Can Higher Education Help Renew American Democracy?

Surveys show that trust in one another and key institutions, such as government, media, and the courts, has reached historic lows in the U.S. At the same time, hyper-partisan polarization has escalated rapidly over the past 40 years, while participation in large-scale civic institutions and volunteering rates have declined. A host of new campus initiatives offer promising pathways for higher education to reassert its vital role in strengthening democracy by engaging students’ civic learning and supporting their development as civic actors.

On October 18, you’re invited to join a webinar highlighting these innovative efforts, with moderator Danielle Allen and panelists John Bridgeland and Cecilia Muñoz.

This event is co-sponsored by the Democratic Knowledge Project.

Speakers include:

• John Bridgeland, Executive Chairman of the Office of American Possibilities; Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of More Perfect
• Cecilia Muñoz, Co-Chair of the Office of American Possibilities and More Perfect and Former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama
• Danielle Allen (Moderator), James Bryant Conant University Professor and Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation

About the Speakers

John Bridgeland is co-author with Allen and Muñoz of the recent article “Can Higher Education Help Renew American Democracy?” He is the Executive Chairman of the Office of American Possibilities; co-chair and Chief Executive Officer of More Perfect; a former Director of the White House Domestic Policy for President George W. Bush; and a former member of the White House Council for Community Solutions for President Barack Obama. 

Cecilia Muñoz is co-author with Allen and Bridgeland of the recent article “Can Higher Education Help Renew American Democracy?” She is co-chair of the Office of American Possibilities and More Perfect and is former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama. Muñoz is a national leader in public policy and public interest technology with over three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector and eight years of service on President Obama’s senior team. 

Event Details

This event is online-only and registration is required. A recording will be made available after the event’s conclusion.

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.