Events on The Fulcrum's site

News. Debate. Community. Levers for a better democracy.

June 1-5, 2020

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility 19th Annual Spring Conference

Organizer: New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility

NHBSR is excited to bring together a vibrant community of sustainability focused companies and professionals to provide support and share opportunities when inspiration is needed most. While engaging in person with this dynamic and vibrant group is a hallmark of our Annual Conferences, this year we are looking forward to exploring new and creative ways to connect and build community through a virtual platform.

Our theme, Thrivability, is critical in today's environment. The conference program covers topics that address emerging challenges and opportunities, and offers attendees a sense of reassurance that we will get to the other side of this stronger together.

Location: Virtual

election security

June 2, 2020

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Eastern)

USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative: Connecticut

Organizer: University of Southern California — Election Cybersecurity Initiative

Because of the COVID-19 virus, we are facing unprecedented changes to our election landscape. Cybersecurity is more important than ever, and we now have to view it through a different lens. At our virtual workshop, we will be discussing primary date changes, direct mail voting, facts you need to know and best practices for cyber safety. 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.

Join us for a virtual workshop, designed to help protect campaigns and elections in this critical election year. Information for joining the call will be emailed to you 24-48 hours in advance of the workshop.

Location: Webinar

coronavirus

June 3, 2020

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Eastern)

VoteSafe Virtual Town Hall

Organizer: Voters Not Politicians

Voters Not Politicians launched the VoteSafe campaign to protect public health and the integrity of our elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. The VoteSafe campaign will build upon Michigan's no-reason absentee voting laws to ensure that this global health crisis does not become a democracy crisis in Michigan. By automatically mailing every registered voter a ballot, our lawmakers can make sure that all voters can cast their vote and make their voices heard without endangering their health or the health of their communities.

Location: Virtual

civic engagement

June 4, 2020

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM (Eastern)

The Virtual Town Square: Shaping the 21st Century Democracy

Organizer: Leadership Now Project

Join us for a conversation with Richard Lang, inventor and entrepreneur, author, and founding CEO of Democrasoft, and social entrepreneur Lupton Abshire. Their vision for a National Town Square proposes a new, comprehensive strategy " for bringing the collective voice of "We the People" to the forefront of politics. They argue that without changing or enacting a single law or amending the constitution, a new national conversation can be created and launched right now, online.

Richard Lang is a pioneer in the technology industry — founding CEO of Go-Video and co-inventor of the world's first dual-deck VCR. His is the inventor of "burst technology," which enabled true video-on-demand, and the founding CEO of Democrasoft, a developer of award-winning, web-based, decision-making tools for education, civic engagement, and groups with common interests.

Lupton Abshire is Director of Strategic Outreach for Virtual Country. He graduated from General Theological Seminary in New York City and was ordained to the priesthood the following year. He served at Christ Church, Georgetown in Washington D.C. from for many years. After returning to graduate studies and earning a Master of Arts degree in Western Philosophy and Asian Religions, Fr. Abshire served as Rectors of Churches in Virginia and , Florida.

Location: Webinar

election security

June 4, 2020

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Central)

USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative: Kansas

Organizer: University of Southern California — Election Cybersecurity Initiative

Location: Webinar

electoral college

June 4, 2020

6:00 PM (Eastern)

Fixing Bugs in Democracy: the Electoral College

Organizer: Princeton Gerrymandering Project

In collaboration with Labyrinth Books, the Princeton Gerrymandering Project will host a Fixing Bugs in Democracy talk on the Electoral College. The Fixing Bugs in Democracy series features experts discussing structural problems in American politics, and how we can fix them. Professor and Director of the Princeton Gerrymandering Project Sam Wang will introduce author Jesse Wegman and professor Julian Zelizer.

The framers of the Constitution battled over it. Lawmakers have tried to amend or abolish it more than 700 times. To this day, millions of voters, and even members of Congress, misunderstand how it works. It deepens our national divide and distorts the core democratic principles of political equality and majority rule. How can we tolerate the Electoral College when every vote does not count the same, and the candidate who gets the most votes can lose? Isn't it time to let the people pick the president?

In this thoroughly researched and engaging call to arms, Supreme Court journalist and New York Times editorial board member Jesse Wegman draws upon the history of the founding era, as well as information gleaned from campaign managers, field directors, and other officials from twenty-first-century Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, to make a powerful case for abolishing the antiquated and antidemocratic Electoral College. He shows how we can at long last make every vote in the United States count—and restore belief in our democratic system. He is joined for a conversation about his new book by political historian Julian Zelizer.

Location: Webinar

civic engagement

June 4, 2020

8:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Eastern)

RepresentUs Open Mic

Organizer: RepresentUs

These are challenging times for everyone, but just because we're socially distancing right now, doesn't mean we can't have some fun together! Join us for an online Open Mic.

