The inaugural symposium was convened January 8–9 2020 and focused on the importance of institutions in strengthening our fragile democracy. During the two-day event, contributors focused on the role that workplaces, non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and colleges play as mediators through which Americans might learn not only to treat one another with greater respect and understanding, but also to practice a new civic politics: a people-centered, people-driven, co-creative approach to building a common life.

Symposia participants included:

• Harry Boyte, Senior Scholar in Public Work, Augsburg University
• Albert Dzur, Distinguished Research Professor, Bowling Green State University
• Carol Lee, Professor Emerita, Northwestern University
• Anand Marri, Professor and Dean of Teachers College, Ball State University
• Bobby Milstein, Director, System Strategy, Rippel Foundation; Lecturer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Felice Nudelman, Chancellor, Antioch University
• Rebecca Shamash, Managing Editor, The Good Society; Associate Director of Research, Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society, Stanford University
• Andy Smarick, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute
• Pedja Stojicic M.D., Executive Director, People Power Health
• Trygve Throntveit, Editor, The Good Society; Director of Strategic Partnerships, Minnesota Humanities Center
• Kristin Van Dorn, Doctoral Student, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• David Weerts, Professor, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• John Wood, National Ambassador, Braver Angels

Symposia proceedings were published in a 2021 special issue of The Good Society: A Journal of Civic Studies.

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