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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260204T223446Z
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UID:61133-1770638400-1770642000@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The FBI Went Down to Georgia: 2026 Elections Under Threat
DESCRIPTION:On Monday\, February 9\, BigTentUSA convened Lauren Groh-Wargo\, Founder and CEO of Fair Fight Action\, and Wendy Weiser\, VP for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice\, to sound the alarm on escalating threats to the 2026 election. From the unprecedented seizure of Fulton County voting records to pushes for proof-of-citizenship laws and federal overreach\, speakers warned of a coordinated effort to reshape election control and suppress participation. \nThe Constitution remains a guardrail\, and courts have begun pushing back against unlawful overreach—but institutional defenses alone won’t hold. Protecting democracy now demands mass civic engagement: vote\, become a poll worker\, track ballots\, organize locally\, support election officials\, and use every legal and advocacy tool available. The warning was stark but empowering—autocracy thrives on silence\, so the moment calls for visible\, relentless participation. Democracy will only survive if we show up\, lock arms\, and defend it. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nLauren Groh-Wargo is a political and civic engagement strategist\, executive\, and advocate for economic and voting rights. She partnered with Stacey Abrams in 2012 to build Democratic and progressive infrastructure in Georgia\, and in response to 2018 voter suppression\, founded and serves as CEO of Fair Fight Action\, which combats suppression and advances voter education. Fair Fight played a key role in the 2020 election and 2021 Georgia runoff. An organizer at heart\, Lauren has led campaigns and advised nonprofits nationally for over 20 years. She holds an Economics degree from American University and lives in Atlanta with her partner and son. \nWendy Weiser is Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School\, where she oversees work on voting rights\, elections\, redistricting\, courts\, and abuse of power. A constitutional lawyer and democracy expert\, she directs research\, litigation\, policy\, advocacy\, and public education initiatives\, including programs on voting access\, judicial reform\, and executive power safeguards. Weiser has litigated landmark cases\, authored Supreme Court briefs\, advanced policies like automatic voter registration\, and contributed to the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts. She is a frequent speaker and media commentator. She holds a BA and JD from Yale.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-fbi-went-down-to-georgia/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Fair-Fight-Action_Brennan-Center-for-Justice.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260212T221712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T200533Z
UID:61547-1771527600-1771531200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Epstein Reckoning: What The Files Reveal About Power
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, February 19\, speakers dug into the latest revelations in the Epstein saga\, including high-profile arrests abroad\, and asked the pressing question: why is accountability happening overseas while America stalls? \nIn this urgent Big Tent conversation\, Camaron Stevenson and Nina Burleigh of COURIER Newsroom\, moderated by Kimberly Atkins Stohr of The Boston Globe\, explored what the document releases reveal about power\, money\, and political protection—and how entrenched interests may be slowing justice at home. They examined congressional inaction\, the role of media pressure\, and whether partisan gridlock is shielding key figures. The discussion made clear that transparency is not automatic; it’s forced by public demand. \nMost importantly\, this wasn’t just analysis—it was a call to action. Attendees were urged to push representatives for full\, un-redacted disclosures\, support investigative journalism\, and keep sustained pressure on institutions that would prefer silence. \nAccountability isn’t a spectator sport—it’s a citizen’s responsibility. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nNina Burleigh is a a journalist\, best-selling author\, documentary producer\, and publisher of a Substack on politics called American Freakshow. A contributing editor at The New Republic and frequent contributor to The New York Times and New York Magazine\, her journalism has been published widely including in translation in the Norwegian and Italian press. She’s the author of eight books on an array of topics including archaeological forgery\, scientists in 18th Century Egypt\, James Smithson\, Amanda Knox in Italy\, and the Trump women\, which were reviewed\, excerpted or covered in The New York Times\, The Wall Street Journal\, The Nation\, New York Magazine\, BBC\, ABC\, MSNBC\, and other media outlets. \nCamaron Stevenson is the Founding Editor and Chief Political Correspondent for The Copper Courier\, and has worked as a journalist in Phoenix for over a decade. He also teaches multimedia journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. \nKimberly Atkins Stohr is a senior opinion writer and columnist at The Boston Globe. She is also an MSNBC contributor\, a frequent panelist on NBC’s “Meet the Press\,” and co-host of the weekly Politicon legal news podcast #SistersInLaw. Previously\, Kim was the inaugural columnist for The Emancipator\, a collaboration between The Boston Globe and Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research that reframes the conversation about racial justice and equality.