Frontiers of Democracy 2026: The United States at 250: Meeting the Moment for Democracy, in the US and Around the World

October 2 – 4 | Tufts University in Medford, MA

Frontiers of Democracy is an annual conference at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life that convenes practitioners, scholars, leaders, and community members from across the United States and the world. I co-led (or even sometimes solely led) this conference between 2009 and 2025, but I am delighted that a new set of leaders has taken it over. Although I am (thankfully) no longer in charge, I will be there and excited to see many friends and meet new ones. The agenda–with at least 19 different sessions–looks rich and interesting. As always, the sessions tend to be highly interactive and informal, and the participants bridge the worlds of research and teaching and practice and advocacy.

At a moment of significant political change in the United States and around the world, the Frontiers of Democracy 2026 convening will explore the essential elements of democratic process, policy, and partnership. Drawing on global, historical, and youth perspectives, and using the framework of generous listening, we will examine the intersections of political pluralism, activism, and academia—and consider how to meet this pivotal moment in history.

While this framing guides our conversation, the convening is not limited to a single theme. Sessions will also engage with topics central to Tisch College’s North Star: building robust, inclusive democracy for an increasingly multiracial society.

The agenda will feature concurrent breakout sessions, keynotes, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities, including an organization and poster fair. We are pleased to announce Danielle R. Holley, President of Mount Holyoke College as this year’s keynote speaker.

Here, again, is the Agenda. Register now!

This event is hosted by the Vuslat Foundation Generous Listening and Dialogue Initiative(VF-GLADi) and the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University