The Edward M. Kennedy Institute is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in government & invigorating civil discourse.
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It was an incredible school year of collaborating with teachers, welcoming school groups from across the country in person and online, and forming partnerships to build new programs that relate to and educate students about pressing issues in our country. We are excited to continue delivering immersive civics education to students this summer and in the fall!
The Institute will be closed today in observance of !
We offer you these words by our namesake, the late Senator Kennedy. His unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights and equity feels especially important today. Senator Kennedy worked across the aisle to achieve landmark policies in voting rights, education, immigration reform, the minimum wage, and civil rights across gender, sexuality, and race. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us, from state representatives to the everyday American, to continue the work and carry the hope of creating a more just world together.
Could we build a better Senate through dialogue and debate? We think so. Listen to the latest NBC News The Chuck ToddCast for the full discussion between Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy.
Moderated by Chuck Todd, the Senators debated climate, border policy, healthcare, and the filibuster in our replica Senate Chamber.
The fifth installment of is made possible in partnership with Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and Bipartisan Policy Center.
Listen to the latest ChuckToddcast episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chuck-toddcast/id1156592336
“Spirited combat when necessary, bipartisan compromise when possible.” -Sen. Whitehouse
Watch the latest with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy on C-SPAN tonight at 8pm ET.
Moderated by NBC News' Chuck Todd, the Senators debated climate & energy, border policy, healthcare, and the future of the filibuster in our replica Senate Chamber before a live audience.
brings current U.S. Senators before a national audience to model civil discourse and the search for common interest. Our fifth debate was made possible in partnership with Orrin G. Hatch Foundation and Bipartisan Policy Center.
Learn more about : https://www.thesenateproject.org/
series continues with a special discussion between U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) on June 27. Moderated by Chuck Todd of NBC News, the Senators will debate various policy issues and the conversation will air on C-SPAN networks.
The Senate Project brings current US Senators before a national audience to model deliberation and the search for common interest. This fifth installment is made possible through our partnership with the Bipartisan Policy Center and Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
Click here for more information on the initiative: https://www.thesenateproject.org/
Hello educators! We are so excited to collaborate with you this summer as we work towards making this brand new program part of our regular educational line up for field trips. ✨If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Newsletter: findings and takeaways from our symposium on funding American elections with the Dole Institute of Politics.
1. Running elections across America costs about $4-6 billion a year, and costs continue to rise due to national and international threats. However, insufficient data makes it difficult to understand how much funding is needed and spent locally.
2. There is a critical need to focus on the voters, not politics, when it comes to administering elections.
See More and stay tuned for more Bolstering Elections programming updates throughout the year!
Read our recap and takeaways: https://tinyurl.com/2t65uxcd
in 1989, the Americans with Disabilities Act was introduced in the Senate as S. 933 by Senators Tom Harkin (IA), Ted Kennedy (MA), and David Durenberger (MN). Signed into law in 1990, the civil rights law protects every day Americans from discrimination based on disability.
NEW VIDEO: What happens when the Senate, a tradition-bound institution, encounters a nonconformist president intent on changing how the government operates?
In a virtual conversation hosted by the Kennedy Institute, Prof. Sean Theriault, University of Texas at Austin, Prof. Frances Lee, Princeton University, and Prof. Christina Bellantoni, University of Southern California, discuss their new book out today, “Disruption? The Senate During the Trump Era.”
Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liFA6dmjfhI
The final feature from the series asks the question, “Where do we go from here?”
Matthew Weil executive director of Bipartisan Policy Center’s Democracy Program says the financial burden placed on local governments to hold elections is unsustainable, arguing innovative approaches are needed to create a federal, consistent, and non-discretionary source of funding for elections.
Watch his insightful conversation with Tammy Patrick from our Election Administration Symposium with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate on our YouTube Channel: https://ow.ly/rzR850RsC0Q
Fall 2024 booking is open! You can find our FAQ here: https://ow.ly/xtpk50Rmwc7
We look forward to working with you and your students!
We were thrilled to host Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his long-time Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore at the Kennedy Institute for a conversation on their recent book on reforming the filibuster.
Moderated by Vox Policy Correspondent Abdallah Fayyad, Sen. Merkley argued that restoring the talking filibuster, “puts the debate in front of the American people.”
Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVhtNOiBh7I
Tonight’s “Fixing the Filibuster” event with Senator Jeff Merkley, Mike Zamore, and moderator Abdallah Fayyad starts at 6:30pm ET!
Tune into our YouTube channel to watch a live stream of the conversation:
Fixing the Filibuster: A Conversation with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
The Kennedy Institute’s “On The Point" Spring 2024 newsletter is here! Check out highlights from our 2024 Annual Dinner, featured videos from our project, and how we engaged students from across the country in this year’s Civic Learning Week.