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-epstein-reckoning/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Protecting our Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Nina-Burleigh_Camaron-Stevenson.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260225T161523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T161218Z
UID:62274-1773169200-1773172800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Hands Off Our Ballots: Safeguarding The 2026 Midterms
DESCRIPTION:Democracy doesn’t defend itself—and the road to the 2026 midterms is already a battlefield. \nIn this BigTentUSA spotlight event\, legal experts Joyce Vance and Marc Elias\, moderated by Reed Galen\, broke down the growing threats to free and fair elections and what citizens can do right now to push back. The speakers warned that MAGA-aligned forces are laying the groundwork to challenge election results long before ballots are cast—through lawsuits\, state-level rule changes\, and coordinated efforts to undermine trust in the system. Elias highlighted how the courts remain a critical front line in protecting voting rights\, while Vance emphasized the broader rule-of-law stakes if election subversion tactics succeed. Both stressed that vigilance\, legal accountability\, and civic engagement are essential in the months ahead. \nThe takeaway was clear: safeguarding democracy in 2026 won’t happen automatically—it will require informed citizens\, organized communities\, and relentless defense of the rules that keep elections free and fair. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nMarc Elias is the Firm Chair of Elias Law Group.  Marc has successfully argued and won four cases in the U.S. Supreme Court\, as well as dozens of cases in state supreme courts and U.S. courts of appeal. In 2020\, Marc led the historic legal effort to protect voting rights\, winning over 60 lawsuits against MAGA’s efforts to suppress the vote. Marc is the founder of Democracy Docket\, the leading platform for advocacy and information about voting rights\, elections\, redistricting and democracy. \nJoyce White Vance is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Alabama\, a legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC\, and the author of the Civil Discourse newsletter. She co-hosts the podcasts #SistersInLaw and Insider with Preet Bharara. A former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama under President Obama. Joyce lives in Alabama with her husband\, retired Judge Robert Vance Jr.\, their four kids\, a collection of pets—and she knits\, a lot. \nReed Galen is an independent political strategist\, co-founder of The Lincoln Project\, and currently serves as the President of The Union\, a nationwide coalition working to rebuild American democracy from the ground up. The Union brings together volunteers\, organizers\, and local leaders to support decent\, competent candidates at every level of government. Under Reed’s leadership\, The Union is building the infrastructure needed to show up in all 50 states and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/hands-off-our-ballots/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Recap_Marc-Elias_Joyce-Vance.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260309T200933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T192003Z
UID:62452-1773921600-1773925200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Cornhuskers Countdown: Nebraska and the 2026 Midterms
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, March 19\, BigTentUSA convened a TentTalk discussion highlighting the political stakes in Nebraska ahead of the 2026 midterms. \nWith Aaron Parnas as moderator\, independent candidate for U.S. Senate Dan Osborn pointed to rising living costs and a worsening economic outlook for farmers—driven by flawed economic policies and tariffs—as the defining pressures shaping voter sentiment. He made clear that these challenges are fueling a growing demand for change—and that voters have the power to demand better. \nOsborn called for meaningful campaign finance reform\, arguing that local races should not require massive sums of money and that elected officials must remain accountable to constituents\, not special interests. As a longtime registered Independent\, he also urged participants to think beyond party lines and actively support candidates based on their ideas\, integrity\, and experience. The conversation positioned Nebraska as a critical proving ground for a broader movement toward accountability and reform. \nOsborn closed with a powerful call to action\, encouraging immediate support for Nebraskans affected by the largest wildfire in the state’s history—and reminding everyone that showing up for one another is where real change begins. \nSupport Nebraskans affected by the wildfires: \n\nNebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund\nNebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund\nUnited Way of Western Nebraska\nAmerican Red Cross Nebraska Region\nThe Salvation Army\nNebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund\n\n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nDan Osborn is a steamfitter and former union leader who gained national attention leading the 77-day Kellogg’s strike in Omaha in 2021. As president of the Bakery\, Confectionery\, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 50G\, he successfully negotiated wage increases and prevented implementation of a two-tier wage system for over 1\,400 workers. A U.S. Navy veteran and father of three\, Osborn has spent the last 20 years punching a clock as a steamfitter and industrial engineer\, work that he continues to do while campaigning for Senate. He is running as an independent candidate focused on economic issues affecting working families. \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/cornhuskers-countdown/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Recap_Dan-Osborn_Aaron-Parnas.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260324T192641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T184135Z
UID:62935-1774983600-1774987200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:On The Brink: The Iran War Explained
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, March 31\, Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4) and national security expert Miles Taylor unpacked the Iran conflict\, explaining how geopolitical tensions\, media narratives\, and domestic politics are intersecting in ways that could increase the risk of escalation. Moderated by Charlie Sykes\, author of the To The Contrary newsletter and podcast\, speakers emphasized that the human\, economic\, and global consequences of conflict are often treated too abstractly\, underscoring the importance of staying informed and engaged. \nThe discussion also focused on practical ways individuals can take action: diversifying news sources\, contacting elected officials to end U.S involvement in the war with Iran\, backing candidates committed to democratic norms in competitive races\, and engaging in informed conversations within their communities. \nThe takeaway was straightforward: understanding the stakes is important\, but meaningful change depends on sustained engagement and informed action. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \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. \nMiles Taylor is a national security expert who works in Washington\, DC as Founder of DEFIANCE.org. Taylor previously served as chief of staff at the US Department of Homeland Security\, where he published a bombshell “Anonymous” essay in The New York Times\, blowing the whistle on presidential misconduct. He later published the #1 national bestseller A Warning\, revealed himself to be the author\, and launched a campaign of ex-officials to oppose Donald Trump’s reelection. Taylor is also the author of The New York Times best-selling book Blowback and the host of the iHeartRadio podcast “The Whistleblowers.” \nCharlie Sykes is the author of the Substack newsletter\, “To the Contrary\,” and contributes to The Atlantic and MSNBC. His most recent book\, How the Right Lost Its Mind\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, was released in October 2017. \nSykes has written for The New York Times\, The Atlantic\, The Weekly Standard\, The Washington Post\, Commentary\, The Wall Street Journal\, Politico\, The Los Angeles Times\, Newsweek\, Time.com\, USA Today\, National Review\, The New York Review of Books\, the New York Daily News\, and other national publications.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/iran-war-explained/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Recap_Jim-Himes_Miles-Taylor_Charlie-Sykes-1.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T130000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260325T234809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T203557Z
UID:62943-1775736000-1775739600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Courageous Citizenship: Bridging the Divide
DESCRIPTION:On April 9\, BigTentUSA convened a timely conversation featuring Randy Freeman and Michael Asbury of Braver Angels\, the nation’s largest cross-partisan volunteer movement working to bridge America’s political divide. Moderated by Jess Piper\, Executive Director of Blue Missouri\, the trio explored how Americans can better navigate political differences. Drawing on lived experiences\, Jess noted a shift in her rural Missouri community\, where some previously loyal MAGA voters are beginning to question the Trump Administration as policies more directly affect their daily lives. \nSpeakers shared practical techniques for engaging across divides\, grounded in real-world examples of communities working through deep disagreement. A central theme was focusing on what individuals can control: their own mindset\, how they listen\, and how they communicate. Participants were encouraged to approach conversations with curiosity\, while also recognizing when it’s more productive to disengage from those unwilling to listen. The discussion emphasized that this work unfolds over time\, positioning the Braver Angels approach as a long-term investment in rebuilding trust and strengthening civic dialogue. