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Rendering of the forthcoming Karsh Institute Building
News | October 8, 2025
October 8, 2025

Two Organizations Are Leading a Charge for Local Civic Engagement

Events like Democracy360 are essential for putting together the pieces of the collective American future. “Almost everything we hold to be true now was once an offensive idea held by the minority,” says panelist Sarah Isgur. “If we can’t teach the next generation how to debate ideas, this experiment will fail regardless of anything else we do.”

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October 17, 2025

Day 2 at Democracy360: Where Healthy Debate Took Center Stage

Respectful, open dialogue is critical in a healthy democracy. And on Day 2 of Democracy360, that concept ran throughout.

Melody Barnes and Paul Mahoney kicking off Democracy360

October 15, 2025

Democracy360 Opens with a Call to Imagine and Build Together

Day one of Democracy360 highlighted the power of collaboration, from participatory music and community dialogue to higher education partnerships advancing democracy nationwide.

Photo illustration showing the Liberty Bell, the Capitol, and the Thomas Jefferson statue
News | September 26, 2025
September 26, 2025

Democracy360: Imagining the Next 250 Years of American Democracy

As Americans raise urgent questions about the health and direction of democracy, the Karsh Institute’s signature event brings together voices from a variety of perspectives to confront these questions, wrestle with competing ideas, and envision a democracy strong enough to thrive for generations to come.

People gathering on a neighborhood street to grill
News | September 16, 2025
September 16, 2025

A Simple Act to Strengthen Civic Life

What Karsh Institute Practitioner Fellow Sam Pressler learned from a neighborhood-gathering experiment in Charlottesville—and how others can do the same with a $50 microgrant.

connectivetissue.substack.com

Grid of main stage speaker photos

September 3, 2025

The Karsh Institute Announces Full Democracy360 Program

From marquee conversations and exclusive previews to participatory debates and working sessions, UVA’s flagship democracy gathering invites the public to engage in shaping America’s future.

Students working on computers
News | August 15, 2025
August 15, 2025

A Civic Moonshot: College Is Still Our Best Path Forward

Executive Director Melody Barnes and board member John Bridgeland co-wrote an op-ed asserting that despite rising skepticism, college remains the best path to economic mobility and civic renewal. Barnes and Bridgeland are former directors of the White House Domestic Policy Council under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, respectively.

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