Browse Past Events
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The Promise of Democracy Summit: 250 Years and the Path Ahead
July 15–16, 2026 12:00 am – 11:59 pmPhiladelphia, PA
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…
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Women in Public Leadership 2026
June 3, 2026 8:30 am – 10:30 amIgniting and Enduring: Trailblazers who Spark, Advance, and Protect Women’s Rights Join us for a morning of powerful conversation at the Committee of Seventy’s 5th annual Women in Public Leadership event, bringing together some of the region’s most dynamic voices on the front lines of women’s rights. This year’s panel will explore women’s leadership as…
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The Declaration on Trial
April 21, 2026 10:00 am – 11:30 amParkway Central Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
The Declaration of Independence helped launch a nation grounded in powerful ideals: equality, liberty, and self-government. At the same time, it reflected contradictions and exclusions that continue to shape American democracy today. Was the Declaration justified when it was written? And how should we understand it now? Join the Committee of Seventy, in partnership with…
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Breaking Down the Mayor’s Budget Address: What It Means for Philadelphia
April 16, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmVirtual, on Zoom
Philadelphia’s city budget shapes everything from housing and public safety to education, transit, and neighborhood services. Understanding how it works is key to making your voice heard on the priorities that matter most to you. Join us on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. for a webinar breaking down Mayor Cherelle Parker’s fiscal year 2027…
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Election Academy: Voter Registration
April 7–9, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmPhiladelphia City Commissioners’ Office – Riverview Place
As part of the Election Academy series, the Committee of Seventy and the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office are hosting two in-person classes focused on understanding voter registration in Philadelphia. Many organizations and volunteers regularly assist with voter registration, but the process involves specific requirements that are not always widely understood. When forms are submitted incorrectly…
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Election Academy: Understanding Vote By Mail
March 23–31, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmPhiladelphia Satellite Election Offices (various locations)
As part of the Election Academy series, the Committee of Seventy and the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office are hosting a set of in-person classes focused on understanding vote-by-mail in Philadelphia. Classes will take place inside Philadelphia’s Satellite Election Offices, giving participants the opportunity to see firsthand how these locations serve voters. At these offices, residents…
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Election Academy Kickoff: Election Administration & Warehouse Operations
March 21, 2026 10:30 am – 12:30 pmPhiladelphia Election Warehouse
Join the Committee of Seventy and the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office for the launch of the Election Academy, a new learning series on how elections are administered in Philadelphia. This kickoff event provides a behind-the-scenes look at election administration and warehouse operations. Participants will tour the facility where voting machines, electronic poll books, and other…
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Mayoral Budget Address Watch Party
March 12, 2026 11:00 am – 12:30 pmZoom, link available through registration.
Philadelphia’s budget shapes our daily lives. It determines how the city allocates funding for schools, public safety, housing, sanitation, parks, and neighborhood services. Join the Committee of Seventy, Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, and the People’s Budget Office for a nonpartisan virtual watch party of the Mayor’s Budget Address. The program will…
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Civic Learning Week National Forum Kickoff Reception
March 8, 2026 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmJoin us as we kick off Civic Learning Week with a special reception inside Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, site of the nation’s first penitentiary. Connect with fellow educators over light bites and drinks, and explore how the site’s history connects to today’s urgent conversations about democracy. Register here. Plus… Engage with Eastern State staff on Mini…
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Understanding the State Budget: How Decisions are Made in Harrisburg
March 3, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmZoom, link available after registering
Pennsylvania’s state budget impacts everything, from public education and transportation to tax credits and social services, and you have a say in how it’s spent. Join us on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 6 p.m. for the second webinar in our series on the city and state budget process. We’ll explore Pennsylvania’s state budget as a…
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Understanding the City Budget: How Philadelphia Sets Priorities and Spends Your Money
February 24, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmOnline – Register for access
Philadelphia’s budget impacts everything — from schools and public safety to street repairs and parks — and you have a say in how it’s spent. Join us on Tuesday, February 24, at 6 p.m. for the second webinar in our series on the city and state budget process. We’ll explore the city budget as a…
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How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia: Virtual Training
February 12, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:00 pmVirtual, on Zoom.
