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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T190000
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SUMMARY:From Service to Congress: Veterans Shaping the Future
DESCRIPTION:Service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off. \nAt BigTentUSA’s September 30 conversation with women veterans running for Congress\, Rebecca Bennett\, Cait Conley\, and Nancy Lacore joined moderator Janessa Goldbeck of VoteVets to make the case for leadership grounded in duty\, accountability\, and country over party. \nDrawing on their military careers\, the candidates emphasized decisive leadership\, teamwork across differences\, and rebuilding trust with voters. They outlined priorities including lowering living costs\, confronting corruption\, restoring congressional oversight\, and protecting military readiness. They warned that removing experienced military leaders threatens national security. \nWinning competitive districts\, they argued\, requires reaching beyond party loyalists: meeting families where they are\, listening to independents and Republicans\, and connecting shared values to practical solutions. On election security\, Conley expressed confidence in local officials while warning about efforts to discredit results. \nTheir challenge: turn concern into action. Knock doors\, make calls\, become a poll worker—and show up to vote. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nRebecca Bennett is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot\, officer in the Air National Guard\, business leader in healthcare\, and mom of two. Rebecca served in the Navy for over a decade as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander. After serving her country for over fifteen years in the military and making waves in healthcare innovation\, Rebecca is running for Congress to build a better future for our community. As a mom to two young girls\, Rebecca understands first-hand the challenges of balancing work & family while navigating inflation and the rising cost of living. \nCait Conley is a fourth-generation Hudson Valley native\, the daughter of a postal worker and a construction worker. She applied to West Point the day after 9/11 and went on to serve in the Army\, first as a military police officer and then in special operations leadership\, deploying six times and earning three Bronze Stars. She concluded her active-duty career as Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council\, where Russia sanctioned her for her work\, and then served as a senior executive at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency\, protecting critical infrastructure and the systems that run our elections. She put her life on the line to serve this country\, not any person or political party\, and especially not corporate special interests \nNancy Lacore served our nation for 35 years in the Navy\, a career that began as a helicopter pilot and culminated as a three star admiral and the Chief of Navy Reserve where she was entrusted to lead more than 60\,000 sailors. Nancy’s career took her around the world\, but it was always anchored by family and a deep love of country. In Nancy’s family\, service runs deep. Following in her dad’s footsteps\, Nancy accepted a ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross\, and was commissioned into the Navy after graduation. \nJanessa Goldbeck is the Senior Advisor to VoteVets\, an organization dedicated to lifting up the voices of veterans on matters of national security\, veterans’ care\, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served\, and their families. As a Marine Corps Combat Engineer Officer\, Janessa led missions overseas and served as a Uniformed Victim Advocate\, supporting fellow service members through some of their toughest moments. While on active duty\, in addition to her assigned duties\, Janessa worked to reform the military’s broken sexual assault reporting process and played a role in overturning the discriminatory Combat Exclusion policy. Janessa holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor to VoteVets and on the California Governor’s Veterans Board.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/veterans-shaping-the-future/
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/Recap_Bennett_Lacore_Conley.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T200000
DTSTAMP:20261021T194148Z
CREATED:20260929T224936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T194148Z
UID:67830-1791399600-1791403200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Threats to the Midterms: Protecting the Election
DESCRIPTION:Democracy needs defenders. Step up. \nAt BigTentUSA’s October 7 conversation\, Rep. Jim Himes (D\, CT-04) and Protect Democracy’s Ian Bassin joined moderator Dr. Kareem Crayton of The Brennan Center for Justice\, to examine threats to the midterms and how Americans can respond. Bassin outlined three tactics to watch: deceive\, disrupt\, and deny. Their strongest antidotes: accurate information\, legal action\, and organized public pressure. \nHimes warned about voter intimidation and potential efforts to obstruct the seating of Congress. Both speakers emphasized that voters should remain confident in the election process\, while staying alert to interference. They explained that counting takes time\, shifting totals do not signal fraud\, and certification is a duty\, not a political choice. \nTheir call to action: vote early\, consult local election officials\, verify information before sharing\, volunteer to protect voters\, and help others make voting plans. Keep civic action peaceful. \nTurn concern into action: cast your ballot\, defend your neighbors’ votes\, and make democracy count. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nDr. Kareem Crayton is vice president of the Brennan Center’s Washington\, DC\, office\, where he manages Beltway affairs and leads programs focused on the American South. A scholar of law\, politics\, and race\, he has authored more than two dozen publications and advised advocacy groups\, public officials\, and redistricting bodies. He previously led the Southern Coalition for Social Justice\, hiring and training a litigation team for two Supreme Court gerrymandering cases. He also taught nationwide. A Montgomery\, Alabama\, native\, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and holds a law degree and a doctorate in political science from Stanford University. \nJim Himes was elected to Congress in 2008 and has since built a record delivering results for Connecticut families. He has served in key roles including Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and as a senior member of the Financial Services Committee\, focusing on economic growth\, national security\, and bipartisan solutions. He previously chaired the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and has a long history of local service\, including with the Greenwich Housing Authority and other community organizations. \nA product of New Jersey public schools\, Himes