Hope for Democracy: A Discussion with Sam Farr, Adrienne Harris, Zach Friend & Spencer Critchley

After a presidential election like no other, democracy faces challenges like never before.

Government institutions, the free press, the judiciary, the integrity of the election itself — all face doubt and even attack, from both foreign and domestic sources.

These are the very foundations of self-rule, and those foundations have been shaken. Increasingly, Americans, among others, are losing hope for democracy — with unprecedented numbers even questioning whether we need it.

What’s the way forward?

This discussion, presented free of charge, will be an opportunity to hear the unique perspectives of leaders with national and local experience in government, politics, the law, and media — and to ask your own questions.

Admission is free, but please register to confirm a seat: http://bit.ly/hope-for-democracy

Former Congressman Sam Farr represented the Central Coast in the House of Representatives for 24 years, following service in the California Assembly, on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, and in the Peace Corps. His record of accomplishment includes the creation of CSUMB, Pinnacles National Park, the VA Hospital in Marina, the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery and much more.

Adrienne Harris was a Special Assistant to President Obama for Economic Policy at the White House National Economic Council. Before that she was with the U.S. Treasury Department, New York-based Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and election campaigns for Barack Obama, Senator Cory Booker, and Manhattan D.A. Cyrus Vance, Jr.

Zach Friend is a policy, public affairs, and communications expert who has worked for Barack Obama and John Kerry’s presidential campaigns, the White House Council of Economic Advisers, U.S. Senate, Congressman Sam Farr, and the Democratic National Committee. He is the 2nd District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County.

Spencer Critchley is a communications consultant whose experience includes both of Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, reports for the CBC, NPR, the AP and others, and audio production for the Emmy-winning PBS documentary “Blink.” He is the Managing Partner of Boots Road Group, a communications firm for governments, nonprofits, and socially responsible corporations.

Presented by the Boots Road Institute, a nonprofit educational project of Boots Road Group LLC.

Please note that doors will open at 6:30 p.m.