Defending democracy stories
We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change, not just at the polls or in the halls of power, but in their communities, in the places where they live, work, and play
2024 Democracy Forum recap
Find out what global leaders, changemakers, and President Obama had to say about pluralism and bringing change home.
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- Barack Obama
- Chicago
- Event
- Barack Obama
Learn how you can help foster global democracy and civic engagement.
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- Stories
- Leaders
President Obama discussed the rise of authoritarianism with three alumni of The Obama Foundation’s leadership programs from Poland and Hungary.
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- Chicago
- USA
Each year, The Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum brings together leaders, activists, and changemakers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy today.
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- Stories
- Building the Center
- Virtual Event
- Educational Material
A 5-step guide to embracing pluralism, fostering connection, and engaging inclusively this holiday season.
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- Equality
- Education
Hear directly from Adrijana Hanušić Bećirović as she talks about human rights and what the Obama Leadership program has meant to her.
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- Event
- The Obama Administration
Meet two Obama Alumni working to carry progress forward.
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- Event
- Chicago
Check out the highlights!
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- Leaders
- Global Reach
This week in Berlin, Germany, President Obama sat down with 18 alumni of our leadership programs from across Europe for a roundtable conversation about the importance of nurturing democracy.
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- Stories
- Programs
As we reflect on this year, we couldn’t be more proud of the work of our global network of leaders who are tackling some of the most vital issues of our time and working together to strengthen their communities and our institutions.
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- Barack Obama
- Event
- Equality
- Watch
Watch highlights from the first-ever Democracy Forum held in New York City.
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- Leaders
- Europe
- Barack Obama
- Watch
Hear President Obama share his vision for the internet in this keynote address at Stanford University.
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- Presidential History
- Watch
Ten years after the raid against Osama bin Laden, watch a special conversation between President Obama and Admiral William McRaven, the commander of the special operations forces who executed the historic operation.
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- Watch
- Barack Obama
Learn how we're celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth and hear from Leaders: Africa participant Lesley Williams on the legacy and work Madiba has left for all of us to carry forward.
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- Presidential History
- Watch
Learn how the National Archives and Records Administration is making the archives accessible.
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- In-depth
- Changemakers
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