urgency of Civility

The planning for the 2021 Urgency of Civility has already started! The 2021 Urgency of Civility conference will be May 17-19, 2021. Mark the date in your calendar.

The location of the 2021 conference will at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. We will have one evening session at the US Capital Building, home of the US Congress in Washington D.C.

Location: George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA

Learn More