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Last updated on October 21, 2025
Modern democracy got its start in Philadelphia, and as we approach the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, its story continues to be written here.
Now we’re inviting you to add your voice to the conversation.
To celebrate TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures coming to the birthplace of American democracy in June 2026, the Dear Democracy activation is hitting the road — bringing bold red TED letters to iconic spaces in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Atlanta.
Here’s your chance to share what democracy means to you: Write a postcard, drop it in and be part of a nationwide conversation about the past, present and future of democracy.
Can’t make it to one of these activations? No sweat. You can submit your letter below.
Dear Democracy is a traveling invitation to reflect and respond. Participants are encouraged to write their own message — whether it’s a single word, a hope or a challenge — and place it inside the TED letters.
Each submission becomes part of a growing collection of voices that highlight democracy not as an idea of the past, but as a living, evolving experience today.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The Dear Democracy activation will travel to landmark locations across the U.S., starting at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on National Constitution Day.
Visitors can stop by, share their message and join the conversation.
Here’s where you can find the activation:
On June 13, 2026, TED and Visit Philadelphia are bringing some of the brightest thinkers on the globe together for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, a one-day event featuring more than a dozen new TED Talks examining the past, present and future of democracy.
Wanna be a part of it? You can enter the Dear Democracy Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Philadelphia getaway and tickets to TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures by clicking here.
Visit Philadelphia and TED are collaborating to create TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures — a one-day event on June 13, 2026, at the Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Through a series of brand-new TED Talks from more than a dozen of the world’s brightest thinkers and changemakers, the event will explore the democratic future we want to create while giving a nod to the past and the important milestone we’re marking in Philadelphia.
To learn more about the event, click here.
Visit Philadelphia is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city, including its role as the birthplace of modern American democracy. We are committed to making Philadelphia the most welcoming and inclusive city in the U.S. for visitors and residents.
The TED Democracy and Visit Philadelphia partnership, a series of events focusing on the future of democracy from 2024 to 2026, was created to align with the cultural conversations that will take place as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
Our goal is to offer attendees a thought-provoking and educational experience that respects individual views and beliefs, all while honoring the spirit of dialogue our founding fathers practiced nearly 250 years ago here in Philadelphia.
Visit Philadelphia does not participate in political campaigns, nor support or oppose candidates for public office. We expressly disclaim any statement, or inference, of endorsement or opposition of any political candidate at any TED Democracy event, whether made by its speakers, participants or otherwise.
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