Participation, Representation & Accountability

‘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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.