Most separate, we gather.
American democracy has always been bottom up. Now’s when we double down.
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Oct
Oct 7, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Dr. Laurie Patton: Our Common Purpose
John Adams founded the American Academy of Arts & Sciences to advance the common good in 1780. Dr. Laurie Patton joins us as she leads this storied organization into our 250th year.
Our Membership
Innovating democracy in American hometowns
Join us by giving a tax-deductible donation of $76 or more to become a yearly member. The American experiment has never been about the ruler, it’s about the people. We’re going to need to get back to it.
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Recent News and Updates
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In the News
Newfangled Ways to Spark Old-Style Civic Life: 4 Groups Show the Way
“Joyner describes the mission of Village Square — rebuilding civic trust amid increasing polarization — as both “impossible and mandatory.”
via The Chronicle of Philanthropy (Photo: Leon County Government)
In the News
3 strategies to help Americans bridge the deepening partisan divide
Listen First’s Pearce Godwin mentions The Village Square!
via The Viriginia Mercury
In the News
Are we living up to America’s most ambitious idea?
Village Square founder & president was asked by The Deseret News to write about what citizens should do after the election. She didn’t know who would win. That was the point.
via The Deseret News
Our Story
Building the town hall of the 21st century across the partisan divide
The Village Square (noun): A nervy bunch of liberals and conservatives who believe that disagreement and dialogue make for a good conversation, a good country, and a good time.
