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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T190000
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UID:67699-1789671600-1789675200@bigtentusa.org
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 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. \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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T133000
DTSTAMP:20260915T164440Z
CREATED:20260915T164440Z
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UID:67789-1791894600-1791898200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:“I Disagree:” The Politics of a Healthy Debate
DESCRIPTION:Ever found yourself bracing for a political argument at the dinner table? You’re not alone. And if you’ve ever wondered how to stand your ground without losing the relationship\, this conversation is for you. \nJoin BigTentUSA on Tuesday\, October 13 at 12:30 PM ET for a livestream conversation with Jessica Tarlov\, Fox News political strategist and author of “I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends”\, moderated by Rachel Janfaza\, The Bulwark contributor and founder of The Up and Up. \nDrawing on her experience debating politics on “The Five”\, Jessica will share practical tools for navigating disagreement with honesty\, confidence\, and a little more grace. Together\, Jessica and Rachel will explore why listening matters\, how to find common ground\, and how we can disagree without turning every conversation into a battle. \nWatch live on BigTentUSA’s Substack\, YouTube\, Facebook\, and Instagram. \n50 FREE copies of Jessica’s book will be given away to livestream viewers. Tune in to the discussion for details! \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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T190000
DTSTAMP:20260917T191155Z
CREATED:20260917T191155Z
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UID:67808-1792605600-1792609200@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:America at 250: The Promise of Democracy and Freedom
DESCRIPTION:What happens when America’s founding promises collide with the realities of American history? \nOn Wednesday\, October 21 at 6pm ET\, in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary\, BigTentUSA is taking a closer look at two of the most powerful—and contested—words in our political vocabulary: democracy and freedom. \nThis event launches BigTentUSA’s new discussion series\, Words\, Power & Politics\, exploring how the words we use to describe our politics have been defined\, debated\, and weaponized throughout American history—and what they mean today. \nHistorian Heather Cox Richardson\, moderated by independent journalist Aaron Parnas\, will examine how the meanings of democracy and freedom embedded in the Constitution have evolved\, and how they have been invoked to expand rights—and\, at times\, to justify taking them away. We’ll explore who has been included in America’s promises\, who has been excluded\, and what history can teach us about the political battles unfolding today. \nWhat will it take to make America’s promises real for everyone—and protect them for the next 250 years? \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/RSVP_HRC_Aaron-Parnas.webp
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