Moderator: Scott Shigeoka Fellow at The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley 

Speakers 

• Ashleigh Gardere, President of Policy Link 

• David French, American political commentator and former attorney 

• Seth Kaplan, researcher and fragile states expert 

Plenary #1: Designing the Pluralistic Society  

This session will explore the key structural and cultural factors that can promote (or inhibit) pluralism at a societal level. What conditions must be in place to have a society where people have the capacity and willingness to coexist with those whose views and identities differ from their own? It will feature lessons learned from international peacebuilding that have implications for the United States today, as well as insights from a new report on the cultural mindsets that shape how Americans think about pluralism. The presentations will shed light on the pathways--and potential pitfalls--to strengthening pluralism at this moment in the United States. 

Speakers 

• Elizabeth Hume - Executive Director, Alliance for Peacebuilding 

• Theresa L. Miller - Director of Research, FrameWorks Institute 
• Jon Gruber - Strategy Lead, Einhorn Collaborative (Moderator)

Plenary #2: Fostering Pluralism Through Science, Stories, and Practice 

This session will zero in on evidence-based principles for promoting pluralism in everyday life--principles that can improve how we bring people together across group lines and how we craft narratives that reduce prejudice and fears of “the other.” Drawing on wisdom from science, practice, and storytelling, it will offer practical strategies for encouraging more positive interactions and for shifting people’s views of those who are different from themselves. 

Moderator: Alison Briscoe-Smith - Senior Fellow, The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley 

Speakers 

• Dr. Sohad Murrar - Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago 

• Melissa Weintraub - Founder and Co-Executive Director, Resetting the Table 

• Dave Caplan - Executive Producer, The Connors 

Afternoon Breakout Sessions - Everyday Pluralism: Examples of pluralism in action where we work, play and pray 

Dive into one of six breakout sessions, each showcasing an in-depth case study or real-world example of pluralism in action. These sessions will highlight diverse pluralistic practices and the research that underpins them, offering valuable insights into the future of this work. Engage in meaningful discussions with fellow participants and explore how these practices and findings can inspire and inform your own work. 

1. Faith Communities: Explore how faith-based institutions can address polarization and strengthen inclusive communities. 

• Dr. Hahrie Han, Johns Hopkins University 

• Troy Jackson, UNDIVIDED 

2. Online Digital Spaces: Learn valuable lessons for building resilient, inclusive digital spaces that advance pluralism and civic participation. 

• Angelica Quicksey, New_Public 

• Jason Van Driesche, Front Porch Forum 

3. Local Journalism: Explore how innovative, community-centered journalism can bridge divides, enhance trust, and strengthen democratic resilience. 

• Samantha Ragland, American Press Institute 

• Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press 

4. Policy Reform: Leverage citizen-driven initiatives to increase community resilience, strengthen democratic culture, and address societal divides. 

• Marjan Ehsassi, Federation for Innovation in Democracy - North America 

• Linn Davis, Healthy Democracy 

5. College Campuses: Explore how to foster dialogue and resilience in higher education. 

• Mylien Duong, Constructive Dialogue Institute 

• Camila Nardozzi, Harvard University 

6. Parks and Public Spaces: Discover actionable strategies to harness parks as catalysts for equity, pluralism, and social cohesion. 

• Dr. Linda Tropp, University of Massachusetts Amherst 

• Cary Simmons, Trust for Public Land 

The afternoon will include a series of dynamic conversations and activities to debrief and reflect on key takeaways for your work, forge new strategic relationships and explore what it will take to propel pluralism forward.