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

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Overview

TED Talks

TED Idea Knock Down

The Great Experiment

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 Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures 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: 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

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Episode 2: Civil Disobedience

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Episode 3: People Power

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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

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Dear Democracy: Write a Letter to Democracy

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A Note About TED Democracy

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.

Michael Hanisco

Senior Content Manager, Visit Philadelphia

I write and edit all sorts of content on visitphilly.com. The only thing I love more than this city is telling people about this city — preferably using some sort of pun.

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