Democracy Summit 2026
April 13-14, 2026
University of Montana Campus
Free and open to the public
This year’s summit—Moving from Isolation to Social Connection—creates space for respectful, creative, and productive engagement.
The program blends plenary sessions with smaller workshops and live, embodied experiences. Participants will explore social connection as a foundation for both a healthy democracy and a meaningful, healthy life.
The closing session will weave together insights gathered throughout the day.
Schedule at a Glance
Monday, April 13, 2026
7:30pm Democracy Summit Keynote Event: Jad Abumrad (UC Ballroom)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
8:30–9:15: Morning opening session: welcome, framing, and coffee/juice (UC Ballroom)
9:30–10:50: Concurrent presentation sessions
11:00–12:20: Concurrent presentation sessions
12:30–1:50: Lunch: Join fellow Summit attendees at The Lodge Dining Center. Be sure to mention that you are attending the Democracy Summit for a discounted price of $13.50. Please note that cash is not accepted.
2:00–3:20: Concurrent presentation sessions
3:30–4:20: Closing reception: reflection and gathering insights (UC Ballroom)
For more information on the schedule, please visit the 2026 Democracy Summit Schedule.
For more condensed information on each presentation, please visit the 2026 Democracy Summit Presentation Summaries.
For more information on the contributors, please visit the Democracy Summit Contributor Biographies.
Session Format
The Democracy Summit will include an opening and closing session and three separate time blocks where attendees can select their session of interest. Individual sessions will include one 80-minute presentation or two 40-minute presentations. The majority of sessions are in-person, but an individual session in each time block will be livestreamed. Abstracts and locations are linked in the schedule.
What to expect
- Conversations on social connection and its role in shaping democracy
- Insights from the science of belonging and community health
- Examples of proven community-building efforts
- Dialogue on technology’s role in shaping relationships
- Sessions on intergenerational connection, collective action, and public health
- Perspectives on how institutions (businesses, non-profits, schools, clinics, libraries and more) can foster stronger social bonds
- Experiences that emphasize creativity and imagination in building social connection
Together, we’ll imagine, learn, share, and practice the art of social connection and explore why it's the vital ingredient for addressing polarization and building resilient communities that solve challenges together.
Traveling to Campus
Democracy Summit participants are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take a Mountain Line or UDASH bus to campus. Both Mountain Line and UDASH are fare-free and open to everyone. UDASH also has nearby park and ride options available.
Parking Information
For those who need to drive to campus, please allow extra time as parking on the University of Montana campus is limited.
The top level of the parking garage adjacent to the Mansfield Library (Lot R-3 on the UM parking map) will be reserved for free use by Democracy Summit contributors and attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. The entrance to the garage is located on Campus Drive (see below map for more information).
Additional parking is available in hourly lots on campus. Hourly parking is $1.25 per hour and can be paid using the Passport app. Day passes can also be purchased on the UM Parking Portal.
Questions
Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
406-243-5223
To request sign language interpreting service, please contact Darla Allison by the end of day on Thursday, April 9.
Democracy Summit Lead: Michael Rohd
Democracy Summit Planning Committee: Darla Allison, Liz Barrs, Devin Carpenter, Maggie Hansing, Megan Stark, and Ryan Fleetwood