Creating Citizens is The Commonwealth Club’s civics education initiative that engages students and educators in discussions about civic responsibility and public dialogue. In an era of deep polarization, this program encourages young people to develop their own perspectives on complex issues, fostering the power of respectful and productive discourse in a diverse society. With a focus on nonpartisan civil dialogue, participants benefit from interactions with leaders across the ideological spectrum, while also gaining insights from their peers. By providing these opportunities, Creating Citizens aims to nurture the next generation of active and empowered citizens, essential for the health of our democracy.
Event WebsiteJoin us on January 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for an engaging discussion with Professor Casimir Yost from Georgetown University at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs in San Francisco. This event will explore the complexities of current global conflicts and recent developments in foreign policy under the Trump administration. Professor Yost will share insights on various international issues, shedding light on conflicts from Taiwan to Ukraine and the Middle East to Greenland, providing an understanding of what to expect in these interesting times.
Join bestselling author Juan Williams for a compelling discussion on the rise of America's second civil rights movement. As he outlines the trajectory from the Obama presidency through significant events like Charlottesville and the January 6 Capitol incident, Williams highlights how demographic changes and the use of social media shape today's activism against systemic racism and police brutality. The session will delve into the new generation's goals and challenges, linking historical struggles for equality with modern efforts for social justice. This event promises to be an engaging exploration of the present and future of civil rights in America.
Join Professor Casimir Yost as he discusses the implications of America's historical Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which aimed to protect American interests but resulted in retaliatory actions from foreign governments, influencing global events such as Japan's invasion of Manchuria. He will explore the unintended consequences of such policies in the context of the current global landscape, focusing on demography, climate change, technology, and regional conflicts. As a senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and former director at the National Intelligence Council, Yost offers critical insights into the complexities of international relations in the 'new Trumpian age.'
Join us at Book Passage for an author event celebrating Timothy J. Heaphy's new book 'Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal About Rising Threats to American Democracy'. Heaphy, the former Chief Investigative Counsel of the House of Representatives Select Committee investigating the January 6th Attack, offers a detailed analysis of the factors surrounding these pivotal events. With insights from his unique position overseeing investigations into both incidents, Heaphy will discuss the implications for American democracy and what can be learned to prevent future political violence. This event is free and will be hosted at the Corte Madera Store.