Pre-release "9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero" - America's Largest Town Hall - featuring Dr. Carolyn Lukensmeyer
What happens when thousands of ordinary citizens are invited to shape a major public decision?
9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero tells the remarkable story of how Americans came together after the tragedy of September 11 to help determine the future of the World Trade Center site through one of the largest public deliberation processes ever held in the United States. Thousands of citizens from across the region gathered to discuss competing proposals, weigh trade-offs, and collectively shape what would ultimately be built at Ground Zero.
The film offers a rare look at democracy in action, illustrating how structured dialogue and public participation can help communities navigate complex decisions and moments of national significance.
We are honored to be joined for the evening by Dr. Carolyn Lukensmeyer, a nationally recognized leader in democratic innovation and founder of AmericaSpeaks. Carolyn led the design of Listening to the City, the 2002 public forum that brought New Yorkers together in that pivotal moment.
Carolyn has run deliberative processes in all 50 states that drove impact — and advised federal agencies and international institutions on how to make democracy work. She will share reflections on that experience and offer inspiration for Bay Area efforts to strengthen democracy.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has worked at the frontier of participatory and deliberative democracy for decades — all the more so given that she lives in DC and limits travel these days.
Following the screening, there will be a short question and answer period.
This gathering is an opportunity to:
• Reflect on how communities can make decisions together
• Meet others who care about the future of democracy
• Learn about local efforts to strengthen civic life in the SF Bay Area
Schedule:
3:00 PM: Doors Open / Intro
3:30 PM: Film Screening
4:45 PM: Q&A with Carolyn Lukensmeyer
5:30 PM: Community Reception
Co-Hosted By:
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Additional Screening on Monday, 4/20 by the East Bay Civic Hub: