Event: We the People: A Conversation About Philanthropy and Democracy Nov. 12

We the People: A Conversation about Philanthropy and Democracy

Join CHIP for “We the People: A Conversation About Philanthropy and Democracy” at the Free Library of Philadelphia, November 12, 2019

Penn’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy will bring together funders, nonprofits, and community members for a briefing on our “We the People” guidance and a discussion on how philanthropy can strengthen democracy within our polarized times.

Moderated by CHIP Founding Executive Director Katherina Rosqueta, the panel will feature We the People project manager Conor Carroll, Chris Satullo, director of Draw the Lines PA, Cassie Haynes, co-executive director of Resolve Philadelphia, and Eugene Sonn, audio news director of WHYY.

The event will be hosted Tuesday, November 12 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement at the Free Library of Philadelphia, with remarks beginning at 4:30. The Heim Center is a public space at the Parkway Central Library that offers a forum for lively engagement and interaction, artistic expression, civic discourse, and grassroots problem solving.

Multiple surveys over the past decade have revealed a trend of declining confidence in democracy among Americans. While many factors contribute to this growing sense that democracy is weakening, there are practical and thoughtful efforts underway to reverse these sentiments. Developed by the Center for High Impact Philanthropy, a multidisciplinary, nonprofit center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, and supported by Democracy Fund,We the People: A Philanthropic Guide to Strengthening Democracy” creates a framework for anyone looking to strengthen the democratic system.

CHIP’s “We the People” event will highlight:

  • CHIP’s framework, including five elements of a strong democracy
  • How to apply the framework toward increasing civic engagement and reinvigorating local media
  • Local and national examples of nonprofits working to strengthen democracy, including Draw the Lines PA, Resolve Philadelphia, Orton Family Foundation, and the American Journalism Project.

Limited seats are available so registration is encouraged. Please contact conorpc@upenn.edu for more information.