Democracy Summit Returns This Fall
The College of Liberal Arts Democracy Summit is moving to the fall!
Join students, scholars, and community partners October 26–27 for a smaller fall gathering focused on conversation, connection, and the work of strengthening democracy.
The Summit is part of the College of Liberal Arts’ Strengthening Democracy initiative, which brings together people across CSU and Colorado to explore and strengthen democratic engagement through teaching, research, dialogue, and meaningful collaboration.
After gathering for the 2026 Spring Democracy Summit in March, the College is moving the Summit to the fall as part of a new annual rhythm. This October gathering marks the transition and creates a new opportunity to come together around the work of democracy.
More details about the October 2026 program are coming soon.
Highlights and photos from the March 2026 Summit are available below.
Monday, October 26
Ramplify: Civic Engagement Fair
Students will explore ways to make a difference in their communities, engage with local and national organizations, and discover opportunities to get involved in civic life. Through conversations and hands-on learning, they will build the tools to become more informed and active participants in democracy.
Lory Student Center Plaza
9–11 am
Keynote Panel: Advancing Democratic Reform with CSU Faculty & Courageous Colorado
11 am - 1 pm
Lory Student Center
More details to follow!
So What’s Your Take?: Producing and Platforming Democracy and Popular Culture
Students will explore how politics and civic life increasingly take shape through film, television, and social media—and consider what that means for democracy. Then, they’ll put those ideas into action by creating their own video content at the intersection of democracy and popular culture, developing the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and storytelling skills at the heart of a liberal arts education.
4:30-6 pm
Lory Student Center
Room 308-310
Celebrating 20 Years of the Center for Public Deliberation: A Longer Tables Dinner
Join the Center for Public Deliberation for a special Longer Tables dinner celebrating 20 years of elevating local democracy, building stronger communities, and creating spaces for meaningful public dialogue. Since 2006, the Center has helped communities navigate complex issues through deliberation, collaboration, and informed civic engagement. Come celebrate two decades of work—and the people who have helped make it possible.
6-8 pm
Location TBD
Tuesday, October 27
Keynote Panel
More details to follow!
11 am - 12:30 pm
ACT Human Rights Film Festival x Democracy Summit
Join us for a special crossover screening exploring the vital role journalism plays in a healthy democracy. Through the power of film, we’ll consider how journalists inform the public, hold power to account, and help communities make sense of the issues shaping our world.
More details to follow!
6 - 9 pm
Location TBD
Notice of Filming & Photography
By entering this Colorado State University building, event, or program, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.
Through your entry, presence, or participation in or at the event premises, you acknowledge that you have been informed that you may be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and grant the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System permission to use your voice, name, and/or likeness without any compensation, credit, or other consideration for exploitation in any media now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe, and the advertising and publicity thereof.
Furthermore, you hereby release the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System, its officers, employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of the above-mentioned recording including, but not limited to, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, copyright infringement, or for any fees, payment, or royalties for use of such recorded media.
2026 Democracy Summit in Photos
Explore highlights from the 2026 Democracy Summit through our photo collection on Flickr, capturing key moments, conversations, and community engagement throughout the event.
CLA Democracy Summit Committee Members
If you have questions about the group or about the summit, please feel free to reach out.
Director
Katherine Knobloch
- Professor
- Director, Democracy Initiative, College of Liberal Arts
- Associate Director, Center for Public Deliberation
Chair
Member
Elissa Braunstein
- Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
- Professor of Economics
Member
Sam Houghteling
- Program Manager Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership
