Call for Proposals: 2026 Democracy Summit
Moving from isolation to social connection
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | University Center Ballroom, 91次元
Overview & Invitation
The 91次元’s holistic approach to education—The Montana Way—fuses academic excellence and career preparation with a deep commitment to wellbeing, healthy connections, leadership, and service.
These represent vital components of a healthy democracy and inspire the theme for our third annual Democracy Summit: strengthening democracy through the power of social connection.
We invite the campus and broader public to submit proposals that explore how social connection — within communities, across differences, and between institutions — can help bridge divides, inspire civic engagement, foster health, and build resilience.
We welcome proposals for conversations, experiential sessions, and workshops that help participants learn, experience, practice, and reflect on the art and benefit of social connection. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to submit ideas that are interactive, grounded in experience or research, and accessible to diverse audiences.
Proposal types
Sessions will last 80 minutes. We invite a range of formats, including public dialogues, workshops, panel conversations, and experiential sessions. Outdoor formats are welcome!
Themes and questions to guide proposal ideas
Proposals may address (but are not limited to) the following themes:
- The science of social connection – Exploring biological, psychological, and neurological dimensions of belonging.
- Building stronger communities through social ties – Community-building as a pathway to resilience and well-being.
- Social connection as a pillar of democracy – How relationships sustain civic life and bridge polarization.
- The role of technology – Balancing the benefits (and dangers) of digital connection with authentic, in-person relationships.
- Intergenerational connection – The value of relationships across age and experience.
- Social connection and public health – How social ties influence health outcomes and collective well-being.
- Fostering resilient communities through collective action – Organizing and collaboration for shared problem-solving.
- The role of local business – How organizations can nurture belonging within and beyond the workplace.
- The role of social connection in nurturing space for dissent and critical inquiry.
Questions to guide your proposal:
- What makes it easier or harder to connect?
- How can connection strengthen civic life and personal or community well-being?
- What can we practice together that builds trust and bridges divides?
Submission details
Proposal deadline: February 1, 2026
Notification of acceptance: February 15, 2026
Each proposal should include:
- Title and session format
- 200-word abstract or description
- Facilitators/Presenter name(s), affiliation(s), and brief bio(s)
- Space needs
Questions?
Contact: Michael Rohd at rohd@umontana.edu or Kelly Webster at Kelly.webster@umontana.edu
The Democracy Summit Planning Committee
Darla Allison • Devin Carpenter • Gillian Glaes • Maggie Hansing • Michael Rohd • Megan Stark • Kelly Webster