Democracy by Design: Engineering a Civic Life Lecture Series
Civic life is foundational to a healthy democracy, encompassing political participation, community service, and advocacy. Co-hosted by the SNF Agora Institute and the Center for Leadership Education, Democracy by Design: Engineering a Civic Life explores the crucial relationship between engineering and civic engagement, emphasizing how engineering practices can improve democratic processes and, in turn, how democratic ideals inform responsible engineering. Through discussions on improving electoral systems, fostering data-driven decision-making, and making democratic processes more accessible, this series underscores the vital role that engineering plays in shaping civic life in the 21st century.
View and register for our upcoming lectures below.
Previous Democracy by Design Lectures
Engineering Responsible and Effective Civic Engagement with Senator Cardin, March 11, 2026 - Senator Ben Cardin’s lecture “Engineering Responsible and Effective Civic Engagement” explores the citizen’s responsibility to be engaged and the importance of civic engagement in our democracy. The lecture covers the keys to effective civic engagement, including civil discourse, leadership, how important it is to understand what is feasible, and being willing to listen and learn from others in order to achieve greater consensus.