2025 Theme: WE THE FUTURE

ADS rises to meet the critical challenges facing our democracy.

Here’s a preview of topics we’ll be covering:

Confronting our
constitutional crisis

How we enforce the
rule of law

What we can learn from
student organizing

Crossing the
partisan divide

Engaging women
in civic life

Election
reform

Countering
election sabotage

Standing up
to authoritarianism

The role of spirituality
in civic life

And many more topics critical to the future of our democracy!


2025 Theme: WE THE FUTURE

American Democracy Summit rises to meet the critical challenges facing our democracy. Here’s a preview of topics we’ll be covering:

  • Confronting our constitutional crisis
  • How we enforce the rule of law
  • What we can learn from student organizing
  • Crossing the partisan divide
  • Engaging women in civic life
  • Election reform
  • Lessons from Seattle’s voucher program
  • Countering election sabotage
  • Standing up to authoritarianism
  • The role of states moving forward
  • The role of spirituality in civic life

Here’s how ADS 2025 will be structured:

May 14

May 15

May 16

9:00am Registration

6:30am Yoga on the Lawn

7:00am Registration

10:45am Opening Plenary

7:30am Breakfast

7:00am Stretch on the Lawn

12:00pm Lunch

8:00am Registration

7:30am Breakfast

1:00pm Breakout Sessions

8:30am Breakout Sessions

9:00am Breakout Sessions

2:30pm Breakout Session

10:00am Breakout Sessions

10:30am Closing Plenary

4:00pm Breakout Session

11:15am Lunch

12:00pm Breakout Sessions

8:00pm Soundbath Experience

3:00pm Breakout Sessions

4:30pm Breakout Sessions

6:30pm ADS Live!

►Stay tuned for details on ADS Live! 2025!

ADS Live! is the celebration and showcase of the movement that features short, inspirational talks, comedy, live music and more.

Hosted by actor and comedian Ed Helms, ADS Live! 2023 featured: 

  • A behind the scenes look at 2023’s biggest victories, hosted by Property Brother Jonathan Scott, with campaign leaders Lilly Sasse, Scott Kendall and more.   
  • Inspirational talks from The Hollywood Foreign Press’s Neil Phillips and Oscar winning actor Michael Douglas.
  • A surprise appearance from comedy legend Jim Gaffigan.
  • The LA2050 awards, celebrating local heroes who go above and beyond in the fight for democracy.
  • A very special musical performance by Rivers Cuomo and friends.
  • The return of Honest Gil Fulbright, and more!

It all came together in a fast-paced, 90-minute ‘variety’ show that will left attendees inspired for the fight ahead.

ADS is no ordinary conference 

Fast paced. Connected. Immersive. Entertaining. With time and space to meet and collaborate.

Share ideas, showcase your work, inspire and educate one another, and create the lasting connections that power a movement.

With attacks on our democracy more brazen than ever, American Democracy Summit 2025 is set to be the most important event our movement has ever seen.

Mainstage

The mainstage will feature a lineup of speakers, conversations, performances and trainings for the democracy movement. We’ll spotlight some of the vital and pressing issues of our time—attacks on the Constitution, gerrymandering, money in politics, voting rights and more.

Breakout

The breakout sessions will present engaging speakers and panels as well as dynamic and interactive trainings and workshops to complement the mainstage and build the movement’s skills.

Connect

The Summit has always been about bringing together the democracy reform movement. There will be designated time throughout the week for attendees to connect, collaborate, and advance solutions together.

Stay In Touch

ADS returns in May 2025! Stay connected as we announce inspiring speakers & dynamic sessions.