Landmark event convenes bold thinkers and civic leaders to share ideas and solutions designed to inform and inspire
[FORT COLLINS, Colo.] – Poudre Libraries, in partnership with Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, is proud to host a livestream of TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, a day-long symposium featuring 15+ original TED Talks focused on the future of democracy.
The free, livestream event takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., Fort Collins. Poudre Libraries is one of just two libraries in Colorado, and 65 across the U.S. and its territories, to host TED Democracy livestream events.
Attend the Livestream
Participation is free but registration is required. Visit the Museum of Discovery’s online events calendar to reserve your spot: FCMoD.org/calendar.
There are three 90-minute sessions scheduled throughout the day, each featuring different presenters. Participants are encouraged to register for each session individually to ensure space.
Featured Speakers
Founding Futures speakers include some of the world’s brightest thinkers, offering brand-new TED Talks designed to challenge perspectives, spark imaginations, and inspire action.
Confirmed speakers include:
• Jon Alexander: A London-based author who advocates for active citizenship and democratic renewal through writing, advising and convening
• Terrill Bouricius: A former elected official who is working toward reform within the U.S. system of representation
• Aria Florant: CEO of Liberation Ventures, a catalyst for creating a culture of repair in America
• Jen Golbeck: A computer scientist and AI researcher from Sugarloaf Key, FL whose work touches on the ethics of AI
• Xochitl Gonzalez: A Pulitzer Prize finalist author from Brooklyn, NY and part-time staff writer at The Atlantic who focuses on economic inequality
• Shamichael Hallman: An author and national leader of the Urban Libraries Council advancing libraries as essential civic infrastructure
• Sally Kohn: A nationally recognized television commentator, writer and executive presence coach from Allentown, PA who works with top executives and political leaders
• Janelle Persaud (Guyana): A media specialist and TEDxTurkeyen organizer focused on democracy, development and governance in postcolonial societies
• Tami Pyfer: A former elected official and advisor based in South Jordan, UT doing work around dignity in speech
• Laura Smythe: A Philadelphia journalist and communications specialist focused on the intersection of legacy journalism, social media, AI platforms and the creator economy
Additional speakers will be added to the lineup. Speakers and schedule are subject to change. Visit FCMoD.org/calendar for more information and to reserve your space.