Read on for more about our past and upcoming events, including tomorrow’s event at the Institute with Sen. Jeff Merkley: https://mailchi.mp/emkinstitute/on-the-point-edward-m-kennedy-institute-newsletter-xzaofuh0gi-962871?e=3fd0b6f2db
In this week’s video: Kansas county clerks Jamie Doss of Saline County and Janet Paddock of Franklin County share the challenges of underfunding, limited staff, and increased demands on administering elections and their responsibility to provide voters with a good experience at the polls.
Watch their discussion with retired Johnson County Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt on the day-to-day experience of Kansas’ 105 county election administrators.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=OPwYyMSjM10
NEW DATE: Our Fixing the Filibuster event with Senator Jeff Merkley and Mike Zamore moderated by Abdallah Fayyad has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 18th at 6:30pm EDT.
Join us at this new date and time as Sen. Merkley and Zamore discuss their recent book “Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America” and explore whether restoring the talking filibuster will fix the gridlock in the US Senate. Light refreshments and a book signing will follow the program.
If you previously registered and are still able to attend on April 18th, no further action is needed - your existing RSVP remains valid.
Haven’t RSVP’d? Register below!
https://tinyurl.com/mttjy7vm
As we continue highlighting moments from the Election Administration Symposium, we’re highlighting a conversation between Kansas Elections Director Bryan Caskey and elections expert Tammy Patrick about the benefits of placing elections administration responsibility at the county level and keeping the process closer to voters, while acknowledging county election clerks' challenges with increasing pressures and budgeting.
Watch Bryan's insightful discussion with Tammy Patrick on our YouTube Channel through the link in our bio and stay tuned for more highlights from the symposium!
Save the Date for April 22! We hope the new lottery process from our Edward M. Kennedy Civics team will be easier to navigate and allow as many schools as possible to access our programs.
We have a new lottery process we will be using to schedule groups, beginning on April 22! We hope this new process will be easier to navigate and allow as many schools as possible to access our programs. Read our FAQ for more information: https://ow.ly/MAUx50RbOYQ
The Kennedy Institute was thrilled to host a policy debate between members of the UMass Boston College Republicans & College Democrats in our replica Senate Chamber this week!
The students had constructive dialogues on the economy, the environment, foreign policy, and immigration, astutely moderated by the UMass Boston Debate Club.
“The reality is that elections are now harder than they've ever been to administer and, I believe, more expensive.” - Commissioner Benjamin Hovland, U.S. Election Assistance Commission
This week’s video features U.S. Election Assistance Commissioners Benjamin Hovland and Donald Palmer on the challenges and opportunities associated with federal support for funding local elections.
The Commissioners discussed how we can enhance the administration of federal funding for elections at the local level, addressed rising election administration costs due to national and international threats, and emphasized the need to focus on the voters, not politics, when it comes to administering elections.
Click the link below to watch their discussion with Tammy Patrick . Stay tuned for next week as we unveil more highlights from the Election Administration Symposium in partnership with the Dole Institute of Politics!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAReoSGHFyY&list=PLaTmc9U0F6DaTllHvpjfMt8Hi3eRcELcT&index=4
ICYMI: Meet the Press featured the Kennedy Institute’s work on addressing divisions in American democracy through civil discourse and constructive dialogue.
Watch the segment featuring Kristen Welker’s conversation with Governor Chris Sununu and Governor Maura Healey here:
NBC's Meet the Press featured the Kennedy Institute’s work on addressing divisions in American democracy through civil discourse and constructive dialogue. T...
There’s still time to register for our event on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30pm ET with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his longtime Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore on whether restoring the talking filibuster could fix gridlock in the U.S. Senate, moderated by Vox Policy Correspondent Abdallah Fayyad
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-the-filibuster-a-conversation-with-sen-jeff-merkley-d-or-tickets-863961731797?aff=Social
Could restoring the talking filibuster fix the gridlock in the U.S. Senate? Join the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30pm ET for a conversation with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his longtime Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore, on their recent book, “Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America.”
As the Senate heads towards a new chapter next session following recent leadership and retirement announcements, Sen. Merkley and Zamore will explore how the key to the Senate’s future may be found in its past.
A book signing will follow the discussion.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-the-filibuster-a-conversation-with-sen-jeff-merkley-d-or-tickets-863961731797?aff=Social
In this week’s video, Professors Martha Kropf from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Zach Mohr from the University of Kansas discuss how the election data they gathered from ’s counties gave them greater insight into what influences the level of spending on elections.
Professors Kropf and Mohr outline how the effects of North Carolina’s politics, geography, and local economies can impact election administration funding at the hyper-local level, and the need for meaningful, consistent, and equitable federal funding of elections.
