AMERICA-250-WHITE

Examining America’s Identity and Leadership in a Changing World

WWAC partnership with America250

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

WWAC partners with America250 Vermont in creating dialogue, reflection and understanding of our past and future as US citizens and residents through our lecture series and town hall gatherings.  Building on the theme, Examining America’s Identity and Leadership in a Changing World, we work with Brooks Memorial Library and local historian Dr. Meg Mott, with support from the Vermont Humanities Council to:

 

  • provide opportunities to pause and learn from our nation’s past
  • examine the long-term impacts of domestic and international policy choices
  • build understanding across divides leading up to 2026

Town Hall Meetings

Town Hall Meetings use the language found in the 1776 Declaration of Independence to elicit arguments from a diverse public on how those ideals can guide us toward strengthening democracy and our nation.

Lecture Series

Informative, thought provoking lectures compliment Town Hall discussions by providing depth and understanding of different topics. The following are past and current lectures in the America250 partnership:

UPCOMING EVENTS

What Does the First Amendment Ask of Us?
This Town Hall considers the intellectual and imaginative muscles necessary for holding free speech principles in a pluralist society. We’ll consider the arguments in the Brandenburg decision and then apply them to current protests. How might protecting freedom of speech help us to disagree? The town hall is led by “constitutional wrangler” Meg Mott. She is a professor of politics emerita. She lives in Putney and serves as Town Moderator.
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Tim Rieser and Amb. Peter Galbraith to Discuss  Vermont’s Contributions to US Foreign Policy and What’s in Store for 2025 
WWAC is honored to host a discussion between Tim Reiser, longtime Senior Policy Aide to Senator Patrick Leahy, now Senior Adviser to Sen. Peter Welch, and Ambassador Peter Galbraith. This event will focus on Vermont’s significant contributions to US foreign policy.
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PAST EVENTS

Are Bans on Homeless Encampments Unconstitutional?
This Town Hall considered the best arguments for and against the rights of unhoused persons to sleep in public places. Should all cities be restricted from enforcing no-camping ordinances in public parks? Do homeless encampments injure residents who depend on access to green spaces? Does the 8th Amendment even pertain to this situation?
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Galbraith reflects on the  role of the U.S. in a fast-changing world
On September 27, 2023 we kicked off  our America 250 iniative at our Annual Galbraith Lecture.  Many distinguished individuals have led and participated in WWAC over the years providing today’s generation with strong examples of enlightened public service. Perhaps the most notable was John Kenneth Galbraith, an important contributor in the early days of the WWAC.
 
As a non-profit, our most significant fundraiser is the Annual Galbraith Lecture which honors the legacy of Ken Galbraith who gave the first Galbraith Lecture for the 25th anniversary of WWAC on August 3, 1981.  He did this annually until 1999. After which, his sons Peter and James delivered the address. We are proud of the role we play in upholding Ken’s legacy.
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