From law and institutions to empathy and understanding, the final day of Democracy360 showcased how shared stories can shape the next 250 years of American democracy. 

The last day of Democracy360 highlighted the strength of civic engagement and the power of stories to bridge divides and illuminate voices. From conversations about the rule of law to reflections on America’s shared narratives, participants explored how democracy is sustained not only through institutions and norms but also through the human stories that connect us across difference. 

“It’s great that UVA is having these civil conversations,” said George Mason University student Nia Christy, who attended “Declaration Next,” a working session that brought together college students from across Virginia to examine the nation’s founding ideals and imagine the next 250 years. “We've talked a lot about nonpartisanship during the time of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Right now, there's a lot of tension and polarization, so it's great to hear from people on different sides.” 

That spirit of dialogue and discovery carried through the day’s public events and private sessions alike. 

The morning began with “Join the Conversation: ‘Feast of Reason,’” a Monticello-inspired lunchtime dialogue modeled on Thomas Jefferson’s legendary dinner parties. Participants shared a meal while exploring civic identity, democratic values, and the legacy of 1776 through a guided conversation designed to build understanding and connection across perspectives. 

Later, “Guardrails of Democracy: The Law, Institutions, and the American Experiment” brought together former DOJ spokesperson Sarah Isgur and Ambassador (ret.) Norman Eisen for a conversation moderated by Evan Smith, co-founder of The Texas Tribune. Together, they examined how the Constitution, courts, and civic norms respond under strain and how they continue to evolve amid today’s political and legal volatility. 
  
“We all need to hold our political beliefs with a certain amount of humility,” Isgur reflected, emphasizing the balance between conviction and compromise that sustains democracy. 

This year’s Democracy360 concluded with “Stories That Bind Us: A Conversation with Beth Macy.” The acclaimed author of Dopesick and Factory Man joined Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes for a discussion about how storytelling can illuminate unseen struggles, foster empathy, and reconnect communities. Macy shared how economic upheaval, cultural tensions, and the decline of local journalism have reshaped her hometown and the nation as a whole. 

“Local news outlets don’t just provide ‘news you can use,’” she said. “They tell empathy-building stories that strengthen communities. When I wrote about teen pregnancies in Roanoke, the city responded, created a task force, and the rate went down. There’s no capacity for that work anymore unless you’re The New York Times.” 
 

Several private working sessions also wrapped up on Friday. 

At “Declaration Next,” a partnership between the Karsh Institute, Monticello, and More Perfect, supported by Lumina Foundation, students concluded their two-day program by drafting a “Declaration for the Future of American Democracy,” envisioning how their generation can shape the next 250 years of civic life. 

In “Optimizing American Democratic Capitalism for the 21st Century,” scholars and students explored how to strengthen democratic capitalism amid political polarization, focusing on strategies that better serve American interests at home and abroad. Hosted by the Democracy and Capitalism Lab, the session will culminate in a policy playbook outlining practical steps for reform. 

Meanwhile, “Free Speech on College Campuses,” hosted by Think Again @ UVA and the Campus Discourse Project, convened national leaders to discuss how universities can foster dialogue and strengthen civic understanding. The working session concluded with a lively “Disagree with a Professor” event on UVA’s Lawn, where students engaged in open, respectful exchanges across viewpoints. 

The impact of these working sessions will reach well beyond Democracy360. Together, they laid the groundwork for new partnerships and future initiatives that will continue to advance the Karsh Institute’s mission to strengthen democracy through understanding, participation, and shared purpose. 

Across three days of debate and storytelling, Democracy360 invited thousands of participants to listen, question, and connect, illuminating how our shared experiences connect us and can help us build a more vibrant democratic future.