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Greetings from Columbia Point in Boston.

Thank you for the warm welcome as the Institute's new leader. I am honored and humbled by the generous spirit of our community of followers and impressed by the young people participating in our civic education programs each day. All of us at the Institute are inspired by the opportunity to encourage current and future generations of leaders to participate in democracy. Our commitment to our mission is as strong as ever because of the support and engagement of people like you. 

I extend my best wishes for a happy and healthy 2020, and I hope to see you at the Institute soon.

Sincerely,

Art Buckland
Interim Executive Director
 
RECENT EVENTS | catch up on highlights
The fall months have been full of activity at the Institute. In October, Kid Convention brought a day of engaging hands-on activities for children and families where youngsters learned about the legislative process, government, and had some civics-centered fun. Enjoy photos from the convention and visit the Institute's blog to see who won the first-ever presidential pet primary. 

In November, the Institute hosted the Boston Civic Leaders Summit. Presented by Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell, the summit provided a full-day of programs for current and aspiring resident leaders of civic associations in Boston with an eye on fostering connections and collaborations.

In December, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) addressed a group of high school seniors and other guests for a Getting to the Point conversation on his campaign for president. He spoke about spending time on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, the upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate, and why the race for the White House should be about the next generation. Watch the video of his visit. 
New education program. The Institute recently announced the program Welcoming Words, which introduces K-2 students to an important American symbol, the Statue of Liberty, and the welcome that she represents to immigrants. The program features an interactive tour with key stops of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute visitor experience including a visit to the Institute’s full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber. 

INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT | keep informed
STACEY ABRAMS VISIT
AFTER-SCHOOL YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SESSION HELD 
"I'm here because you all are extraordinary people. You have decided at your age to care about something larger than yourself. It’s going to benefit you, but if you do the work I know you’re capable of, you help the work that I’m doing have meaning. And that is a transformative thing; that does not only credit to you, but does credit to who we are as a nation."
— Stacey Abrams

Earlier this month, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute hosted an after-school youth civic engagement session with special guest former Georgia gubernatorial nominee and former Georgia House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams.

Abrams joined students, teachers, partners, and youth leaders gathered in the Institute’s full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber for a candid conversation. She dedicated her time to answering student questions and sharing her perspective on a range of topics including immigration, education inequality, state ballot initiatives, and the 2020 Census as well as personal questions about dealing with election loss, combating stigma, and racism.

View an album of photos from the Stacey Abrams visit and read more on the Institute's blog.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS | join us
On Tuesday, January 14, at 6 p.m., Boston photographer Bill Brett will share the stories and inspiration behind his new photographic collection, Boston: Game Changers, and engage in conversation with a variety of individuals featured in this unique book. The book celebrates Bostonians who are affecting positive change throughout the city. Registration is open; RSVP for your seat today. 
Save the date for these programs and events; registration to open soon!
PREMIERE OF CITIZEN'S SENATE
Tuesday, January 21
Opening night of the Institute's newest educational series that highlights moments in history when the people of the U.S. compelled the Senate to take action.
 
OUR NATION'S FOUNDERS & TODAY'S POLITICAL CHALLENGES
Thursday, January 30
Experts discuss how our nation's founders grappled with many of the same issues that our country faces today.
 
GETTING TO THE POINT WITH RICHARD BLANCO
Thursday, February 27
A conversation and reading by Blanco, selected in 2012 by President Barack Obama to serve as the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history.
 

YOUR SUPPORT | make a difference for students
As students across the Commonwealth and the country approach the end of the fall semester, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is already preparing to provide them with a unique vantage point into the legislative process and our democracy in 2020.
Through innovative and nationally recognized educational programs, the Kennedy Institute provides a high-tech and hands-on learning experience that teaches the next generation how our government works and the skills of listening, compromise, and healthy debate that are needed to productively participate in our communities.
 
Please support civic education at the Kennedy Institute by making a gift today.
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