Thank you to those who attended the Summit. Panel videos can be seen below.
In 2026, Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, will mark a pivotal milestone—the 250th anniversary of the United States. This momentous occasion calls for a reflection on the nation’s democratic journey, from the ideals of equality and liberty embedded in the Declaration of Independence to the ongoing work toward a more perfect union.
The Committee of Seventy (C70) is organizing “The Promise of Democracy: 250 Years and the Path Ahead,” a summit designed to celebrate American democracy while facilitating a necessary dialogue about strengthening its future. This summit will offer an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with a diverse range of leaders—policymakers, educators, activists, and engaged citizens—who will address current challenges and actionable solutions for building a more inclusive democracy.
The summit will take place from July 15-16, 2026 in Philadelphia, convening approximately 250 attendees, including civic leaders, educators, and policymakers. The event kicks of with an opening night keynote by preeminent historian Jon Meacham at The National Constitution Center on July 15th. Then on July 16th, attendees will gather at the Hall of Flags on the University of Pennsylvania campus for a full day of sessions. This includes panels featuring nationally recognized speakers across a range of topics:
Opening Remarks
Featuring Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy; and Dr. John L. Jackson, Jr., Provost of the University of Pennsylvania
Guardrails of Democracy: Defending the Rule of Law
Featuring panelists David Becker, Executive Director & Founder, Center for Election Innovation & Research (CEIR); Jeh Johnson, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and co-chair of the Board of Trustees at Columbia University; Judge John Jones III, former U.S. District Court judge, current president of Dickinson College; and Mary Smith, American Bar Association former president; Task Force for American Democracy.
Moderated by Kermit Roosevelt, Professor for the Administration of Justice, UPenn Law School
The Information Crisis: Media, Trust, and Democracy
Featuring panelists Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Director of UPenn Annenberg Public Policy Center; creator of Factcheck.org; Renee DiResta, Georgetown University, former research manager at Stanford Internet Observatory; Rachel Lobdell, Executive Director of News Creator Corps; and Dannagal Young, Director of the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication
Moderated by Errin Haines, Editor at Large, The 19th
The Rebalance of Power: Congress Reclaiming Its Role
Featuring panelists Rich Thau, President of Engagious and Creator of the Swing Voter Project; Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League; Al Schmidt, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States
Moderated by Heidi Przybyla, Founder, Get Real News
Bridging the Divide: Paths to Reducing Political Polarization
Featuring panelists Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, U.S. Congresswoman, PA-06 and Air Force Veteran; Matt Levendusky, Director, Institutions of Democracy, UPenn Annenberg Public Policy Center; Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge; and Max Stier, CEO, Partnership for Public Service
Moderated by Michael Smerconish, Host of The Michael Smerconish Program and Host of CNN’s Smerconish
The Rebalance of Power: Congress Reclaiming Its Role
Featuring panelists Jim Gerlach, former United States Congressman from Pennsylvania; Ramesh Ponnuru, nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. Congresswoman, PA-05; and Glenn Nye, President & CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress, former United States Congressman from Virginia
Moderated by Sarah Glover, Vice President of News & Civic Dialogue at WHYY
Plenary Keynote
Featuring a conversation with Roxane Gay (contributing opinion writer at The New York Times and bestselling author) and David Brooks (The Atlantic, PBS News Hour, and former columnist for The New York Times).
Moderated by Cherri Gregg, WHYY, host of “Studio 2”
The summit will also feature an “American Innovations” exhibit showcasing civic innovators and political reformers. Additionally, all sessions will be distributed through an extensive communications plan, ensuring the summit’s impact and legacy extend far beyond the in-person event.