April 18: Fixing the Filibuster: A Conversation with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Could restoring the talking filibuster fix the gridlock in the US Senate? The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate hosted a conversation with Sen. 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” moderated by Vox Policy Correspondent, Abdallah Fayyad.
March 26: Annual Dinner 2024 with Governors Wes Moore (D-MD) and Chris Sununu (R-NH)
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Kennedy Institute’s annual dinner honored Governor Wes Moore and Governor Chris Sununu with the Edward M. Kennedy Award for Inspired Leadership. Moderator of NBC News’ Meet the Press, Kristen Welker, joined this year’s celebration as special guest and master of ceremonies.
March 1: Policy Over Politics: A Conversation with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
The Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate hosted Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) for a conversation on the current state of Senate procedure and the challenges facing effective policy making in the country’s most deliberative body.
February 15: Bolstering Elections Administration: A Conversation with State and Local Officials
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate launched their partnership to strengthen America’s election infrastructure by hosting a conversation with Kansas election officials Jamie Shew, Douglas County Clerk, and Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State, about the state of election administration in Kansas, the challenges they face, and how they might be addressed and what support they’ll need to bolster resilient elections in Kansas.
February 5: Stone Social Impact Forum featuring Dr. Carey Wright
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation hosted award-winning educator Dr. Carey Wright for the 2024 Stone Social Impact Forum. The conversation will be moderated by NBC News’ Education Correspondent, Rehema Ellis.
October 25: The Legislative Path to Supreme Court Reform
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, hosted a panel event discussing how 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices could be enacted without the need for a Constitutional amendment, the possibility of establishing Supreme Court term limits, and the role the Senate could play in enacting such a reform.
Oct 5: American Politics in Crisis? Charting a New Path
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and the Pew Research Center hosted a candid conversation about Americans’ deepening dissatisfaction with their elected officials and government and what that means for the future of American politics.
Sept 26: The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 25th Anniversary
The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 and continues to be the cornerstone of peace and reconciliation in the country of Ireland. This program marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and includes representatives of the Irish and British Governments and representatives of the business community reflecting on the peace process, past and present life in Belfast, as well as the future of the country.
The Stone Social Impact Forum
The Stone Social Impact Forum is an annual series that features bold civic change agents from across the country who demonstrate pathways to tackle inequality, advance social change, and inspire all people to be civically active. The Forum is a joint initiative of the Kennedy Institute and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation made possible through the generous support of the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation.
Author Event with Cody Keenan – Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute was joined by board members Cody Keenan and the Honorable William “Mo” Cowan for a fascinating conversation about Keenan’s latest book, Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America. Keenan talked about how the book shares an intimate glimpse into how he and President Obama co-created language to address some of the most challenging instances of recent American history, including how to address America after yet another mass shooting.
Experience America – More than 40 Ambassadors to the US at the Kennedy Institute
The Kennedy Institute welcomed more than 30 foreign ambassadors – representing countries across 5 continents – to Boston as part of the Experience America diplomatic event. Led by the U.S. Department of State, Experience America connects foreign ambassadors with academic, business, community, and cultural leaders with the goal of strengthening relationships to promote economic investment, commerce, and dialogue.
Inspired Leadership Award – Annual Dinner
Presented at the Kennedy Institute’s annual dinner, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership recognizes individuals who possess qualities that reflect the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy: modeling exemplary leadership, inspiring others to action, and making a difference through service to the community and country.
Immigration and Higher Education Events
As part of the Kennedy Institute’s commitment to host compelling dialogues on the nation’s critical issues, the Kennedy Institute partnered with UMass Boston, the Immigration Initiative at Harvard, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration for a half-day event illuminating higher education’s role in facilitating immigration pathways, developing talent and potential, and reducing barriers to integration and naturalization.
Stay up to date
To stay updated on new virtual offerings from the Kennedy Institute, please sign up for our educator’s mailing list.