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Greetings from Columbia Point in Boston.

Each new school year signals the return of students to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, where they learn how government works and practice the skills of healthy, respectful debate with their classmates. While witnessing young people work together to find common ground as senators for a day, it is hard not to be optimistic about the future of our democracy.
 
This optimism extends to our newest initiative focused on young people: Youth Movements. Just last week, we announced a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation in support of this project. Youth Movements is a multimedia initiative that will generate an exhibition, programs, and educational materials that examine the social change that young people have brought about through making their voices heard. Students will serve as advisors on the project and will help to create offerings that engage young people in civics, government, and representation.

Thank you for being one of our most engaged community members. I look forward to seeing you on Columbia Point soon.
 
With warmth,
 

Mary K. Grant, Ph.D.
President

 
PROGRAMS | join in the conversation
It was a busy and exciting summer at the Institute. With the support of the Highland Street Foundation, the Institute offered a Free Fun Friday to visitors in late July where all activities, exhibits, and programs were offered free of charge. Enjoy pictures from the day, including from the very popular photo booth. 

Also in July, the Institute hosted nearly 100 legislative interns representing cities and towns from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for a full day of activities that concluded with a hands-on simulation on the workings of the United States Senate. The Commonwealth’s Senate Office of Education & Civic Engagement organizes the event annually in partnership with the Kennedy Institute and includes students in high school and college who are interning for state senators and state representatives.

In August, members of the Kennedy Institute’s education team brought a large-scale legislative simulation to the MLK Scholars gathered at Agganis Arena at Boston University. The group of 600+ discussed and debated the Green New Deal during their leadership development forum sponsored by John Hancock. See a photo.
New this month. During our daily Today's Vote program, you can debate the Corporate Freeloader Fee Act which would impose a tax on certain employers who employ low-wage workers during the year. And the topic of our Great Senate Debate in September is the Censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy. See what each visitor will experience at the Institute. 

INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT | keep informed
THE STONE SOCIAL IMPACT FORUM
NEW SERIES LAUNCHED WITH GEOFFREY CANADA AS INAUGURAL SPEAKER
"I don’t want anyone thinking because we happen to be in a rough patch right now, that this is signaling the end of anything. This is signaling the beginning of the next great movements for equity in this country."
— Geoffrey Canada

Last week, Geoffrey Canada, founder and president of Harlem Children’s Zone, served as the inaugural speaker for the Stone Social Impact Forum. Mr. Canada shared stories of how he built Harlem Children’s Zone, his theory of change, and the commitment it takes to transform and invigorate a community where young people can thrive.

The Stone Social Impact Forum is an annual series that features bold civic change agents who demonstrate various pathways to tackle inequality, advance social change, and inspire all people to be civically active. The Forum is made possible through the generous support of the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation.

Mr. Canada gave keynote remarks and then joined a moderated conversation with Carrie Jung, senior education reporter for WBUR’s Edify Desk and with audience members. Watch video of his speech and read the program recap on the Institute's website. 
UPCOMING PROGRAM
KID CONVENTION 2019 IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Kid Convention 2019 is a day of fun and engaging hands-on activities for children and families where youngsters learn about the legislative process, government, and the importance of making their voices heard. Visit the Institute's website to learn more about the day and register yourself and the young people in your life to attend. You will not want to miss What Makes a Good Leader? in the full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber or the opportunity to vote on your favorite animal in the Presidential Pet Primary. There are two Kid Convention sessions: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 19. Sign up today. 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS
KENNEDY INSTITUTE ANNUAL DINNER
Thursday, October 24
This year, the Institute's Annual Dinner will honor Anne M. Finucane with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership. 
 
MASS HUMANITIES FALL FORUM
Sunday, October 27
Leading scholars Danielle Allen and Jill Lepore will explore the role of historians in society, and the importance of history in a democracy.
 

YOUR SUPPORT | make a difference for students
Thanks to many generous supporters, more than 22,000 students stepped into the role of a United States senator at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute last year and more than 9,000 students were able to travel to the Institute for educational experiences via transportation scholarships.
Through innovative and nationally recognized educational programs like our Senate Immersion Module, these students experienced first-hand how our government works and the importance of skills such as listening, compromise, and healthy debate.

Help the Institute reach even more students this academic year by making a back-to-school gift today. 
DONATE NOW

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