Shaping the future of democracy
Our Voices Summit
Real Talk. Real Plans. Real Change.
Thursday, August 14–Saturday, August 16, 2025
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Our Voices Summit is a dynamic and collaborative event designed to foster meaningful conversations among young people aged 14–24 and adult allies from diverse regions and political ideologies. For this inaugural summit, applications from young people in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. will be prioritized. By engaging participants in deliberative dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, the Summit, designed in collaboration with our partners Close Up, and Cortico, aims to seek common ground, inspire actionable solutions for complex community issues, and decrease affective polarization.
Our Voices isn’t just about what you will learn in Philadelphia, it’s about what you do next. You’ll receive tools, training, and support to lead conversations and take actions that can drive change in your community.
C&S will cover the cost of accommodation and meals for Summit participants. Travel will be reimbursed.
Apply for the August Summit here.
Important Dates:
June 20: Application Closes
July 3: Accepted Attendees Notified
July 10: Attendee Registration Form Completed
July 28: Conversation Project—Submit Pre-Summit Conversation
August 14-16: Our Voices Summit in Philadelphia, PA
October 20: Conversation Project—Submit Post-Summit Conversation and Reflection
Summit Conversation Projects
Before the summit, you will identify an issue and have a conversation with at least one peer and an older adult (24 +) related to one of the summit themes listed below. We will provide instructions and a guide to get you started. You’ll record the conversation and share it with us before the summit.
During the summit, you will learn how the Cortico platform can be used to reveal trends, amplify under-heard voices, and deepen your understanding about the topic. You’ll see how insights from your conversation compare with those of your peers. You will also engage in workshops to discuss the topics and learn and practice facilitation skills. Finally, you’ll work with peers, adult allies, and expert facilitators to create a customized conversation guide for your community.
After the summit, you will host a larger intergenerational conversation with at least 6-8 community members—including adult allies. As was the case before the summit, you will record and share this conversation with us for analysis and identifying themes from across different communities. You will then use the shared data to inform advocacy and action steps for your community.
Our Voices Summit Themes
We’ve chosen three broad themes affecting communities in differing ways: civil liberties, economic opportunity, and energy & environment. You’ll choose a theme to explore before, during, and after the summit. But you’ll also have the chance to learn more about the other topics as well!
Below are some examples of specific conversation topics within each theme. You know best the issue that impacts your community directly, and can determine the broader theme.
- Civil Liberties | Free press, freedom of speech, the right to privacy, freedom of assembly, equal treatment under the law, due process
- Economic Opportunity | Unemployment, cost of living, affordable housing, education access, income equality
- Energy & Environment | Air/water pollution, water shortages, food waste, climate change
During the summit, you’ll engage in discussions around these themes, learn from diverse perspectives, develop a customized conversation guide and an action plan for use in your community.
Selection Information
We are seeking participants with a range of views and perspectives who are eager to collaborate with peers and adult allies to lead in their communities. Summit participants will represent urban, rural, and suburban communities from across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Priority will be given to applicants from these states however, we welcome anyone between the ages of 14-24 to apply.
Because space is limited, individuals interested in attending the summit must complete an application by June 20.
An update on applications will be sent by July 3, 2025.
Tentative Schedule
August 14
3:00pm: Arrivals
4:00 pm: Kickoff
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Post-dinner Session
August 15
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am–12:00 pm: Morning Sessions
12:00–1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00– 6:00 pm: Afternoon Sessions
6:30– 8:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Team Building
August 16
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am–11:00 am: Morning Sessions
12:00–1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Departures
FAQs
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Am I eligible to attend?
If you are between the ages of 14-24, you are eligible to attend. Priority will be given to applicants from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
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How do I apply?
Fill out an application here.
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What do I need to apply?
Just a completed application form!
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When are applications due?
Applications are due by June 20, 2025.
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Why is there an application to attend?
Space is limited and we are seeking participants with a range of views and perspectives that are eager to engage with others. The application will help us learn more about you and why you’re interested in attending the summit.
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Do I have to pay to attend?
Attendees will have economy travel, accommodations, and meals covered for them while at the summit.
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Am I responsible for my own travel arrangements to the summit?
Yes. C&S will reimburse you for your travel expenses (economy only), but you will be responsible for arranging your own travel to the summit location.
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Are there any follow up events after the summit?
We hope to host at least one follow-up virtual event for attendees in the Fall.
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What if I am not able to complete the Conversation Project?
Attendees are expected to complete both parts of the Conversation Project. You must inform us if you think you may not be able to complete part of the project.
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I have questions about the summit. Who do I reach out to?
You can send your questions to Anna Gallos: gallos@citizensandscholars.org