Have something you've been working on? We'd love to hear it! Music, poetry, comedy, or whatever you feel inspired to share — it's all welcome here. Prefer to be an audience member and meet other folks in the movement? That works too! This is a casual and supportive space to join with friends in the anti-corruption movement and to celebrate our community.

Location: Webinar

civic engagement

June 4-5, 2020; July 24, 2020; Sept. 11, 2020

2020 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting

Organizer: American Democracy Project

The Virtual CLDE will be an opportunity to foster deep connections and practice deliberative dialogue and responsible scholarship in an online format. The changes to higher education in the midst of the coronavirus have been extraordinary, and we recognize that our roles in civic learning and democratic engagement will continue to change. The purposeful and practical approach of the Virtual CLDE offers a space to explore with our colleagues, strengthen our institutions, and design for the future.

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: Virtual

civic engagement

June 5, 2020

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Eastern)

(Re)building better democratic systems and institutions after the pandemic: A Conversation with Apolitical

Organizer: Leadership Now Project

Across the political, civil service, and civic spheres, the coronavirus pandemic has shown the acute weaknesses in the operating systems of democracy. But COVID-19 is also forcing an overdue reckoning with these weaknesses and, in some cases, it is catalyzing new ways of thinking and rapid problem solving that can form the basis of better democracies after COVID-19.

Apolitical, a peer-to-peer learning platform for government, has a unique view of the challenges faced by public servants globally and of the most promising solutions. Apolitical is used by more than 70,000 verified public servants in 170 countries, with its members including numerous mayors, ministers, and heads of civil services.

Since the outbreak of the virus, Apolitical has surveyed and polled thousands of its members and continues to do so weekly. In this conversation, Apolitical's two co-founders, Lisa Witter and Robyn Scott, will share the most interesting trends and insights they're seeing globally. They will also briefly discuss their experience founding and growing Apolitical - from an idea in 2015 that few cared about or thought would work, to today being unable to keep up with the demand - in the context of what this means for innovative tech companies focused on improving democracy.

Location: Webinar

civil discourse

June 6, 2020

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Pacific)

How to Reach Out to the Other Side

Organizer: Braver Angels

Please join Silicon Valley Braver Angels for its monthly event, held as a Zoom videoconference. The format is a Red/Blue "fish bowl" followed by a full-group discussion.

In the fish bowl, Red-leaning participants discuss among themselves what's difficult about talking politics with the Blues, while the Blues silently observe. Then the Blues hold a similar discussion, while the Reds observe. After the fish bowls, the whole group reconvenes to discuss their experiences. Observers witness both fish bowls, and are welcome to participate in the final discussion.

To ensure Red/Blue balance, attendance is limited. Reserve your spot today.

Location: Webinar

civil discourse

June 6, 2020

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Pacific)

Documentary Screening: 'Reuniting America'

Organizer: Braver Angels

It all began in southwest Ohio, where Trump voters and Clinton voters gathered in our Red/Blue workshops in the weeks and months after the 2016 election. Now, the second workshop and its aftermath have been captured in "Braver Angels: Reuniting America," a one-hour documentary film by Emmy-winning director Jim Brown and produced by Peter Yarrow of the legendary Peter, Paul, and Mary trio.

"Braver Angels: Reuniting America" shows 8 Democratic-leaning voters and 7 Republican-leaning voters moving through a Braver Angels signature Red/Blue workshop, from initial skepticism to more profound understanding and empathy. You'll get an inside look at how a Democratic voter went from threatening to cut off relationships with Trump voters to becoming dear friends with one—and how a Republican voter moved from disdaining progressives to taking co-leadership with one in a movement that now spans the country.

Following the screening, there will be a guided discussion and Q&A period facilitated by Braver Angels volunteers from Maine and New Hampshire.

Location: Webinar

big picture

June 8, 2020

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM (Eastern)

Rebuilding our democracy in these pivotal times

Organizer: Issue One

The pandemic and the recent protests in cities across America have made it clear that our democracy is in need of a great reset. But what will it take to re-empower citizens by reforming our political systems, and where do we begin?

Issue One has been working tirelessly to ensure that no American has to choose between their vote and their health this November, while remaining focused on the big picture: laying the groundwork for winning major democracy reforms come January 2021. This panel will discuss putting country above party to renew our democratic systems and secure our upcoming elections. Participants include Issue One CEO Nick Penniman, Issue One ReFormers Caucus Co-chair Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Representative Rick Lazio (R-NY).

Location: Webinar

Join live

campaign finance

June 9, 2020

12:00 PM (Eastern)

Money in the House of Representatives

Organizer: R Street Institute

Money—it is a fact of life for the legislator. It is widely understood that elected officials raise money for reelection. Less well known is how fundraising affects the work of legislators and the operations of Congress.

This meeting of the Legislative Branch Capacity Working Group will examine questions such as:
• What role do members play in fundraising?
• How much do legislators raise and where does the money go?
• How do the duties of fundraising affect legislators' capacity to serve their constituents and fulfill their duties?
• Are legislators happy with the system?

