Democracy Reignited: A Special Initiative of Florida Humanities
In 2020, Florida Humanities launched “Democracy Reignited”, a new, multi-year civic engagement initiative created in partnership with non-profit organizations statewide. Through these partnerships, Florida Humanities is hosting a variety of public programs that promote a deeper understanding of American history and culture, examine our foundational documents and principles, and explore the connections between democracy, the humanities and an informed citizenry. A primary focus has been placed on conversation-based programs that bring diverse public audiences together for thoughtful discussions on challenging issues that both unite and divide us. “Democracy Reignited” will culminate in 2026 when our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Upcoming Events
Our Declaration: An Evening With Danielle Allen
September 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Virtual Event
Harvard Professor, classicist, and political scientist, Dr. Danielle Allen is our guest for the evening and the author of “Our Declaration,” a book about this precipitous and critical moment in the future of building a multiracial democracy.
Read Dr. Danielle Allen’s article, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: How the declaration of independence offers a roadmap to a better union” from the Spring 2020 issue of FORUM magazine.
A Defense of Truth: “The Constitution of Knowledge” with Jonathan Rauch
November 4 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Virtual Event
Jonathan Rauch connects our past to our present challenge as he introduces us to “The Constitution of Knowledge” — the extraordinary system of how we flawed humans gain knowledge that scales and endures.
Watch Now, On-Demand! High Conflict: An Evening With Amanda Ripley
New York Times Bestselling Author Amanda Ripley joined us for an evening on her new book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out.”
FORUM Magazine
The Democracy Issue is a thoughtful look at the still-relevant lessons of the Declaration of Independence today, and experience how democracy plays out in our state – from dramatic moments in Florida’s history to our evolving constitutions, to how we vote, participate and learn to talk civilly to one another across our political divides.
Created Equal and Breathing Free Podcast Series
In partnership with Florida Humanities, The Village Square has produced a series of podcasts that include a specially curated set of throwback episodes, along with many new episodes dropping in August and September 2021.
Never miss an episode!
Subscribe below.
Digital Resources
Tampa Bay Times | Newspaper In Education: Democracy Reignited
Grade levels: Middle and High school
Democracy requires sharing power with people you may not know, trust or agree with. Of course, there is a diversity of thought and ideals. The American Experiment is aspirational and assumes that the optimism of the human spirit propels people forward. The ultimate questions are: What does it take for a free people to govern themselves? Are we up to the task? Learn about the origins of the American experiment and what it takes to be an engaged citizen in this publication, produced in partnership with Florida Humanities.
- Click here to download the publication
- Click here to download the publication (Spanish)
- Click here to download the publication (Haitian Creole)
- Click here to download the Teacher Guide
- Click here to take the Teacher Survey
- Click here to take the Student Pre/Post Test
- Click here to download Florida Standards Updated 2021
Smithsonian Institution | SITES: American Democracy Digital Resources
In honor of the Smithsonian traveling exhibitions American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith and Voices and Votes: Democracy in America SITES and Smithsonian Affiliations are highlighting a diverse array of the Smithsonian’s digital resources that engage audiences around voting, elections, civic engagement, and citizenship.
