Are We Created Equal?
This conversation will explore equality. It is a core national value of the United States, even if we have not always lived up to that value. What does it mean to say, as the writers of the Declaration of Independence did, that “all men are created equal” and to declare that this is a self-evident truth? In what ways are or should we be equal? How does this ideal of equality show up in our daily lives, our communities, and our politics? How, finally, has this ideal of equality changed over the past 250 years—and how might it change further over the next 250?
Are We Created Equal?
This conversation will explore equality. It is a core national value of the United States, even if we have not always lived up to that value. What does it mean to say, as the writers of the Declaration of Independence did, that “all men are created equal” and to declare that this is a self-evident truth? In what ways are or should we be equal? How does this ideal of equality show up in our daily lives, our communities, and our politics? How, finally, has this ideal of equality changed over the past 250 years—and how might it change further over the next 250?
Consider This: What Democracy Needs with Hélène Landemore
A conversation with political theorist Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, on what democracy must become to meet the complexity, speed, and scale of today’s world. This conversation will take place in person at the Alberta Rose Theatre and be streamed online via YouTube.
Consider This: What Democracy Needs with Hélène Landemore
A conversation with political theorist Hélène Landemore on what democracy must become to meet the complexity, speed, and scale of today’s world.
Beyond 250: Conversations About Democracy and Community
Throughout 2026, Oregon Humanities will get Oregonians together to talk about democracy, freedom, and what it means to be an American—today and into the future.
From the Director: West of Boardman
Adam Davis on John Dewey, democracy, and public restrooms
From Hedge to Hedge
Wendy Willis on the potential of a democracy for what is
Putting in the Work
This comic by Jonathan Hill explores how people can stay engaged in politics and advocate for the changes they want to see outside of major election cycles.
Charter Review
This comic by Beka Feathers and Aki Ruiz explains Portland's charter review process.
Putting in the Work
This comic by Jonathan Hill explores how people can stay engaged in politics and advocate for the changes they want to see outside of major election cycles.
Who's Being Left Out?
Lucy Bellwood illustrates the history of voting rights in Oregon and efforts to expand who gets a say in our democracy.
Virtual Think & Drink with Senator Ron Wyden and Clive Thompson
Think & Drink goes online for a special conversation with US Senator Ron Wyden and journalist Clive Thompson on democracy and the internet, May 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Organizing from the Outside
Jyothi Natarajan talks with Oregonians finding connection while protesting oppression in Kashmir from afar.
Essential but Excluded
Carolina Gómez-Montoya writes about the precarious and disempowered place adjunct instructors occupy in institutions that have come to depend on their labor.
One Country Again
Astrid Melton reflects on her East German identity after the fall of the wall and reunification.
Dear Stranger
Dear Stranger is a letter-exchange project that connects Oregonians through the mail to share experiences, beliefs, and ideas.
Think & Drink with Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Eddy Morales, and Ana del Rocío
Join former Happy Valley Mayor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales, and Ana del Rocío, executive director of Oregon Futures Lab, for a conversation about running for and holding public office.
Think & Drink with John Haroldson, Adrienne Nelson, and Shannon Wight
Join us January 22 for an onstage conversation on democracy, justice, and the American court system.
Think & Drink with Desmond Meade
The 2019–20 Think & Drink series, Making Democracy, kicks off with the executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
Think & Drink Portland 2019–20: Making Democracy
Four onstage conversations with activists, writers and civic leaders about how we make decisions together in our communities
You Are Being Watched
The United States’ long history of turning citizens against one another. An excerpt from Joshua Reeves' Citizen Spies: The Long Rise of America’s Surveillance Society, reprinted with permission from New York University Press.
The Longest of Long Shots
A Sanders delegate's brush with national party politics. An essay by Valdez Bravo
The Good Fight
Can letting our children roughhouse lead to a better democracy? An essay by Sarah Gilbert