Watch their discussion with Tammy Patrick here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2VwN8hz4ps
We were honored to present this year’s Award for Inspired Leadership to Gov. Wes Moore (in absentia) and Gov. Chris Sununu for their commitment to public service, policymaking, and steadfast governance. The Kennedy Institute’s Annual Dinner is an opportunity to recognize individuals who epitomize Senator Kennedy’s legacy.
Gov. Maura Healey read a letter on behalf of Gov. Moore, who remained in Maryland leading emergency efforts in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, noting he was “humbled to receive this award alongside my friend and colleague, Gov. Sununu – and I hope to work every day to live up to the namesake of this distinguished honor.”
Gov. Healey and Gov. Sununu joined NBC’s Kristen Welker for a conversation on political division. Thank you to our guests and event sponsors for their support!
Could restoring the talking filibuster fix the gridlock in the U.S. Senate? Join the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30pm ET for a conversation with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his longtime Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore, on their recent book, “Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America.”
As the Senate heads towards a new chapter next session following recent leadership and retirement announcements, Sen. Merkley and Zamore will explore how the key to the Senate’s future may be found in its past.
A book signing will follow the discussion.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-the-filibuster-a-conversation-with-sen-jeff-merkley-d-or-tickets-863961731797?aff=Social
“Why is the study of election funding so difficult? Well, it doesn’t have to be. And it starts with getting the facts right.”
The United States spends approximately $4B - $6B each year on election administration. But the true amount is unknown due to a lack of data and reporting. In this week’s video series, Professor Charles Stewart of the MIT Election Data and Science Lab discusses how the exact amount that's needed to ensure elections are run properly remains unknown without accurate data.
Our Bolstering Elections initiative is a collaboration between the Kennedy Institute and the Dole Institute of Politics to promote investment in American electoral administration and processes.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aouZ643K4o0
We are proud to present this year’s Award for Inspired Leadership to Governor Wes Moore of Maryland and Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire. Throughout their careers, both Governors have reflected the leadership qualities of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and have played a part in carrying on his legacy through their work advocating for a better future for their constituents.
The Governors will be honored at our Annual Dinner on March 26th, hosted this year by NBC Meet the Press’s Kristen Welker.
Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Learn more: https://emkinstitute.org/annual-dinner-2024/
Next week is , hosted by MA Civic Learning Coalition and iCivics.
Kennedy Institute team will host a free, virtual event where 6-8 grade students act as senators to draft & vote on a bill regulating in schools. Join us!
Designed for: Students (grades 6-8)
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“A Republic, madam, if you can keep it.” Speaking at #TheSenateProject debate, Senator Chris Coons referenced the famous words of founder Benjamin Franklin alongside the spirit of Senators Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy when describing the compromise required to uphold American democracy.
In a time of deep political polarization in America, the goal of The Senate Project is for the public to hear leading senators from competing ends of the political spectrum seek common ground and consensus. Our hope is to inspire policymakers to not only make the case for their points of view, but to then work towards the example set by Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Orrin Hatch for bipartisan bridge-building. #TheSenateProject
It’s #TeacherAppreciationWeek! The Kennedy Institute is so thankful to the educators across the country who tirelessly show up every day to inspire the next generation of leaders. We want to help you the best way we can: by bringing civic education to life in your classroom. Learn how our virtual education programs can complement your lesson plan, submerge students in civic education, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
"Securing quality, affordable health insurance for every American is a matter of simple justice." — Senator Edward M. Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) April 28, 2002 | John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
Should the Senate filibuster be abolished? It has become a topic of discussion on the 2020 campaign trail. Here is The New York Times Opinion Section Columnist Jamelle Bouie's recent article on his stance. ow.ly/u6IO30nSv0k Check your familiarity of the term with a quick Institute explainer. ow.ly/1tor30nSuSy
For his "On Washington" column in the NYT Politics, Carl Hulse considered what would have been if a key legislative tactic was still an option for Supreme Court nominations. ow.ly/eRA030kXyha Learn how filibusters are conducted and then visit the Institute to be #senatorforaday.
From educational offerings to public programs, the Institute welcomes visitors of all ages to come together to debate the issues of the day, learn from each other, and leave empowered to make contributions to their communities, the Commonwealth, and our nation.
When the Pod Save America program began last Friday, Tommy Vietor took a moment to discuss the significance of being at the Institute.
Go behind the scenes for the #StandsWithImmigrants exhibit, then stop by the Institute to view all the portraits. ow.ly/QLMV30jIVkl
On this day in 2015, the Institute first opened its doors to the public for everyone to experience democracy! Join us as we take a look back at some of our many notable speakers and visitors.
Senator Jon Tester and Senator Cory Booker took to the basketball court to raise awareness about their efforts to get #OneMoreVote and save #NetNeutrality. 🏀 Watch:
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Muse
Columbia Point
Congregational Library & Archives
Beacon Street
Boston Street Railway Association
Huntington Avenue
The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston
Boylston Street
