In Defense of American Democracy

This all-day event, held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., was organized by the Albert Shanker Institute, the American Federation of Teachers, and Onward Together, the organization founded and led by Hillary Clinton.

In America today, the norms and institutions that provide the foundation of democracy are under assault. Self-government by “we the people” is demanding, requiring a degree of mutual respect, civility and understanding that is little in evidence today. We also believe that citizen engagement, at every level, is both possible and central to rebuilding a strong and vibrant democracy. Thus, the conference will draw together intellectuals and activists to examine and explore different dimensions of the current crisis, with a particular focus on Civic Engagement and Voter Rights and Voter Suppression.

Watch the Highlights:

INTRODUCTION: Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, Albert Shanker Institute
OPENING KEYNOTE The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State

CIVIC PARTICIPATION IN AN AGE OF DEMOCRATIC PERIL
Moderator: Michelle Ringuette, Assistant to the President, American Federation of Teachers
Leah Greenberg, Co-Executive Director, Indivisible
Gara LaMarche, President, Democracy Alliance
Joy-Ann Reid, Political Analyst, MSNBC
Amanda Terkel, Washington Bureau Chief, HuffPost

LUNCH SESSION
INTRODUCTION: Regena Thomas, Co-Director, Human Rights and Community Relations, American Federation of Teachers
REMARKS: Senator Ron Wyden; (D-OR)

LIFT EVERY VOICE: VOTER RIGHTS AND VOTER SUPPRESSION
Moderator: Leo Casey, Executive Director, Albert Shanker Institute
Ari Berman, author, Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America; senior reporter, Mother Jones; former senior contributing writer, The Nation.
The Honorable Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the United States; Chairman, National Democratic Redistricting Committee
The Honorable Andrew Gillum, chair, Forward Florida; former Mayor of Tallahassee; 2018 Democratic Nominee for Governor of Florida
Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO, Voto Latino; MSNBC Commentator