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TED Democracy Philadelphia

A series of high-profile events examined modern democracy leading up to America's 250th anniversary ...

Photo by Gilberto Tadday for TED
Pa Michael HaniscoDènye mizajou nan dat 23 oktòb 2026
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Anvan Pwochen

What is TED Democracy Philadelphia?

Two hundred and fifty years after the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence, TED Democracy Philadelphia, in partnership with Visit Philadelphia, featured a series of high-profile events centered around the concepts and pillars essential to preserving modern democracy in the city where it started.

This partnership culminated in the first-of-its-kind TED Demokrasi Philadelphia: Lavni Fondasyon event on June 13, 2026, which brought together thought leaders and changemakers from across the globe to explore a bold question: What will we build together next?

TED Talks

During TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, more than a dozen illuminating TED Talks were recorded in the hopes that the ideas explored in them live on and inspire others to take action in their own communities. 

Watch the first three TED Talks below and stay tuned for more as we embark on the next 250 years of American history. 

Feeling inspired? Read on for ways to explore democracy’s living legacy in Philadelphia.

The views expressed in these talks are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Visit Philadelphia.

Description: Media literacy advocate Laura Smythe examines issues of trust — or lack thereof — that arise due to the quickly evolving and often-competing ecosystems surrounding journalism and social media.

Take action: Philadelphia Community Access Media, or PhillyCAM, is a nonprofit organization that offers regular workshops — some based around media literacy — for those interested in learning more about analyzing, producing and distributing media.
Description: Dialogue builder Tami Pyfer advocates for the removal of contempt from political debate in lieu of dignity.

Take action: A visit to Independence Hall reminds us of the dignity Benjamin Franklin showed while voicing his disagreements over aspects of the U.S. Constitution being debated during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Description: Entrepreneur and civic leader Anuj Gupta shares how to eat your way to a stronger democracy. Food brings everyone to the table, and the stories behind the cuisine help us know one another — and learn we’re not so different.

Take action: Meet the local community, sample cultural flavors and take a culinary deep dive with interactive food experiences all across Philly.
Description: Political rule breaker Katie Paris explores the power and influence each of us possesses — not by building networks, but by tapping into ones we’ve already built.

Take action: The National Liberty Museum’s Showing Up Since 1776 centers assembly in America’s story, highlighting extraordinary changes driven by ordinary people gathering together.
Description: Writer and inequality expert Xochitl Gonzalez discusses Americans’ aversion to talking about money and how social class affects political participation.

Take action: A free exhibit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Lajan an mouvman explores the history of American currency and the Fed’s core functions in influencing monetary policy.
Description: Anti-Career Coach Danielle Roberts asserts that our freedom to pursue new passions or simply be present with those we love requires a precious and finite resource: time.

Take action: The Free Library of Philadelphia offers dozens of free programs and services for those seeking a new direction, educational advancement or just a fun diversion.
Description: Author Jon Alexander argues that the future of democracy is being built by ordinary people. He urges us to move beyond simply voting and instead embrace our role as active citizens who create change together.

Take action: The Philadelphia Citizen recognizes the impact of everyday Philadelphians and hosts roundtable discussions about how citizens can get involved in issues they care about.
Description: Writer and communications strategist Sally Kohn explores a concept she calls “Democracy 3.0,” which ties together political and economic democracy.

Take action: The Labor Monument: Philadelphia’s Tribute to the American Worker in Elmwood Park reflects on Philadelphia’s pivotal and unique role in the American labor movement.
Description: Computer scientist and journalist Jen Golbeck examines how new technologies pose a challenge to the rights to privacy enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Take action: The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia offers a great introduction to the city’s history as well as the rights and protections built into our nation’s founding documents.
Description: Michael Dimock, president and CEO of the Pew Research Center, explores the concept of democracy as an ongoing project

Take action: Learn more about the U.S. Constitution and its existence as an evolving document at the National Constitution Center.

TED Idea Knock Down

The TED Idea Knock Down series pairs experts with different perspectives in a playful game as they tackle big questions together — one block a time.

Writer and communications strategist Sally Kohn goes head-to-head with entrepreneur Jeff Maurer as they debate a rich question: Should there be a wealth limit for politicians?
Computer scientist and AI ethicist Jen Golbeck joins TED Fellow Shalini Kantayya in the game to discuss how algorithms, data collection and AI shape the choices we make online and in real life.
Danielle Roberts — a self-described anti-career coach — and political rule breaker Katie Paris discuss what it means to participate in politics, whether intentionally or not.
Opportunity builder and President of the Welcoming Center Anuj Gupta joins Visit Philadelphia’s Chief Marketing Officer Neil Frauenglass to discuss concepts like debate and participation — and how we can affect democracy more easily than we might think.

The Great Experiment Video Series

Episode 1: Road to The Vote

 

Episode 2: Civil Disobedience

 

Episode 3: People Power

 

More About TED Democracy Philadelphia

Three people talk on a stage at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia during the TED Democracy Fireside Chat in 2024

TED Democracy Philadelphia: A Timeline

 

Dear Democracy: Write a Letter to Democracy

 

Sign Up for TED Democracy Newsletters

Be the first to know about TED Democracy Philadelphia updates.

Yon Nòt sou TED Demokrasi

Visit Philadelphia se yon òganizasyon san bi likratif 501(c)(3) ki pa patizan, dedye a pwomosyon eritaj kiltirèl ak istorik rich vil nou an, enkli wòl li kòm kote nesans demokrasi modèn Ameriken an. Nou angaje nou pou fè Philadelphia vin vil ki pi akeyan ak enklizif Ozetazini pou vizitè ak rezidan.

Patenarya TED Democracy ak Visit Philadelphia, yon seri evènman ki konsantre sou avni demokrasi a soti 2024 rive 2026, te kreye pou aliyen ak konvèsasyon kiltirèl k ap fèt pandan n ap pwoche 250yèm anivèsè Amerik la.

Objektif nou se ofri patisipan yo yon eksperyans ki fè yo reflechi epi ki edikatif, ki respekte opinyon ak kwayans endividyèl yo, toutpandan n ap onore lespri dyalòg ke zansèt fondatè nou yo te pratike prèske 250 ane de sa isit la nan Philadelphia.

Visit Philadelphia pa patisipe nan kanpay politik, ni li pa sipòte ni opoze okenn kandida pou biwo piblik. Nou eksprime klèman ke nou pa fè okenn deklarasyon, ni pa bay okenn enfèrans, ki ta endike apwobasyon oswa opozisyon anvè okenn kandida politik nan okenn evènman TED Democracy, kit se pa oratè nou yo, patisipan yo oswa nenpòt lòt moun.

Michael Hanisco

Senior Content Manager, Visit Philadelphia

Mwen ekri ak edite tout kalite kontni sou visitphilly.com. Sèl bagay mwen renmen plis pase vil sa a se rakonte moun sou vil sa a — de preferans ak yon jwèt mo.
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