Winter 2024 On the Point newsletter from the Kennedy Institute

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Kennedy Institute Newsletter | WINTER 2024
FROM THE CEO, ADAM HINDS

It’s election season again, with Super Tuesday marking the apex of the presidential primary cycle. Attention is understandably focused on the candidates, but we have also been focused on how we bolster a resilient elections system in America.

While our elections are reliable and secure, our elections system is also underfunded. Chronic underfunding increases the risk that problems might occur. The Kennedy Institute and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas launched a collaborative initiative this month, “Bolstering Elections.” We’ve assembled some of the best elections experts and practitioners as a working group to examine the complex web of funding models across the approximately 8,000 election jurisdictions in America. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security designated elections infrastructure as “critical infrastructure,” yet we don’t fund it like other critical infrastructure. Election expert and former commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, Tammy Patrick, is helping us design and lead this process. I hope you will take a moment to learn more about this initiative here (#BolsteringElections) , and we will be sharing more information and programming over
the next few months.

Senator Kennedy was one of the country’s most effective senators because he overcame partisan divisions with Republican Senators when it mattered most. This is a time when it matters. Our collaboration with the Dole Institute is our third partnership with an institution associated with a Republican senator. We continue the work started at our Hyannis Port Summit ([link removed]) with the McCain Institute as well as the Senate Project debates ([link removed]) with the Hatch Foundation. With shared dedication to the Senate and American democracy, our partnerships with these institutions allow us to combine resources, share expertise, and expand our impact across party and geographic lines.

The Institute is increasing our efforts related to strengthening our democracy by convening thought leaders and policymakers and educating the public about the unique role of the Senate and the effectiveness of bipartisan solutions. To guide this work, we hired Emily Rapp (#EmilyRapp) as our first Director of Democracy Programs, who, with her team, is producing unique programs, initiatives, and forums designed to foster dialogue and encourage action around keeping democracy and civic life vibrant in America.

This is undoubtedly an important election year, and our democracy will be tested in myriad ways. I am glad to know that with your support for the Institution and partnership in our work, we will be a thoughtful and influential voice on issues related to voting, effective governing institutions, and civic engagement.

Sincerely,
Adam G. Hinds
CEO
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
BOLSTERING ELECTIONS
Kennedy Institute launches initiative with Dole Institute to strengthen America's election infrastructure
(Left to Right) Adam Hinds, CEO of the Kennedy Institute; Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State; Jamie Shew, Douglas County Clerk; Tammy Patrick, former Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Election Administration; and Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate announced a collaborative initiative to promote investment in American electoral administration and processes. The two institutes have assembled a team of policy experts and practitioners, led by election expert Tammy Patrick, to examine why the study of funding our election systems is so difficult as compared to other government services and to highlight models of success at the local level.

Bolstering Elections Project Page ([link removed])
We will be releasing more conversations from our Election Administration Symposium ([link removed]) from Kansas with election experts and election administrators in the following weeks.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 1: Policy Over Politics: A Conversation with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Join the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for a conversation with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) on the current state of Senate procedure and the challenges facing effective policy-making in the country's most deliberative body.

In a conversation moderated by James Pindell, Boston Globe political reporter, Senator Manchin will discuss his time in the Senate, his commitment to finding common ground in an era of polarization, and the importance of championing the bipartisan spirit in today's Senate Chamber. The program will highlight the Senator's role negotiating major pieces of legislation in the face of mounting political pressure in recent years.

While the event is at capacity for in-person attendance, we invite you to watch the livestream tomorrow at 12:30pm EST.
Watch the Livestream ([link removed] )
March 26: Annual Dinner
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Join us for the Kennedy Institute's Annual Dinner, where we will honor this year's recipients of the Edward M. Kennedy Award for Inspired Leadership ([link removed]) , Governors Wes Moore (MD) and Chris Sununu (NH). NBC News' Meet the Press Moderator and Chief White House Correspondent, Kristen Welker, will join this year's celebration as the special guest and master of ceremonies. The evening's entertainment will be acclaimed singer and Massachusetts native, Amanda Mena.
Purchase Tickets ([link removed])
Sponsorship Opportunities ([link removed])

For questions, please contact
Maura Callahan
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
857.271.3380
RECENT NEWS
Emily Rapp hired as new Director of Democracy Programs

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute was pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Rapp as Director of Democracy Programs. In her new role, Rapp will lead the strategic development and execution of Kennedy Institute democracy programs and initiatives, including convenings of high-level policymakers and various public-facing panels with national leaders.


