Featured Events
In the last year, we have seen our democratic values significantly weakened by political polarization and misinformation. Institutions of higher education – traditionally viewed as havens for access to knowledge and reasoned debate – have faced challenges to academic and personal freedoms that have rippled across our democracy.
From state legislation aimed at censoring curriculum to controversial Supreme Court decisions, our fifth annual conference will explore ways for campuses nationwide to protect our fundamental rights.
FEATURED PANELS:
– Is Social Media Helping or Harming Democracy?
– Lightning Talk: What’s on the Docket?
– Are Attacks on Academic Freedom a Threat to Democracy?
– Democracy Demands Dialogue
– Purpose of the Press: The Role of Student Media in Navigating Campus Speech Challenges
– Lightning Talk: Looking Ahead
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
– Erwin Chemerinsky, UC Berkeley School of Law
– Sommer Ingram Dean, Student Press Law Center
– Michael V. Drake, University of California
– Lynn M. Gangone, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
– Howard Gillman, UC Irvine
– Jessica González, Free Press & Free Press Action
– Monroe Gorden, UCLA
– Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, U.S. Center for SafeSport
– Tania Israel, UC Santa Barbara
– Atmika Iyer, Daily Nexus (UC Santa Barbara)
– Jeff Jarvis, CUNY
– Tamara Keith, National Public Radio
– Amna Khalid, Carleton College
– Manu Meel, BridgeUSA
– Jeff Snyder, Carleton College
– Valerie Strauss, The Washington Post
More speakers to be announced!
—
Explore past #SpeechMatters conferences at https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/speechmatters/.
Join us for an interactive introduction to Living Room Conversations, our model, and upcoming programs. This is a great first step to help you understand what we do, meet some of our staff, and decide how to get involved– whether as a host, participant, volunteer, or all of the above. There will be time for Q&A.
These days politicians aren’t the only ones who have to state their opinion on every single political disagreement du jour. It seems like practically every religious, nonprofit and for-profit company has to do the same, with everyone from mom-and-pop operations to Fortune 500 companies forced to run the gauntlet through our cold civil war. Are you “us” or are you “them”? We’ll talk about just how advisable this situation is and if there might be a better way.
Joining us for God Squad are Father Tim Holeda of St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral, Dr. Gary Shultz of First Baptist Church Tallahassee, and Pastor Joe Davis, Jr. of Truth Gatherers Community Church.
To learn more about The Village Square and all of the ways we are involved your hometown community, click here: https://tlh.villagesquare.us/.
Our theme for the 2023 conference is “A More Perfect Union: Women Building Peace and Community” and will emphasize how women of faith play a vital role in the current political climate. We are planning to have sessions that are focused on empowering women to engage in the public sphere in a peaceful way, as principled citizens who value truth. There are two registration options: in-person and virtual. All registrations give access to the recordings to watch at a later date.
The annual Young Women’s Leadership Conference (YWLC) takes place on Saturday, March 25. The conference brings high school girls throughout the Los Angeles area to USC to guide their leadership into public service and to inspire deeper involvement in their communities. Young women from all over Los Angeles join in skills-building workshops and discussions, and they learn from and meet with influential women in politics and business.
Always held during Women’s History Month, the annual Young Women’s Leadership Conference has helped hundreds of young women become more civically engaged. Many program participants have gone on to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the offices of local, state, and federal elected officials.
In partnership with VoteSC, USC Women in Politics (WIP), Political Student Assembly, Trojan Democrats, USC College Republicans, and The Moderator.
The conference will be held on the USC campus. Lunch is provided. The specific campus location and the detailed agenda will be announced at a later date.
Space is limited, To reserve your spot for the conference, sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-womens-leadership-conference-2023-tickets-489478943697.
By registering you are fully committing to attend. Please make sure you are free on Saturday March 25 for a day of inspiration, connection, empowerment, and women supporting women.
Take the Unify Challenge, a guided video conversation that you will take with another American who may vote or think differently than you. It is a small but powerful way for everyday people to heal our national divide. Consider this your official invitation to step out of your “bubble.” We the People can lead the way.