UM Democracy Summit

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UM Strategy

Democracy Summit 2026

��ؿ� Democracy Summit logo

April 13-14, 2026

��ؿ� Campus

Free and open to the public

This year’s summit—Moving from Isolation to Social Connection—creates space for respectful, creative, and productive engagement.

The program blends plenary sessions with smaller workshops and live, embodied experiences. Participants will explore social connection as a foundation for both a healthy democracy and a meaningful, healthy life.

The closing session will weave together insights gathered throughout the day.

Schedule at a Glance

Monday, April 13, 2026

7:30pm Democracy Summit Keynote Event: Jad Abumrad (UC Ballroom)

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

8:30–9:15: Morning opening session: welcome, framing, and coffee/juice (UC Ballroom)

9:30–10:50: Concurrent presentation sessions

11:00–12:20: Concurrent presentation sessions

12:30–1:50: Lunch: Join fellow Summit attendees at The Lodge Dining Center. Be sure to mention that you are attending the Democracy Summit for a discounted price of $13.50. Please note that cash is not accepted.

2:00–3:20: Concurrent presentation sessions

3:30–4:20: Closing reception: reflection and gathering insights (UC Ballroom)

For more information on the schedule, please visit the 2026 Democracy Summit Schedule.

For more information on the presenters, please visit the Democracy Summit Presenter Biographies.

Session Format

The Democracy Summit will include an opening and closing session and three separate time blocks where attendees can select their session of interest. Individual sessions will include one 80-minute presentation or two 40-minute presentations. The majority of sessions are in-person but there is also a livestream option available for each time block. Abstracts and locations are linked in the schedule.

What to expect

Conversations on social connection and its role in shaping democracy
Insights from the science of belonging and community health
Examples of proven community-building efforts
Dialogue on technology’s role in shaping relationships
Sessions on intergenerational connection, collective action, and public health
Perspectives on how institutions (businesses, non-profits, schools, clinics, libraries and more) can foster stronger social bonds
Experiences that emphasize creativity and imagination in building social connection

Together, we’ll imagine, learn, share, and practice the art of social connection and explore why it's the vital ingredient for addressing polarization and building resilient communities that solve challenges together.  

Parking Information

The top level of the parking garage adjacent to the Mansfield Library (Lot R-3 on the ) will be reserved for free use by Democracy Summit presenters and attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. The entrance to the garage is located on Campus Drive (see below map for more information).

Additional parking is available in hourly lots on campus. Hourly parking is $1.25 per hour and can be paid using the Passport app. Day passes can also be purchased on the .