RQ'S FOUNDER'S WEEKEND: TURNING AWAY FROM POLITICAL VIOLENCE

What is our personal responsibility when it comes to stopping the cycle of political polarization and violence?
The lastest violent poltical act in America, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, is cipher event that Americans see in wildly divergent ways; some even celebrated the killing. But no matter where you are on the political spectrum, we are are all responsible for cultivating a culture of non-violence where we can freely debate in public. That starts with how we ourselves come to conversations with others who don't share our views. No one is exempt, and it's not easy.
Where do we start if we want to be part of the solution?
American’s are familiar with the idea of E pluribus unum: Out of many—one. But political violence—fomented on the left and right with calls, for instance, of “by any means neccessary,” are resulting in a culture in which we demand that others hold our point of view, or be punished. How do we come together, first to seek to understand what others think, and then to find common ground? What tools and training might each of us need to live in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, politically heterogeneous populace where we cannot possibly come to agreement? Are we no longer willing to live and let live?
LECTURE BY MAURY GILES, CEO, BRAVER ANGELS
PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW WITH:

MAURY GILES, CEO, Braver Angels // Braver Angels is the largest grassroots political depolarization organization in the country. It’s mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
DEVIN SCANLON, executive director, Pluralist Lab // The Pluralist Lab empowers the next generation of leaders to navigate difference with clarity, courage, and respect. Through immersive workshops, curated forums, and a growing alumni network, we help students, educators, and community members build the skills, habits, and dispositions necessary for civil discourse and institutional leadership in a diverse and divided world.
PHIL LINDSAY, leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society // Director, Democracy Innovation HUB, Bard College’s Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and the Humanities. The Philadelphia Ethical Society is a humanist congregation dedicated to honoring the worth and dignity of every human being. The Democracy Innovation Hub at the HAC aims to inspire an ecosystem of civic innovators to build a more resilient, innovative and collaborative democracy. We convene and train public servants, community leaders and educators to use participatory methods of engagement and tools, with a focus on citizens’ assemblies.
MODERATOR: HEATHER SHAYNE BLAKESLEE, Founding publisher and editor of Root Quarterly // RQ elevates and celebrates humanity with artistic collaboration and radical conversation. Toward a more beautiful future

Partner Host: The Philadelphia Ethical Society

WHAT IS ROOT QUARTERLY'S FOUNDER'S WEEKEND?
It's a grassroots convening by Root Quarterly magazine with many partner organizations, all of whom are intersted in promoting a pluralistic culture of free expression. A thousand years from now, the first 500 years of our country will be considered early-American history. That means we are all founders, responsible and accountable for the direction of the United States. America is an experiment. Be part of it.
HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO OTHER FOUNDER'S WEEKEND EVENTS?
There are two options. First, you can buy a "Founders Ticket," from this event, which gets you access to all public and private events, including our exclusive "Franklin Lecture" at the Franklin Inn Club. Or, you can register for each event separately. The homepage of Founder's Weekend list all events and has links to ticketing for each program. If you cannot afford a ticket, email [email protected] to ask for a scholarship; no one will be turned away for need. Events are also free for students.

WHAT IS ROOT QUARTERLY?

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RQ is one part magazine, one part collaborative art project, and one part social experiment. We’ll offer you insightful and provocative essays, profiles of regional makers and artists, national cultural criticism, fiction, poetry, and carefully-curated recommendations for getting the most out of life in our city and region—all in a beautifully designed and printed magazine you can hold in your hands and settle down with on a Sunday afternoon, or argue over at Thursday night happy hour.

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