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \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 \nRandy Freeman is a retired psychotherapist and couples therapist who joined Braver Angels in 2017 because she was upset about the political divisiveness. She is presently the New York State Coordinator\, an Ambassador and a moderator for the organization.  Randy sees this as a continuation of her work as a couples therapist and sees her role as a therapist for the country. \nMichael Asbury is the Co-Chair of the Capital Region of NY State Alliance of Braver Angels since 2020\, one of over 125 such local Alliances across the USA. Serving with a Co-Chair of the opposite political persuasion\, he guides the local mission of Braver Angels to bring Americans together by bridging the partisan divide to strengthen our democratic republic\, and by seeking common ground where none was formerly known.  Braver Angels works with all those answering the call for civic renewal.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/courageous-citizenship/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,BigTent Action Opportunities,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Recap_Braver-Angels-Jess-Piper.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260413T160318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T214054Z
UID:62998-1776798000-1776801600@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:The Next Wave: New Leaders\, Real Change
DESCRIPTION:On Tuesday\, April 21\, Congressional candidates\, Shannon Bird (CO-8)\, Paige Cognetti (PA-8)\, and Nancy Lacore (SC-1)\, shared relatable stories in a powerful discussion moderated by Alli Peters of Majority Democrats. From voters struggling with rising costs and deepening distrust in government to a growing sense that leaders have lost touch\, no issue was off the table. The candidates pointed to stark examples—a senior forced to choose between groceries and medical care\, and communities demanding greater transparency—to underscore a consistent message: the country is facing a dual crisis of affordability and accountability. \nEach candidate emphasized practical leadership rooted in service—whether balancing budgets\, defending democratic institutions\, or putting people over special interests. They pushed back on extremism and highlighted the need to rebuild trust through responsiveness and results. \nThe throughline: change won’t come from Washington alone. Citizens are urged to take action—engage locally\, support candidates who reflect their values\, stay informed\, and speak up consistently. \nThe stakes are real\, and so is the opportunity—this moment demands participation\, not spectatorship. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nShannon Bird\, raised by a hardworking single mother and grandmother\, understands the struggles families face and is committed to fighting for hardworking Coloradans. After a career in law and public service\, she became a strong advocate for equitable education and community empowerment. In the Colorado State House\, she has fought for job creation\, small businesses\, reproductive rights\, and climate action. Now\, she is running for Congress in Colorado’s Eighth District to defend democracy and ensure Colorado remains a place where everyone can achieve their dreams. \nMayor Paige Cognetti has built her career on making government more accountable\, transparent\, and responsive. After uncovering corruption as a state auditor and serving on the Scranton School Board\, she ran for mayor in 2019 as an Independent and won\, becoming the city’s first woman mayor. In office\, she has taken on special interests\, eliminated waste\, restored finances to investment grade\, secured over $155 million in funding\, and driven economic growth. She is now running for Congress to bring that commitment to Washington. \nNancy Lacore served for 35 years in the Navy\, beginning as a helicopter pilot and rising to three-star admiral and Chief of Navy Reserve\, leading more than 60\,000 sailors. Her career took her around the world\, grounded in family and a deep love of country. Following her father’s footsteps\, she earned an ROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross and was commissioned after graduation. She and her husband Pat\, also a Navy pilot\, have been married 30 years and raised six children with a strong sense of service. \nAlli Peters is Chief Digital Officer at Majority Democrats and a director and editor based between Los Angeles and Madison\, Wisconsin. She most recently managed Adam Schiff’s successful U.S. Senate campaign. Her work focuses on reshaping how people perceive the Democratic Party: restoring trust through human\, optimistic storytelling that shows how politics can meaningfully improve people’s lives.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/the-next-wave/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Recap_Bird_Cognetti_Lacore.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260420T211010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T211010Z
UID:63370-1777575600-1777579200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:America’s Next Chapter: Renewal\, Tough Leadership\, and 2028