holds degrees from Harvard and Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and spent 12 years at Goldman Sachs before leading a nonprofit focused on affordable housing. He and his wife Mary raised their two children in Cos Cob\, where they have lived for nearly 30 years. \nIan Bassin is co-founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy. He previously served as Associate White House Counsel. His writing on democracy\, authoritarianism\, and American law and politics has appeared in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, The Los Angeles Times\, The Atlantic\, Slate\, Salon\, The New York Review of Books and other publications. He is a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship\, the Skoll Award for Social Innovation\, was named to the Time Magazine 100Next list of rising global leaders\, and has repeatedly been named among the 500 most influential people in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine. He received his J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A. from Wesleyan University.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/threats-to-the-midterms/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/107-Social-Media-Toolkit_Rep.-Jim-Himes_Ian-Bassin-3.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T133000
DTSTAMP:20261021T231519Z
CREATED:20260915T164440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T231519Z
UID:67789-1791894600-1791898200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:“I Disagree:” The Politics of a Healthy Debate
DESCRIPTION:In BigTentUSA’s October 13 livestream with Jessica Tarlov and moderator Rachel Janfaza\, the duo unpacked how healthy disagreement can become a practical skill anyone can build. \nDrawing from her book\, “I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends”\, Tarlov urged viewers to lead with a “soft start\,” use humor to lower defenses\, and listen more than speak. Her message: acknowledge another perspective without accepting it\, and aim to open minds rather than force a conversion. Strong arguments require preparation: pair personal stories with reliable data\, follow polling trends\, and resist cherry-picking findings that confirm your beliefs. \nThe conversation also explored engaging younger voters\, prioritizing results over party labels\, and the personal risks of speaking out in today’s political climate. Throughout\, Tarlov emphasized kindness\, conviction\, and knowing when to step back. \nTake these tools to your next difficult conversation: stay curious\, speak with substance\, and be sharp without ever being cruel. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a rotating co-host of “The Five” (weekdays\, 5-6PM/ET). She also offers political analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network’s (FBN) programming. Tarlov has played a role in coverage of major political headlines since joining the network\, providing analysis throughout the 2024 election cycle from the primaries to Inauguration Day. Notably\, “The Five” made television history as the first non-primetime program to rank as the number one program in viewers and the A25-54 demo. Tarlov also hosts the podcast “Raging Moderates” alongside Scott Galloway. \nRachel Janfaza is the founder of The Up and Up\, a research\, media\, and strategy firm focused on Gen Z. A member of Generation Z herself\, Janfaza is best known for her theory of The Two Gen Zs. Her written work has been featured in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, CNN\, Vox\, The Free Press\, Glamour\, POLITICO Magazine\, Teen Vogue\, Vogue\, Elle\, Cosmo\, and Bustle. And her on-air analysis has been featured on CNN\, CBS\, C-SPAN\, NY-1\, and WNYC Public Radio. She is also a contributor to The Bulwark.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/i-disagree/
LOCATION:https://open.substack.com/live-stream/363589?utm_source=live-stream-scheduled-upsell
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Recap_Jessica-Tarlov_Rachel-Janfaza.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T174731Z
CREATED:20260917T191155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T174731Z
UID:67808-1792605600-1792609200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:An American Perspective: Heather Cox Richardson and Aaron Parnas
DESCRIPTION:At BigTentUSA’s October 21 launch of the Words\, Power & Politics series\, historian Heather Cox Richardson and moderator Aaron Parnas connected today’s democratic threats to history’s struggles over power. They examined how propaganda distorts political language\, oligarchic wealth undermines democratic government\, and partisan loyalty weakens constitutional checks on presidential authority. \nTheir message: Americans still have the power to push back. State election systems provide critical safeguards\, but protecting democracy requires turnout\, public pressure\, and vigilance beyond Election Day. Richardson urged Congress to reclaim its authority\, pursue accountability\, and deliver policies that improve people’s lives. Both speakers called for confronting money’s influence in politics and strengthening democratic institutions. \nThe conversation closed with hope rooted in collective action: Americans have rebuilt democracy before\, and can do it again. Vote. Volunteer. Support election workers. Speak up—and turn anxiety into daily action to protect the government that belongs to us. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nHeather Cox Richardson is a renowned historian\, writing widely about Reconstruction\, the Civil War\, and the history of the Republican Party. She is the author of seven books including the bestselling “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America and How the South Won the Civil War“. Her newsletter\, “Letters from an American“\, a daily chronicle of the history behind American politics\, is read by over 6 million subscribers. \nAaron Parnas is one of the leading Gen Z voices shaping how news is consumed today. An independent journalist\, political commentator\, strategist\, and attorney\, Aaron has quickly become a key figure in the national political conversation\, offering sharp insights at the intersection of law\, media\, and policy. \nHe first gained widespread attention through viral\, educational content that breaks down complex political issues in a fast\, accessible way—particularly resonating with younger\, highly engaged audiences. His rapid-response analysis of major court decisions\, legislative battles\, and election narratives has made him a trusted voice for millions across platforms.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/democracy-and-freedom/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/10.21-SOCIAL-MEDIA-TOOLKIT_HRC_Aaron-Parnas-1.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T200000
DTSTAMP:20261015T211433Z
CREATED:20261015T211433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T211433Z
UID:67897-1793041200-1793044800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Data Center Debate: Progress at What Cost?
