TED Democracy LIVE: Founding Futures

Libraries strengthen democracy every day.

Join us on Saturday, June 13, for big ideas, thoughtful conversation, and a shared civic moment.

This symposium features 15⁺ brand-new TED Talks focused on the evolution and future of democracy, streaming live from Philadelphia during America's 250^th anniversary.

Founding Futures: TED Democracy Live
Saturday, June 13
8 am to 3 pm
Brookwood Library

Listen to some of the world's brightest thinkers, offering brand-new TED Talks designed to challenge perspectives and inspire action.

Topics will range from media literacy and race to the intersection of AI and democracy, economic equity, and more.

This hybrid event is a come-and-go format designed to fit your schedule. Stop by for an hour or stay all day. These sessions are free, ADA accessible, and open to the community. No registration required.

Translation and interpretation services are available upon request, with a notice period of 72 hours. Call 503-615-6500. Requests submitted with less than 72 hours' notice cannot be guaranteed.

Schedule

8 am Welcome & Session 1: TED DEMOCRACY LIVE, streamed from Philadelphia
9:30 am Break
9:45 am Local programming
11 am Session 2: TED DEMOCRACY LIVE, streamed from Philadelphia
12:30 pm Break
1 pm Session 3: TED DEMOCRACY LIVE, streamed from Philadelphia
2:30 pm Wrap Up Discussion

Scheduled Speakers include:

• Jon Alexander, Citizen Futurist
• Terrill "Terry" Bouricius, Recovering Politician
• Michael Dimock, President, Pew Research Center
• Aria Florant, Reparations Catalyst
• Jen Golbeck, AI Ethicist

See the full current Speaker Lineup (scroll down for speaker list and bios)

Presented in collaboration with Visit Philadelphia and partners nationwide, and sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts, this event connects local conversation to a national moment.