Location: Webinar

election 2020

June 9, 2020

12:00 - 1:00 PM (Eastern)

Preparing for potential election crises

Organizer: The Fulcrum

A pandemic. Battles over millions of mailed-in ballots. The Supreme Court deciding an Electoral College dispute. The accelerated undoing of democratic norms. Dozens of legal battles over election administration and voting rights. Each would be enough to create unprecedented challenges to an election. But all are present this year, positioning Election Day 2020 and the days after to face challenges rarely as intense before. As Nov. 3 approaches, voters, government officials, candidates and the media may become overwhelmed by the many storylines, the shifting landscape and the potential outcomes. Preparation needs to start now. The Fulcrum will convene a pair of experts to discuss these issues and anticipate how they will play out. Among the issues we will address:

• Joe Biden has said Donald Trump may attempt to cancel or postpone the election. What is the president's authority to do so?
• What are the odds we don't have a clear winner on election night?
• What sorts of litigation can we expect before — and after — Election Day?
• If "faithless electors" ignore the popular vote of their state, what would be a potential result?
• What if the candidate who receives fewer electoral college votes refuses to concede?

Location: Webinar

turnout

June 10, 2020

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Eastern)

Time to Vote: New Hampshire & Vermont Businesses Boost Voter Participation

Organizer: Business for America

Voting is an essential right of all Americans and critical to the well-functioning of our democracy. However, many employees find themselves having to choose between voting and earning a paycheck. The Time to Vote project is mobilizing businesses to help more Americans to vote in November 2020, while also contributing to a national culture shift needed to increase civic health. As a business leader, you can help!

Location: Webinar

partisanship

June 10, 2020

2:00 PM (Eastern)

Open Primaries National Virtual Discussion

Organizer: Open Primaries

We are very excited to have business leader and political innovator Katherine Gehl join our virtual discussion series to offer a preview of her new book with Michael Porter, "The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy," published by Harvard Business Review Press.

In it, Gehl and Porter apply the tools of business analysis to show how the American political system functions just as every other competitive industry does and demonstrate that, despite all its apparent dysfunction, it is operating exactly how it's been designed to in order to maintain the duopoly of the two major political parties. As they say, the system is not broken, it's "fixed."

"The Politics Industry" is an original guide that will open your eyes to the true dynamics and profound challenges of the American political system and provide real solutions for reshaping it You don't want to miss this discussion!

Location: Webinar

big picture

June 11, 2020

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Eastern)

Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century

Organizer: American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Join us for the release of the final report of the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship. Hear from the Commissioners, dedicated Americans, and organizations who came together to make these recommendations. Learn more about the steps we can take to improve the resilience of our democracy by 2026, our nation's 250th anniversary.

Location: Webinar

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

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

civil discourse

June 13, 2020

Depolarizing Within Workshop

Organizer: Braver Angels

Today's polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies. The Braver Angels' workshop:

Teaches how to be more aware of their own "inner polarizer."
Teaches how to be critical without demonizing, dismissing, or stereotyping large swaths of the population.
Teaches strategies for intervening constructively in social conversations with like-minded peers when these conversations veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other political views

Location: Webinar

Learn More

gerrymandering

June 15, 2020

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (Eastern)

Redistricting: The Political and Policy Implications at the State and Federal Levels in 2021 & Beyond

Organizers: GAIN, George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management and Campaign Legal Center

This is the fourth segment of a joint webinar series, "Politics, Communication, and Advocacy: A Practical Playbook," focused on helping government affairs professionals refresh their knowledge of the formal procedures and institutions that govern our democracy and the roles and responsibilities of each player. This event features GSPM fellow Reid Wilson and Ruth Greenwood, senior legal counsel at the Campaign Legal Center. Join us as Mr. Wilson and Ms. Greenwood guide us through an examination of the history of redistricting in the United States, with a special focus on the modern practice of drawing map lines. Following the 2020 Census, we'll also discuss the political and policy implications on the state and federal levels over the next decade.

Location: Webinar

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

big picture

July 6-9, 2020

2020 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program

Organizer: State Legislative Leaders Foundation

The 16th Annual Emerging Legislative Leaders Program will take place from July 6 - July 9 at the Darden School of Business on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. For additional information about this program, including past participants and program requirements please click here.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Learn More

big picture

July 9-12, 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

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

Learn More

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

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

civil discourse

Oct. 26, 2020

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Introduction to Dialogue Across Differences

Organizer: Essential Partners

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

civil discourse

Oct. 28-31, 2020

Equitable Collaboration

Organizer: Kitchen Table Democracy

The University Network for Collaborative Governance Annual Conference is open to all people interested in collaborative governance and connected to a college or university. UNCG has student and working professional memberships.

Location: Institute for Engagement & Negotiation, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Learn more

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

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

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