Guardians of Democracy: Building a Pro-Democracy Movement in the U.S.

What can U.S. residents learn from people who have fought to defend democracy under far more difficult circumstances? Join activists, organizers, journalists, and civic leaders from around Latin America as they share firsthand stories of protecting democratic institutions, expanding civic participation, and standing up to corruption, repression, and political polarization.

As the United States faces its own challenges to democratic norms and public trust, these conversations offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship, the resilience of democratic movements, and the actions ordinary people can take to strengthen democracy in their own communities. Through global perspectives and local reflection, Guardians of Democracy invites us to consider what democracy requires—and how we can help sustain it for future generations.

Featured speakers include:

• Steven Donziger (Moderator), lawyer for Amazon communities that won $9.5B against Chevron
• Mynor Alonzo, Guatemalan political analyst, strategist, and co-founder of FOCO
• Chris Hedges, Journalist and author
• Dayana Mosquera, Global Exchange consultant in Colombia
• Alberto Solís Castro, Mexican peacebuilder and human rights specialist

Sponsored by The New York Society for Ethical Culture, League of Women Voters NYC, Third Act NYC, 350NYC, and Upper West Side Action Group.

About Global Exchange's Democracy Defenders Roadshow

Around the world, democracies have come under increasing pressure from authoritarian movements, disinformation campaigns, attacks on independent institutions, and political leaders willing to undermine democratic norms for power.

The Democracy Defenders Roadshow connects U.S. audiences with leaders who have lived through these struggles — not as abstract observers, but as people who have fought to defend democratic systems under attack. By bringing these voices directly to communities across the country, the tour aims to empower audiences in protecting democratic institutions before it is too late.

Learn more here.