Civics is not a spectator sport—it is the operating system of democracy.
In a timely Big Tent USA conversation held on September 17, moderator John Avlon joined iCivics CEO Louise Dubé and Citizen University CEO Eric Liu to make the case for rebuilding civic learning as a source of democratic resilience. They defined civics as more than memorizing branches of government: it combines knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence to exercise civic power. The panelists urged educators to connect lessons to real-world problems, local decision-making, civil dialogue, and hands-on experiences—from interactive games to student-led community projects. They also emphasized supporting teachers amid political pressure, teaching history and civics together, and helping young people understand both their rights and responsibilities. On AI, they argued for human-centered learning, with technology serving as a carefully governed supplement—not a substitute for relationships and judgment.
The call to action was clear: learn the system, engage locally, and put civic power to work.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
John Avlon is an award-winning journalist, author, news anchor, and media executive. A former CNN senior political analyst and anchor, editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, and the 2024 Democratic congressional nominee in New York’s First District, he hosted “How to Fix It” on The Bulwark and serves as Chairman of Citizens Union. Avlon has authored six books, including “Lincoln and the Fight for Peace” and “Washington’s Farewell“. A Yale University and Columbia Business School graduate, he advocates for building a vital center in American politics.
Louise Dubé serves as CEO of iCivics, the nation’s largest provider of civic learning, which champions and re-imagines history and civic education. Previously, she served as Managing Director of Digital Learning at WGBH, where she helped launch PBS LearningMedia, a platform reaching 1.5 million educators. Before WGBH, Louise built a successful career in K-12 educational technology. She has received numerous awards, including the 2017 People’s Voice Award, the 2018 Civvys Civic Collaboration National Award, and recognition as a 2019 Donaldson Fellow by Yale SOM. Louise began her career as an attorney in Montreal and holds a law degree from McGill University and an MBA from Yale University.
Eric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University. He is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including most recently “Become America: Civic Sermons on Love, Responsibility, and Democracy” — a New York Times New & Notable Book — and “Live Like a Citizen: 8 Ways to Change Your Mindset and Our Country“, to be published in October 2026. Liu served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as the President’s deputy domestic policy adviser. He was later appointed by President Barack Obama to the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Liu was elected in 2020 to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and co-chairs its Our Common Purpose commission. He lives in Seattle, where he has served on the boards of the Seattle Public Library and the Washington State Board of Education.
