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On Thursday, February 27, Porsha Olayiwola, poet laureate for the City of Boston, moderated a Getting to the Point conversation with presidential inaugural poet Richard Blanco.
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Greetings to you all.
 
As we adjust to the new reality that is required to counter the coronavirus pandemic, including the Institute’s temporary closure, my very first concern is the health and safety of you and your family. The Institute and its staff are deeply grateful to everyone responding on the front lines and keeping essential work moving forward as we all do what we can to contain its impact.
 
Despite our remote circumstances, the Kennedy Institute’s diligent team continues to be hard at work to offer new, inventive experiences to reflect the spirit of innovation and deep learning that have distinguished our programs, events, and exhibits over the last five years. Our staff’s commitment remains strong as we seek to provide high-quality civic education to support our diverse audiences in a new virtual format.
 
There are numerous materials that can be found on the Institute’s website, many of which are highlighted in this newsletter. In addition, more resources are in the pipeline. Please stay tuned and let us know what we can do for you throughout this challenging time.
 
In the meantime, be sure to also follow the Institute on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for engaging content to explore. And don’t forget that civic participation continues to be incredibly important; remember to complete your Census form and encourage others to do likewise (you can fill out the Census online, too).
 
I am honored to lead the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate at this truly critical moment for our democracy and society. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support at such a pivotal time.
 
My best wishes for your health and safety,

 
 
Sue Heilman
Interim Executive Director
RECENT EVENTS | catch up on highlights
To kick off a new decade, the Institute welcomed community leaders, history experts, public officials, and creative minds for empowering discussions on a wide range of issues.

CONGRESSIONAL RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS 

On Monday, April 13, Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA-01), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, participated in a discussion about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Moderated by Stephanie Murray, author of the POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook, he talked about legislating during this difficult time, the federal government’s reaction to the global pandemic, and the role the Ways and Means Committee plays in this response.

Getting to the Point with Congressman Richard Neal was held virtually on Zoom. Watch the program video here.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS | join us
On Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m., the Kennedy Institute will convene a virtual Getting to the Point program on the 2020 Census in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. State and local leaders will discuss the importance of completing the 2020 Census; the impact the Census has on federal, state, and local government; and the challenges of reaching hard-to- count populations, especially during a global pandemic. The panel will also dispel myths surrounding the Census, including the data that are collected and how they are used. More details and registration is available here.
INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT | keep informed
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR WEBSITE
ENCOURAGING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ARTWORK
Earlier this month, the Kennedy Institute launched BringYourOwnChair.org, a website dedicated to the "A Seat at the Table" project and exhibition.

Inspired by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s words and work dedicated to the creation of a more inclusive democracy, the project opened in the fall of 2018, the 50th anniversary of Congresswoman Chisholm’s election to Congress. The project gained local participation and recognition nationwide as the exhibit evolved to incorporate diverse statements about inclusion and representation through the creation of community member-made chairs. The new website enables everyone to explore the chairs featured in the exhibition, resources to learn about key figures, and the chance to make their own chair that exemplifies what their voices at the figurative table of democracy would communicate. View the announcement here.

Since opening, the "A Seat at the Table" exhibit went through several phases while on display. Discover takeaways from each of them and how BringYourOwnChair.org allows more involvement with this blog post by Jan Crocker, the Institute's senior exhibit & content developer. In a separate entry, she also elaborated on a few of the many resources on the new website, which you can read here.
TURNING THE COMMONWEALTH BLUE

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate joins the Boston Athletic Association, John Hancock Financial, Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh, and many others as the Commonwealth is turned blue to recognize with profound gratitude the selfless dedication among first responders on the front lines of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
MILESTONE REACHED | view history made
INSTITUTE CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
LOOK BACK AT DEDICATION CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS
March 30 marked the 5th anniversary of the Kennedy Institute, a milestone that prompts us to reflect on all we have been able to accomplish in that short period of time, from award-winning educational experiences to topical public programs with distinguished speakers. The Institute’s opening celebrations were joyous occasions with elected officials, alumni from the office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, family and supporters, community leaders, and many more individuals gathered to celebrate the Senator’s legacy and experience what visitors of all ages would soon find: that being a senator for the day can transform you into a better prepared citizen.

At the dedication ceremony in 2015, President Barack Obama gave remarks about the opening which can be watched here. In part, he implored attendees to consider the lasting impact the Institute would have on Americans everywhere as well as future generations. Be sure to also check out a blog post from the Obama White House Archives recapping the day. View content shared to commemorate the milestone here and add your memories with #KennedyInstituteAt5 on social media.

YOUR SUPPORT | make a difference for students
"We got to learn while being actual senators and interacting. The whole experience was very engaging and enjoyable."
–– North Andover Middle School student

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kennedy Institute will be participating in #GivingTuesdayNow to support the continued development of online educational resources and virtual programs for students and visitors of all ages.

Now more than ever, we need your support. At such an unprecedented moment in American history, you can have a direct impact on how many individuals are able to access civic education and experience real-world lessons to strengthen the democratic process. Join us in this critical work and make a gift today.
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