Civic Summit 2026

Doors will open at 11:00 A.M. This time is set aside for attendees to check in at the registration desk and get settled before the program begins. We encourage everyone to arrive on time to ensure a smooth check-in experience. Enjoy a light lunch and take advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.

Let's get started! Hear opening remarks, learn about this year's theme and get ready for an afternoon of engaging conversations and meaningful connections.

Join Mayor Michelle Wu in conversation with award-winning journalist and storyteller Kwani Lunis for an engaging discussion on this year's theme, We the People. As Boston commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary, the conversation will explore the evolving meaning of democracy, civic participation, and belonging, while reflecting on the shared responsibility of building a more connected, inclusive, and engaged city for the future.

Participants: Mayor Michelle Wu - Mayor of Boston

Moderator: Kwani Lunis - Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and On-Air host of NBC10

Take a break, recharge, and connect! During this break, we invite you to grab some water, stretch your legs, and meet fellow attendees.

Democracy is more than a system of government—it is a practice shaped by the people. Join us for an engaging conversation moderated by historian and journalist Dart Adams, featuring community organizer Lew Finfer, poet and activist Joline Brito, and installation artist and experimental designer Diane Dwyer. Together, they will explore how public assembly, protest, and civic action have shaped Boston's past and continue to influence its future.

Through historical and contemporary perspectives, the panel will examine the power of community organizing and civic participation to drive social change. As Boston commemorates 250 years of democracy, discover how residents across generations have used their voices to advocate for their communities - and how each of us can help shape the city's next chapter.

Participants: 

Diane Dwyer, Installation artist and Experimental Designer

Lew Finfer, Community Organizer and Activist

Joliné Brito, Spoken Word Poet & Activist

Moderator: 

Dart Adams, Journalist, historian, lecturer, researcher and author

Take a break, recharge, and make your way to your workshop session.

Attendees will transition into their pre-selected workshop sessions. Join us for one of the sessions below: 

1 - Advocating to meet your goals through influence and negotiation skills

In this interactive session, Moshe Cohen, Senior Lecturer at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, brings decades of experience in negotiation, leadership, and conflict resolution to help civic leaders sharpen the tools they already use every day—often without even realizing it. Through real-world scenarios and dynamic exercises, you’ll learn practical tips and strategies for advocating with confidence, navigating tension, and negotiating toward shared goals. Whether you're knocking on doors, leading a meeting, or pushing for policy change, this session will help you communicate with clarity, manage conflict, and strengthen your influence—all in a fun, conversational setting.

Presenter: Moshe Cohen, Senior Lecturer at the Questrom School of Business, Boston University

2 - We the Storytellers — The Power of Community Storytelling

Every neighborhood has stories worth telling. In this interactive workshop, filmmaker, director, and entrepreneur Moses Sibley (Made by Mojo) will show participants how to use the smartphone in their pocket to capture authentic stories, engage their communities, and inspire civic action. Through practical tips and hands-on exercises, attendees will learn the fundamentals of digital storytelling and leave with new tools to document, elevate, and share the voices that shape Boston.

Participants are encouraged to bring a fully charged smartphone.

Presenter: Moses Sibley, Filmmaker, Director & Entrepreneur

3 - Keeping Boston Housed: A Community Conversation on Housing Stability and Eviction Prevention

Join the Mayor’s Office of Housing for a community conversation on the City’s Eviction Prevention Action Plan (EPAP), an initiative focused on supporting housing stability and preventing displacement. This session will create space for residents and community members to learn more about EPAP, share their feedback, and discuss how we can work together to strengthen resources and support for neighbors facing housing challenges.

Presenter: Danielle Johnson, Director of the Office of Housing Stability & Paige Roosa, Director of the Mayor’s Housing Innovation Lab

4. Collaborating across divisions: Why is it so hard and How can we make it work?

Collaboration is at the heart of building stronger communities, but working across teams, organizations, and divisions can come with its own challenges. This session will explore the barriers that make collaboration difficult and create space for participants to share experiences, identify opportunities, and discuss practical strategies for building stronger partnerships and working together more effectively.

Presenter: Rodrigo Canales, Boston University's Kelli Questrom Associate Professor of Management & Organizations

End the day with purpose. Enjoy a social hour as Amanda Shae - spoken word artist, educator, filmmaker, artivist, and emcee for the 2026 Civic Summit - guides interactive networking activities designed to spark meaningful conversations, build new connections, and create a welcoming space for attendees to reflect, collaborate, and continue the day's discussions.