Reimagining Our Democracy: For Us, by Us
May 17 – 21, 2026
In collaboration with SMC Public Policy Institute, SMMUSD, City of Santa Monica, and the SMC Associated Students.
All events are free and open to the public.
Featured Event
Dr. Danielle Allen
Wednesday, May 20 | 6:45 p.m
Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is also Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Democratic Knowledge Project-Learn, a research lab focused on civic education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy as well as a seasoned nonprofit leader, democracy advocate, tech ethicist, distinguished author, and mom. She is a contributing columnist at The Atlantic Magazine and was the 2020 winner of the Library of Congress' Kluge Prize, which recognizes scholarly achievement in the disciplines not covered by the Nobel Prize. She received the Prize "for her internationally recognized scholarship in political theory and her commitment to improving democratic practice and civics education."
Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium | SSC 183
Events
Dramatic Readings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence
Sunday, May 17 | 3 to 4:30 p.m.
On the 3rd Street Promenade near Barnes & Noble
1318 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Born in the USA: Debating Patriotism at America's Semiquincentennial featuring SMC Philosophy Club Students and Moderated by Dr. Paul Klumpe
Monday, May 18 | 6:30 p.m
Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium | SSC 183
Dramatic Readings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence
Tuesday, May 19 | 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
SMC Clock Tower, Santa Monica College
On the Front Lines of Democracy: The Librarians Film Screening and Discussion
Thursday, May 21 | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a screening of The Librarians, a documentary on protecting intellectual freedom, followed by a panel discussion on democratic values, civic action, and the vital role of libraries. Runtime: 92 mins.
Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium | SSC 183
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events, please contact Kiersten Elliott at Elliott_Kiersten@smc.edu or 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.
About the Public Policy Institute
The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. The Institute—which presents informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives—proudly offers an Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Public Policy. Students can choose to specialize in one of five policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic affairs. Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Co-Director, and Founding Associate Director; Shari Davis, MPP, Co-Director. To view past events, visit PPI Past Events.