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday\, April 30 at 7pm ET for a virtual conversation with Amb. Rahm Emanuel. Moderated by Rachel Janfaza of The Up and Up\, they will discuss why he believes corruption has been “normalized” in American politics\, what it will take to rebuild trust at home and credibility abroad\, and how his vision for 2028 differs from both “Trumpism” and the Democratic Party’s more ideological wings. \nAmb. Emanuel has spent the past year arguing that America needs a “renewal wing” of the Democratic Party—one focused on middle‑class economics\, public education\, public safety\, and restoring faith in democratic institutions\, rather than replaying the Trump era on a loop. He has outlined a “six for ’26” agenda for Democrats\, emphasized raising wages and lowering health‑care costs\, called for strict ethics reforms and age limits in government\, and pushed for serious investments in reading and basic education as the foundation of opportunity. At the same time\, he has been openly exploring a 2028 presidential bid\, arguing that “tough times require a tough leader\,” and positioning himself as a centrist\, results-driven alternative who believes the next election should be about ideas\, competence\, and rebuilding the American middle class. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nRahm I. Emanuel most recently served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan\, where he strengthened the U.S.-Japan alliance and supported expanded security cooperation. He previously served as the 55th Mayor of Chicago\, leading major investments in education\, public safety\, infrastructure\, and economic development\, including universal pre-K\, free community college\, and the O’Hare modernization program. Earlier\, he was President Obama’s Chief of Staff\, helping pass the Recovery Act and Affordable Care Act\, and served four terms in Congress. Emanuel also held senior roles in the Clinton administration. He holds degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University. \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/americas-next-chapter/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RSVP_Rahm-Emanuel_Rachel-Janfaza.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T221215
CREATED:20260427T202703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T152641Z
UID:63401-1778092200-1778095800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Securing the States: Protecting Our Vote
DESCRIPTION:The fight for democracy is being won—and challenged—state by state. \nJoin BigTentUSA—at a new time—Wednesday\, May 6 at 6:30pm ET for a dynamic virtual conversation with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and New Mexico’s Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin—two leaders who have stood on the frontlines of protecting free and fair elections. \nAmanda López Askin is running for Secretary of State in New Mexico and has successfully defended her office’s work against denialism\, extremism\, and repeated legal challenges. Jocelyn Benson has done the same in Michigan—and now brings that fight to her campaign for Governor. Together\, they’ll break down the real challenges election officials face\, what it takes to safeguard elections at the state level\, and how individuals can take action to support election integrity in their own communities. \nDemocracy doesn’t defend itself—be part of the effort to protect it where it matters most. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nAmanda López Askin is a public servant rooted in New Mexico\, raised in Las Cruces by a hardworking single mother who relied on assistance and public housing. She became a therapist\, helping children in foster care\, before serving as Doña Ana County Clerk. In that role\, she leads with fairness and compassion\, ensuring election integrity while combating misinformation and protecting election workers. Now running for Secretary of State\, Amanda is focused on keeping elections safe and secure\, expanding voter access and education\, increasing campaign finance transparency\, and supporting small businesses by streamlining licensing processes across the state. \nJocelyn Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State and a Democratic candidate for governor. Raised in a working-class family by two special education teachers\, she was shaped by values of hard work\, opportunity\, and service. Since 2019\, she has transformed Michigan’s motor vehicle services\, improving efficiency with 150+ convenient self-service stations\, while strengthening election security and access. In the face of threats to both herself and her colleagues\, she oversaw two of the highest-turnout\, transparent elections in state history. Benson is running for governor to expand efficient\, accessible public services\, lower costs for working families\, and invest in education\, housing\, child care\, health care\, and economic development for all.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/securing-the-states/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:BigTent Spotlight Speaker Series,BigTent Events,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RSVP_Lopez-Askin_Benson-1.webp
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