Frontiers of Democracy Conference 2025

Frontiers of Democracy is an annual conference at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life that convenes practitioners, scholars, leaders, and community members from across the United States and the world.

Please hold the dates (June 19-21), register and purchase tickets at the “early bird” discount rate until March 29, and consider proposing one or more sessions for the conference by April 18.

This year’s special theme is “Listening and Leading,” focused on how to characterize, navigate, and overcome challenges associated with division and polarization in our world. Join us for robust conversations (and constructive disagreements) about the role and place for listening and dialogue across difference for thriving, peace, and justice.

This theme is not exclusive; we welcome sessions on other topics related to Tisch College’s “North Star:” building robust, inclusive democracy for an increasingly multiracial society. As always, we are eager to continue past conversations, such as about violence and nonviolence, and religious pluralism and democracy. We would welcome proposals in these areas, regardless of whether they relate to listening and dialogue.

Although we will consider proposals for presentations or panels of presentations, we generally prefer proposals for other formats, such as moderated discussions, meetings devoted to strategy or design, trainings and workshops, case study discussions, debates, and other creative formats.

Please check the conference site for the full agenda, session descriptions and list of speakers. This information will be updated as the conference develops.

• Tickets to the Frontiers of Democracy conference will be available through June 15, at 11:59PM.
• We will honor your email request for a refund through June 15. After this date we will be unable to refund any registrations.
• You are responsible for you own lodging and transportation.
• 177 College Ave, Medford, MA can be used as a point of reference when looking for lodging. That building is on the MBTA Green Line (subway system), Medford/Tufts Station.
• ACCESSIBILITY: The building is equipped with accessible bathrooms and step-free entrances with buttons to open doors. If you have questions concerning access or wish to request a disability-related accommodation, please contact Samara Jones at [email protected] by two weeks before the event. Please visit this interactive map to locate our accessible parking spots and other campus accessibility information.
• Thursday, June 19 there will be an evening reception starting at 5PM.
• Friday, June 20, breakfast and lunch will be offered.
• Saturday, June 21, breakfast and lunch will be offered.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Host or Publisher Tisch College