DESCRIPTION:What’s the deal with data centers? What does it mean for communities caught in the middle? \nJoin BigTentUSA on Monday\, October 26 at 7pm ET for a powerful livestream conversation with Congressional candidate Justin Early (D\, TX-31)\, author and founder of Third Act Bill McKibben\, and Jess Piper\, executive director of Blue Missouri\, to discuss the development of data centers across the country\, and how it’s affecting communities economically\, environmentally\, and politically. \nAs this becomes a hot topic of conversation\, the trio will explore the implications of expanding data center production\, who will face the largest impacts\, and what this means for the future of our country. \nWatch live on BigTentUSA’s Substack\, YouTube\, and Facebook. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nJustin Early is a candidate running for U.S. Representative in Texas’ 31st Congressional District. Growing up in a working-class family\, both of Early’s parents served in the U.S. army\, which motivated him to do the same. Early served as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg\, and then as a LAN Systems Administrator at the Defense Intelligence Agency in the Pentagon\, and continued in that role in the aftermath of 9/11. Since leaving the military\, Early has established a career in cybersecurity\, and currently works as a cybersecurity architect. \nBill McKibben is the founder of Third Act\, which organizes people over 60 for action on climate and justice. His 1989 book\, “The End of Nature“\, is regarded as the first book about climate change for a general audience. He has since written 20 books\, with work appearing in The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. McKibben helped found 350.org\, the first global grassroots climate campaign\, and played a leading role in opposition to Keystone XL and the fossil fuel divestment campaign. He is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College and has received the Gandhi Peace Prize and Right Livelihood Award. \nJess Piper is a mother to five and grandmother to three and lives on a small farm on the Missouri/Iowa border. She was born and raised in rural America. She was an American Literature teacher for 16 years. After the 2016 election of Trump\, Jess became politically active. Jess ran for office in 2022 for State Representative in HD1 in Northwest Missouri. Jess writes a well known newsletter: “The View from Rural Missouri“
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/data-center-debate/
LOCATION:https://open.substack.com/live-stream/412448?utm_source=post-publish
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1026-Social-Media-Toolkit_Early_McKibben_Piper.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T200000
DTSTAMP:20261022T223534Z
CREATED:20261022T185754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T223534Z
UID:68004-1793214000-1793217600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Election Integrity: Who’s Securing Our Vote?
DESCRIPTION:How is election security being protected? What are officials doing behind the scenes to ensure a fair and free election? \nJoin BigTentUSA on Wednesday\, October 28 at 7 pm ET for a captivating conversation with Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar (D) and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D)\, to discuss the efforts to preserve a protected election at the state level\, particularly in states where election deniers are on the ballot. \nTogether\, the duo will explore the role of state and local leaders in upholding democratic approaches\, and the strategies used to defend the election ahead\, one state at a time. \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nCisco Aguilar serves as Nevada’s Secretary of State. He also serves as chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. Prior to being elected\, Secretary Aguilar served twelve years as General Counsel for Agassi Graf\, the management company for Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf\, and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. Passionate about education\, Secretary Aguilar is the Founding Chairman of Cristo Rey St. Viator High School\, which provides an innovative workforce development program in one of Las Vegas’ most vulnerable neighborhoods. Secretary Aguilar also served on the Nevada Athletic Commission regulating boxing and mixed martial arts for eight years\, two of which he served as Chairman. He is the first Latino to serve as Nevada Secretary of State. \nShenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State and first female Secretary of State. She is a member of the National Association of Secretaries of State where she serves as a member of the Elections Committee\, Business Services Committee and the Cybersecurity Committee. She serves on the national Executive Committee of the Election Infrastructure – Information and Analysis Center\, which she chaired from 2024-2025. In Maine\, Secretary Bellows serves on the Board of InforME and on the State of Maine Cybersecurity Advisory Council. She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maine at Augusta\, where she worked as Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine from 2018 to 2020. Secretary Bellows grew up in Hancock and is a graduate of Ellsworth High School. She holds a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/whos-securing-our-vote/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1028-Social-Media-Toolkit_Cisco-Aguilar_Shenna-Bellows.webp
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