“I am honored to lead the Kennedy Institute’s work promoting productive policy deliberation in the U.S. Senate and protecting our democratic processes across the American political landscape.”
Emily Rapp, Director of Democracy Programs, Kennedy Institute
Rapp brings extensive public policy and government relations experience, which will advance the Kennedy Institute's work convening national leaders in constructive dialogue toward a more productive Senate.
Read the Press Release ([link removed])

One year into his role leading the Kennedy Institute, CEO Adam Hinds sat down with the Boston Business Journal to discuss the Kennedy Institute's expanded focus on championing the key role of the U.S. Senate in our democracy.

Read the full article. ([link removed])

BOARD UPDATES
Kennedy Institute expands board with four former Senators
The Kennedy Institute has appointed four former U.S. Senators as the newest members of its Board of Directors. Their addition brings the total number of Senators on the Kennedy Institute’s 21-member Board to eight, with equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans. These former Senators join other directors who are inspired by Senator Kennedy’s legacy of bipartisanship and united in guiding the Kennedy Institute in its work to champion, modernize, and advance the unique role of the United States Senate in American democracy.

The new directors include Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Mel Martinez (R-FL).

“The Kennedy Institute is honored to welcome these four proven leaders of the Senate to our Board of Directors. Their addition comes as the nation enters a presidential and senatorial election year where the durability of our democracy will be front of mind for all Americans,” said Bruce A. Percelay, chair of the Board of Directors. “The wisdom and experience of these new directors will strengthen our efforts to be the leading educator, advocate, and convener centered on constructive dialogue to promote a more productive Senate to students, political leaders, and the public.”

Read the Press Release ([link removed])
New book from board member Patrick Kennedy coming April 2024
Profiles in Mental Health Courage portrays the dramatic journeys of a diverse group of Americans who have struggled with their mental health. This book offers deeply compelling stories about the bravery and resilience of those living with a variety of mental illnesses and addictions.

"It's been an honor to hear and now share the personal stories contained in Profiles in Mental Health Courage," said former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy of his new book with co-author Stephen Fried. "Similar to what my uncle, President John F. Kennedy, did in Profiles in Courage, we hope to inspire ''mental health courage' by telling the intimate and revealing stories of a diverse group of Americans who have struggled with their mental health, and the bravery and resilience they have shown in dealing with a variety of mental illnesses and addictions."
Link to Preorder ([link removed])
CIVIC EDUCATION
Civic Learning Week 2024
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We are excited to be part of both Massachusetts and National Civic Learning Week, a statewide and national effort to prioritize civic education in order to sustain and strengthen our constitutional democracy.

Scheduled for March 11 - 15th this year, Civic Learning Week is an annual nonpartisan event that brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation.

The Kennedy Institute will be hosting two special "Civic Learning Week" sessions of our educational programming, and is inviting multiple classes to join us for these events:
* Simulation: Pathways to Artificial Intelligence Regulation
* Welcoming Words: Her Right Foot Story Hour

Learn more about our civic education programming:
Civic Education at the Kennedy Institute ([link removed])
Kennedy Institute hosts "We The People" Massachusetts state finals

Students from across Massachusetts filled the senate chamber of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute to participate in a competition for first place in the 2024 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" civic education program, hosted by the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education.

The "We the People" program is a simulated congressional hearing where students "testify" before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.

The teams competing for the Massachusetts state title this year were Auburn High School, Easthampton High School, and Salem Academy. Congratulations to the first place Easthampton team and their teacher, Kelley Brown, who will go on to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

In a heavily politicized period, the "We The People" event demonstrated that young people are committed to learning about the foundational principals of American democracy.
PAST EVENTS
Stone Social Impact Forum with Dr. Carey Wright
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On Monday, February 5 the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation hosted award-winning educator Dr. Carey Wright for the 2024 Stone Social Impact Forum. The conversation was moderated by NBC News Education Correspondent Rehema Ellis. The Stone Social Impact Forum is a signature series featuring bold civic change agents who demonstrate various pathways to tackle inequality, advance social change, and inspire all people to be civically active.
“There is no miracle to this work. It is choosing research-based strategies, and making sure districts, students, and teachers are supported.”
Dr. Carey Wright, Former State Superintendent, Mississippi
Read More ([link removed])
Watch the Recording ([link removed])
Photos from the Event ([link removed])
YOUR SUPPORT

We want to thank you for being a loyal reader of our On The Point newsletter – and encourage you to take the next step of joining our community. To support the Kennedy Institute and receive advance invitations to our events, please join our membership program.
Become a Member ([link removed])

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