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Citizen Engagement in America’s History
  • Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - Thursday, June 21, 2018
  • Time: 11:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Join us for a cross-generational and bipartisan discussion about how citizen movements have influenced – or failed to influence – policymakers.  From Civil Rights marches to student activism in the social media age, citizen activists will join a panel with former members of Congress who will discuss how in their careers on Capitol Hill citizens changed their thinking on specific topics. The conversation will focus civic engagement, civic education, and how to petition the government.  Moderated by Former Member of Congress Jane Harman (D-CA), panelists include D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton; Sarah Lerner, teacher of English and Journalism at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, with student Rain Valladares; Former Member of Congress Tom Petri (R-WI); and Candace Lightner, Founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Presented in partnership with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.

Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000 in advance.