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GLOUCESTER DAILY TIMES
O’Maley students debate Immigration Reform (http://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/local_news/o-maley-students-debate-immigration-reform/article_9f2c9d15-a877-5799-8d74-e3c9a3823695.html)

C-SPAN
John Kerry Receives Lifetime Achievement Award (https://www.c-span.org/video/?435336-1/john-kerry-receives-lifetime-achievement-award)

BU TODAY
‘Daily Show’ Head Writer Solicits Laughs, Serious Questions at Q&A (http://bunewsservice.com/daily-show-head-writer-lecture-series/)
A very Happy New Year to all.

I am deeply gratified to be joining the Edward M. Kennedy Institute community as president. Since its founding, the Institute has been a powerful voice for participatory democracy and civil discourse in this country. For visitors of all ages and walks of life, this is a place that enriches understanding and sparks deeper commitment to the ideals Senator Kennedy championed throughout his life. Advancing that vision is truly an honor.

As we begin 2018, I am filled with hope for what we can accomplish together. But at the same time, I know we must all remain clear-eyed about the challenges of our deeply divided nation. As the Institute found in our 2017 national poll, too many Americans lack knowledge of how their government functions — from the responsibilities of elected office to their own role as voters.

But our common charge goes deeper than that. The U.S. today faces not just apathy among its electorate, but a rising tide of deep distrust in its bedrock institutions: from schools and higher education to government to charitable institutions like this one.

In this climate, the Institute’s work is more urgent than ever. This institution is a critical player not just in educating people about how government works, but in why civic engagement is a responsibility none of us can afford to shirk.

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As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen firsthand young people’s hunger to make their world a better place. At the same time, I see an increasing number uncertain about how to productively participate in, and strengthen our democracy.

I know that with the Institute’s talented team and its robust community of supporters, we play a critical role in changing that narrative — and as a result, will help build the next generation of leaders who embody Senator Kennedy’s values and spirit. I couldn’t be more proud or more invigorated to be a part of this with you, and look forward to working together in the months to come.

With warmth,

Mary K. Grant, Ph.D.
President, Edward M. Kennedy Institute

P.S. Please follow me on my new Twitter account ** @emkmarykgrant (http://www.twitter.com/emkmarykgrant)
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EVENTS | get involved
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RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
IN THE FALL OF 2017, THE INSTITUTE HOSTED A VARIETY OF SPEAKERS AND LEADERS FOR ENGAGING DISCUSSIONS ON CURRENT ISSUES FACING OUR NATION
Katy Tur spoke about her experience covering the Trump campaign, Secretary John Kerry accepted the Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Public Service and discussed the state of foreign policy, a bipartisan panel of senators came together to discuss federal efforts to combat the opioid crisis, the authors of "One Nation After Trump" discussed our nation's path forward, and the head writer from "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" spoke about the intersection of news and comedy.

Missed one of our programs? They are all ** now available to watch on our website (https://www.emkinstitute.org/explore-the-institute/public-events-programs/public/past-events)
. Photos from each Institute program can be ** viewed here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/emkinstitute/albums)
. ** Learn more about becoming a member of the Institute to receive first access to registration for upcoming programs. (http://www.emkinstitute.org/membership)

INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT | keep informed
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A YEAR IN THE INSTITUTE'S SENATE
IN 2017, THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS AND VISITORS STEPPED INTO THE ROLE OF A U.S. SENATOR FOR A DAY

TWELVE BILLS WERE DEBATED THROUGHOUT NEARLY 800 INSTITUTE SENATE SESSIONS

Last year, the Institute’s Senate tackled a new piece of legislation every month on issues ranging from the DAIRY Pride Act to the Confederate Statues Removal Act. Through our Today's Vote program, visitors had the opportunity to learn about a bill currently pending before the U.S. Senate, and then voice their opinions about the issue. See how our visitor-senators voted on each bill throughout nearly 800 Senate sessions.

** More about our Today's Vote program here >> (https://www.emkinstitute.org/resources/todays-vote)

MORE THAN 20,000 STUDENTS FROM 250 SCHOOLS BECAME SENATORS FOR THE DAY

Students from across the Commonwealth and the nation stepped into the role of a U.S. senator in the Institute’s full-scale replica Senate Chamber to build and pass a piece of current or historic legislation on issues ranging from Reconstruction to Immigration Reform. Through conducting hearings, committee mark-ups, and floor debates, the student-senators worked with their colleagues to negotiate and debate on behalf of their constituents in a process that culminates in a final vote on the legislation.

** More about our student programs here >> (http://www.emkinstitute.org/sim)
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HAPPENING NOW
EXPLORE WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE INSTITUTE

JANUARY IN THE INSTITUTE'S SENATE CHAMBER
What information should social media platforms be required to disclose about their advertisements? Come debate the Honest Ads Act. The legislation would regulate political ads on platforms such as Facebook and Google more closely, and require those platforms to release information such as buyers, rates, and target audiences.

** Learn more and plan your visit here >> (https://www.emkinstitute.org/resources/what-youll-experience)

SUPER POWERS SENATE GAME
Saturday, February 24, at 2 p.m.
Join the Institute in a game where players will serve as senators in an alternate reality. Players will grapple with issues of civil liberties and national security to dream up, debate, and create new laws. Fun for families, ages 12 and up.

** Learn more, and purchase tickets here >> (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/super-powers-senate-game-tickets-41317456625?_ga=2.50166181.2058775763.1515417975-408886807.1433864929)
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MEMBERSHIP | join today
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SUPPORT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE INSTITUTE
Did you know you can become a friend of the Institute for $47 and enjoy a range of benefits while you support civic engagement? Friends of the Institute receive free admission, special notification of programs, and a discount at the gift store. ** Become a member now >> (https://www.emkinstitute.org/join-and-support/membership)


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