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SUMMARY:The Next 250: Why Civic Education Matters
DESCRIPTION:As America celebrates its 250th anniversary\, one question rises above the rest: Will the next generation be ready to carry our democracy forward? \nJoin BigTentUSA on Thursday\, September 17\, at 7pm ET for an inspiring conversation about the urgent need to strengthen civic education and empower young Americans with the knowledge\, skills\, and confidence to participate in our democracy. Featuring author and journalist John Avlon\, Louise Dubé\, CEO of iCivics\, and Eric Liu\, CEO of Citizen University\, this timely discussion will explore why civic learning is essential to preserving our democratic institutions and how innovative programs are helping prepare the next generation of engaged citizens. Together\, our speakers will examine what’s at stake\, highlight successful efforts to expand civic education\, and share practical ways every American can help build a stronger civic culture. \nDemocracy isn’t inherited—it must be learned\, practiced\, and renewed. Join us as we help shape America’s next 250 years. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJohn 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 currently hosts “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. \nLouise 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. \nEric 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.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/why-civic-education-matters/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RSVP_Louise-Dube_Eric-Liu_John-Avlon.webp
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