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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T200000
DTSTAMP:20261021T194148Z
CREATED:20260929T224936Z
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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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T130000
DTSTAMP:20261022T173042Z
CREATED:20261013T150637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T173042Z
UID:67872-1792411200-1792414800@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Ballot: Moderate Women and the Midterms
DESCRIPTION:At BigTentUSA’s October 19 TentTalk\, Jackie Payne\, Founder and Executive Director of Galvanize Action\, joined to explore what moderate women want heading into the midterms. Drawing on research focused on moderate white women\, Payne highlighted affordability\, healthcare costs\, and frustration with corruption as powerful concerns. These voters want honest leaders who respect the rule of law\, understand their struggles\, and deliver for their families. \nPayne explained how Galvanize builds trust through relatable social media content\, trusted creators\, and its Dear Grace advice platform. By addressing everyday challenges\, these programs strengthen confidence\, counter divisive narratives\, and encourage civic participation. Her message: meaningful engagement requires sustained relationships\, empathy\, and practical solutions. \nAttendees were encouraged to explore Galvanize’s work and help protect elections by becoming poll workers or poll watchers. \nListen\, build trust\, and turn shared values into action for democracy in your community. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER: \nJackie Payne is the Founder and Executive Director of Galvanize Action\, where she is connecting with moderate women to promote civic engagement\, combat extremism\, and increase pro-democracy behavior. Leading innovative work informed by data science\, behavioral psychology\, and neuroscience to engage moderates\, her efforts are effectively supporting this audience to stand up for our democracy and each other. Prior to founding Galvanize USA and Galvanize Action\, Jackie designed and ran a national movement-building project for the NoVo Foundation\, championed reproductive justice as the Director of Government Relations for Planned Parenthood Federation of America\, and economic justice as a Legal Aid lawyer and as Policy Attorney for the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund. She is a trustee of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation and on the board of the Women and Justice Project.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/moderate-women-and-the-midterms/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,BigTent Events,Womens Empowerment and Rights,Preserving Democracy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1019-Social-Media-Toolkit_Jackie-Payne-3.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T130000
DTSTAMP:20261016T224205Z
CREATED:20261016T224205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261016T224205Z
UID:67903-1792756800-1792760400@bigtentusa.org
SUMMARY:From Environmentalist to Super Voter: Building Power at the Ballot Box
DESCRIPTION:Join BigTentUSA on Friday\, October 23\, at 12pm ET\, for a special TentTalk with Nathaniel Stinnett\, Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project (EVP)\, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing voter participation among environmentalists. \nNathaniel will introduce EVP’s mission and explain how the organization uses data and behavioral science to encourage environmentalists to vote. He will also share practical ways to get involved\, including phone banking\, door knocking\, and upcoming volunteer opportunities. This conversation will give BigTentUSA members and other attendees the chance to learn directly from Nathaniel about EVP’s work and discover how they can contribute to its voter engagement efforts. \n  \nABOUT THE SPEAKER: \nNathaniel Stinnett is the Founder & Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project\, a cutting-edge nonprofit using data analytics and behavioral science to mobilize environmentalists to vote. Named one of five global “climate visionaries” by The New York Times in 2018\, and dubbed “The Voting Guru” by Grist magazine\, Stinnett is a frequent expert speaker on experimental campaign techniques and the behavioral science behind getting people to vote. He has held a variety of senior leadership positions on US Senate\, Congressional\, state\, and mayoral campaigns\, and he sits on the Board of Advisors for MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative. He lives in Boston with his wife and two children.
URL:https://bigtentusa.org/event/environmentalist-to-super-voter/
LOCATION:BigTent Zoom Room
CATEGORIES:Tent Talks,BigTent Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bigtentusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-16-at-5.01.04-PM.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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