Participation, Representation & Accountability
Toward a More Responsible and Effective Presidency (Day One)
William Antholis, Don Baer, Peter Baker, Laura Barrón-López, Bob Bauer, Joshua Bolten, Meena Bose, Valerie Smith Boyd, Robert Bruner, Stephen Burns , and more
Leading scholars, journalists, and key practitioners, drawn from both Republican and Democratic administrations, diagnose the problem with the American presidency on day one of this two-day discussion.
Local Election Systems: A Case Study in Virginia Beach
Andrew Block, Kara Fitzgibbon, Charles Hartgrove, Deborah Jonas, Bertrall Ross, Jennifer Rouse
In early 2023, the City of Virginia Beach asked UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service to solicit residents’ feedback and carry out a first-of-its-kind independent review of election systems. Learn more about their findings.
The Great Escape
Sarah Milov, Saket Soni
"The Great Escape" is a stunning book about 500 Indian workers who were held in forced labor camps then escaped, and the yearslong campaign for justice that followed. The book’s author, Saket Soni, discusses that labor fight.
Voting Rights in an Inclusive America
Guy-Uriel Charles, Jennifer Lawless, Michael Morley, Spencer Overton, Bertrall Ross
Large election participation gaps remain in the United States based on race and gender. What is at the core of these challenges, and what are the best ways to respond?
Democratization of Data: Local Data, Local Governance
Michele Claibourn, Daniel Fairley II, Misty Graves, Lee LeBoeuf, Sherica Jones-Lewis
Communities need locally relevant data to inform policymaking and to hold local governments accountable. How can the collaboratively produced Stepping Stones report about the community well-being of the Charlottesville area promote shared understanding across the country at a local level?
Climate Change and Disproportionate Health Burdens
Ebony Hilton, Karen Johnston, Irène Mathieu, Matthew Meyer
Experts consider direct impacts of climate change on public health, and how communities, health care systems, and clinicians can adapt.
Mayors: The Frontline Workers for Democracy
Mattie Parker, Evan Smith, Levar M. Stoney
In the United States and across the world, mayors are taking on increased political importance as they combat complex governance challenges. How are mayoral decisions impacting those within and beyond their city limits?
Toward a More Responsible and Effective Presidency (Day Two)
William Antholis, Don Baer, Peter Baker, Laura Barrón-López, Bob Bauer, Joshua Bolten, Meena Bose, Valerie Smith Boyd, Robert Bruner, Stephen Burns , and more
Leading scholars, journalists, and key practitioners, drawn from both Republican and Democratic administrations, focus on how to fix problems with the American presidency on day two of this two-day discussion.
Millions on the Move: Climate Change, Displacement, and Migration
Jonathan Colmer, Kirsten Gelsdorf, David Leblang, Kayly Ober
There is a climate refugee crisis. What are the current patterns, opportunities, and challenges to humanitarian aid—and how will the future be impacted by what we know today?
Student Pitch Day for Democracy
Undergraduate students from the University of Virginia pitch their ideas for civic engagement to a panel of their peers from the Karsh Institute of Democracy’s Student Advisory Council. Winners will be awarded funding to bring their ideas to life.
Effective Lawmaking: A Cornerstone of Democracy
Earl Pomeroy, Peter Roskam, Craig Volden, Alan Wiseman
What does it mean to be an effective lawmaker in the United States Congress and American state legislatures? And how essential is effective lawmaking to a functioning democracy?
President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships: Anchor Institutions as Civic Participants
Ben Allen, Harold Folley, Pace Lochte, Cristine Nardi, James E. Ryan, Ridge Schuyler
Panelists discuss how the University of Virginia has worked collaboratively to address key challenges to civic participation, including housing, workforce development, educational opportunities, and access to health care.
Stories of America: Democracy, Identity, and Culture
Melody Barnes, Daniel Darling, Conor Friedersdorf, Cecilia Muñoz, Annise Parker
What does it mean to be an American? In this time of deep polarization, is it possible for all sides to embrace a shared national identity?
Live ‘Crystal Ball’ with Larry Sabato
Jamelle Bouie, Larry Sabato, Tara Setmayer, Sean Trende
Larry Sabato brings together leading political analysts on stage to discuss new insights, emerging trends, and potential outcomes of the 2024 general election.
‘The Equity Clinic’: Good Governance at the Local Level
Molly Harlow, Charles Hartgrove, Siri Russell
The Local Government Equity Clinic participants discuss the role of local government in facilitating equity in the community—and what has made the clinic a success.