University of Montana’s Democracy Summit
Free and open to the public
On April 14, 2026, UM will host its third annual Democracy Summit. This year, we will focus on one of the most vital elements of a thriving democracy: social connection.
The day will highlight the ways relationships sit at the heart of civic life. Students, faculty, staff, and community members will come together to explore how moving from isolation to social connection can strengthen democracy, encourage civic engagement, and bridge divides.
From Belonging to Action: Social Connection, Climate, and Democracy in Practice
Shanti Devins and Sarah Lundquist
Join Families for a Livable Climate and Climate Smart Missoula 11am-12:20pm | University Center (UC) 327
This interactive workshop, co-hosted by Families for a Livable Climate and Climate Smart Missoula, explores how belonging and social connection are not only essential to personal wellbeing, but foundational to effective climate action and a healthy democracy.
Through short facilitator presentations, personal storytelling, and interactive activities, we’ll examine why climate is so often placed on the “back burner,” why it is both urgent and inseparable from the challenges communities face right now, best practices for successful climate communication, and how collective action creates leverage and strengthens democracy.
Participants will practice using personal stories to build trust across differences, learn what’s already happening locally around climate advocacy and solutions, and explore multiple “entry points” into democratic participation—from public comment, local organizing, and becoming a climate ambassador, to intergenerational leadership and coalition-building. The session will culminate in hands-on reflection and individual action planning, helping participants identify meaningful next steps and connect with opportunities for ongoing involvement. Together, we’ll experience how connection fuels courage, resilience, and the collective power needed to shape a livable future
What to expect at the Democracy Summit:
Conversations on social connection and its role in shaping democracy
Insights from the science of belonging and community health
Examples of proven community-building efforts
Dialogue on technology’s role in shaping relationships
Sessions on intergenerational connection, collective action, and public health
Perspectives on how institutions (businesses, non-profits, schools, clinics, libraries and more) can foster stronger social bonds
Experiences that emphasize creativity and imagination in building social connection
Sessions on intergenerational connection, collective action, and public health
Together, we’ll imagine, learn, share, and practice the art of social connection – an essential ingredient for addressing polarization and building resilient communities that solve challenges together.
A call for proposals – conversations, experiential sessions, workshops – will be announced in December.