This event is part of the East Bay Civic Hub’s effort to grow a stronger local democracy network. Contributions help make gatherings like this possible.

Watch the Trailer

What happens when thousands of ordinary citizens are invited to shape a major public decision?

9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero tells the remarkable story of how Americans came together after the tragedy of September 11 to help determine the future of the World Trade Center site through one of the largest public deliberation processes ever held in the United States. Thousands of citizens from across the region gathered to discuss competing proposals, weigh trade-offs, and collectively shape what would ultimately be built at Ground Zero.

The film offers a rare look at democracy in action, illustrating how structured dialogue and public participation can help communities navigate complex decisions and moments of national significance.

We are honored to be joined for the evening by Carolyn Lukensmeyer, a nationally recognized leader in democratic innovation and founder of AmericaSpeaks. Carolyn helped design Listening to the City, the 2002 public forum that brought New Yorkers together in that pivotal moment. She will share reflections on that experience and and offer inspiration for Bay Area efforts to strengthen democracy.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has worked at the frontier of participatory democracy for decades.

Following the screening, there will be a short question and answer period. Local organizers and civic leaders will briefly share the work they are doing to strengthen dialogue, participation, and collaboration in our communities, and how YOU can get involved.

This gathering is an opportunity to:

• Reflect on how communities can make decisions together
• Meet others who care about the future of democracy
• Learn about local efforts to strengthen civic life in the East Bay

Whether you’re already involved in civic work or simply curious about how people can come together across differences to shape the future, we hope you’ll join us for an evening of reflection, connection, and conversation.

Hosted by the East Bay Civic Hub, a network connecting people and organizations working to strengthen civic participation and democratic collaboration across the East Bay.

Additional screening on 4/19 in San Francisco; hosted by American Public Trust and Bloom Project https://luma.com/7s78ny2b

Contact the host of Screening & Conversation: What Democracy Can Look Like - "9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero"

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