Ever wonder who really holds power in Philadelphia politics? Join the Committee of Seventy for a practical breakdown of the city’s ward system – the behind-the-scenes structure that shapes elections, endorsements, and turnout – and learn how becoming a committee person is one of the simplest ways to get involved locally. This event includes a…
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How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia: In-Person Program
February 11, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmEver wonder who really holds power in Philadelphia politics? Join the Committee of Seventy for a practical breakdown of the city’s ward system – the behind-the-scenes structure that shapes elections, endorsements, and turnout – and learn how becoming a committee person is one of the simplest ways to get involved locally. Co-hosted by Young Involved…
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Launch Event: How to Run for Committee Person in Philadelphia
February 3, 2026 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmJoin the Committee of Seventy for the launch of a new civic education resource, How the Philadelphia Ward System Works — a clear, practical guide to how wards shape local politics and how residents can run for committee person. Co-hosted by Black Leadership Pennsylvania, the event will include a nonpartisan training on how to run…
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Representation Matters: Celebrating Women in Government
January 13, 2026 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmThis event is now sold out. Join us for our second annual celebration of the leadership and achievements of women elected officials from the Greater Philadelphia area. This nonpartisan reception brings together elected women from city, state, and congressional levels to honor their contributions and connect with dynamic women leaders across the region. Presented by…
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Can We Talk? Statewide Dialogue
November 20, 2025 12:30 pm – 2:30 pmZoom
Pennsylvania high schoolers from different communities across the Commonwealth will come together for a moderated discussion on prompts, drawn from topics suggested by students, covering a range of political and cultural issues. This event is organized through Can We Talk?, Committee of Seventy’s program to promote productive civil dialogue across difference. The event will be held…
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Teaching Civics in Politically Charged Times
November 17, 2025 9:00 am – 12:30 pmThanks to a grant from the Heinz Endowments, C70 and PA Civics are working with Intermediate Unit 1 to design a training for school administrators and teachers around navigating the current political environment while successfully providing high-quality, nonpartisan civics education to their students. This training will provide administrators and school leadership with information and tools to support…
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121st Anniversary Event
November 14, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmThe State We’re In: Committee of Seventy’s 121st Anniversary Event The Committee of Seventy is proud to host its 121st Anniversary Event, bringing together business, civic, and elected leaders committed to civic engagement and democratic participation. This year’s program will feature a conversation with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat and Secretary of the Commonwealth…
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PA Civics Educator Forum
November 13, 2025 8:00 am – 4:00 pmNortheastern Educational Intermediate Unit (IU-19) in Archbald, PA.
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. With Pennsylvania being the epicenter for the country’s commemorations, this is a tremendous opportunity for teachers to bring resources and excitement to their classrooms throughout the 2025-26 school year. The 2025 PA Civics Educator Forum will convene teachers for a…
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Studio C70: Election Day Edition
November 4, 2025 9:00 am – 2:30 pmFacebook Live
On Election Day, the Committee of Seventy will once again host “Studio C70,” an interview forum for the city and state’s leading policymakers and civic leaders to share their thoughts about the primary election and issues that are front-of-mind for Pennsylvania voters. You can watch these interviews as they happen on C70’s Facebook page, or later on C70’s YouTube…
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Beyond the Supreme Court: How Appellate & Lower Courts Shape Justice
October 23, 2025 3:27 pm – 6:30 pmVirtual
Webinar Series: Navigating Pennsylvania’s 2025 Judicial Elections Part 2: Beyond the Supreme Court: How Appellate & Lower Courts Shape Justice Judges don’t just decide cases—they influence the fairness of elections, the safety of our communities, and the strength of our democracy. As Pennsylvanians prepare for 2025’s judicial elections, knowing how to navigate these races is essential.…
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Members Only Election Briefing
October 22, 2025 1:00 pm – 2:00 pmVirtual
The Supreme Court retention race may be drawing headlines, but it’s far from the only contest shaping Pennsylvania’s future this November. Philadelphia voters will face a full ballot this November, with contests for District Attorney, City Controller, and new Judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court. Statewide races include Judge of the…
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Fireside Chat: Intermediate Appellate Court Judges
October 14, 2025 7:00 pm – 8:00 pmVirtual
On Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7:00pm, the Committee of Seventy, along with Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, invites you to participate in a virtual forum featuring candidates for retention on Pennsylvania’s appellate courts. This forum is part of our ongoing effort to provide voters with clear, accessible,…
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How the PA Supreme Court Impacts Every Pennsylvanian
October 14, 2025 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmVirtual
Webinar Series: Navigating Pennsylvania’s 2025 Judicial Elections Part 1: How the PA Supreme Court Impacts Every Pennsylvanian The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is one of the most influential state courts in the country. From voting rights to public education to criminal justice, its rulings set precedents that shape policy and daily life across the Commonwealth. In…