A Series on Civic Engagement
Civic conversations among thought leaders
Citizen Travelers — Travelers' industry-leading, nonpartisan civic engagement initiative — and the Travelers Institute are teaming up to support and showcase conversations among leading thinkers in the areas of civic engagement and civic learning. Be on the lookout for invitations to conversations featuring thought leaders in this dynamic space.
Upcoming events
Webinar
Habits of a Healthy Civic Culture: A Conversation with Eric Liu
February 19, 2025
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Webinar
The Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship’s recent report “Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture” highlighted the components of a healthy civic culture. Eric Liu, co-chair of the Commission, joins us to discuss why this report is so important today and how it can serve as a formula for fostering civic engagement in local communities.
This conversation is part of the Citizen TravelersSM at the Travelers Institute® webinar series.
Webinar
Civics Break Part 1: The Rule of Law and the Foundations of the Judiciary
March 3, 2025
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Webinar
In the first part of this four-part course, we'll explore the rule of law and the constitutional foundation of the U.S. judicial system. The U.S. Constitution outlines a government system that balances power among three branches. Gain a better understanding of the powers and responsibilities of the judicial branch, how the judiciary and U.S. law have developed over time, and how state and federal courts work together to resolve disputes, protect our individual rights and liberties, and uphold the rule of law.
This conversation is part of the Citizen TravelersSM at the Travelers Institute webinar series.
Recent webinars
Beyond the Ballot: Partnering for Safe and Secure Elections
What role do state offices play in the evolving landscape of elections? Connecticut’s Secretary of the State and New England’s Election Security Advisor for CISA joined us to discuss the evolving landscape of elections and the role of state and federal offices in ensuring safe, secure voting. We learned about recent reforms, types of election security measures officials are putting in place and how Citizen Travelers initiatives align with state efforts to encourage civic participation.
How the Founders′ View of the Pursuit of Happiness Defined America
What did our founders mean by “the pursuit of happiness” and how does this concept drive citizens and shape America today? Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, joined Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers, to dive into Rosen’s groundbreaking book The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.
How We Elect Our President: The Electoral College and Two-Party System
How do Americans select their presidential candidates? Why have two parties dominated the American political system since its creation and what is the electoral college? President Emeritus Edward Ayers, University of Richmond, Franita Tolson, Dean at the USC Gould School of Law, and Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers, partnered with the Gilder Lehrman Institute to dive into the history of these enduring features of American elections.
Read the summary
The Importance of Balanced Information and Human Connections in a Pluralist Democracy
How can we avoid being fooled by information bias and misinformation? AllSides Technologies Inc. is an organization focused on strengthening our society with balanced news, media bias ratings, diverse perspectives and real conversation. John Gable, CEO of AllSides, and Joan Blades, Co-Founder of LivingRoomConversations.org, joined Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers to break down information barriers so we may better understand the world – and each other.
Watch the replay
Teammates, Leaders, Citizens: The Unifying Power of Athletics
Athletics has the power to build camaraderie among teammates, inspire the future generation of leaders and unify us toward a common goal of a better future. We spoke with the organization The Team and current college athletes about how athletics can be a platform to make a positive impact in one’s community.
Discovering Common Purpose: Veterans and Military Families on the Rewards of Civic Engagement
America’s military veterans and their families have a unique perspective on how service helps create a sense of common purpose in our nation. How can their experience and example help us strengthen that purpose to build a more unified democracy? Join Ellen Gustafson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of We the Veterans and Military Families; Cory Johnson, Co-Chair of the Travelers Military/Veterans and Allies Diversity Network; and Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers to explore the rewards of civic service and engagement.
Watch the replay
Evolution of the Supreme Court with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
In this conversation, viewers learned about the evolution of the United States Supreme Court and its role in defining America. We discussed some common misconceptions about the U.S. Supreme Court and some of the ways that its decisions have impacted our daily lives. This program featured Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement at Travelers, Director of Curriculum Development and Instructional Design Tim Bailey from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and historians Mary Sarah Bilder from Boston College Law School and Barbara A. Perry, the Gerald L. Baliles Professor in Presidential Studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center.
Read the summary
Taking Your First Steps Toward Public Leadership
Have you ever been curious about holding public office or do you know someone who you think would be a great public leader? This special webinar series, hosted by Citizen Travelers at the Travelers Institute, examined the skills you likely already have to be a successful elected official, which public roles could be right for you or someone you know and what has inspired others to take the first step towards public leadership.
Watch the replay
Bridging the Civics Gap: Making the Business Case for Civic Engagement
A well-functioning, predictable and stable government has been a hallmark of the United States for generations, fostering entrepreneurship and allowing businesses to operate efficiently and effectively. But with shifting societal trends in recent years, civic education and engagement has been on the decline. Panelists discussed the powerful positive impact that civic education and engagement can make in our society, and how businesses – both large and small – can empower employees and their families with the tools they need to get civically engaged in their communities.
Watch the replay
About Citizen TravelersSM
Travelers understands that a healthy private sector depends on durable and reliable public institutions. Learn more about Citizen Travelers, our nonpartisan civic engagement initiative.