American University
Washington, D.C.

As political violence is on the rise, and as democracy is at stake, the Task Force recognizes AU’s unique place as a center for civic leadership. We want the university to return to its roots and cultivate a generation of leaders characterized by a respect for democracy and a willingness to fight to defend it. The Task Force also believes that the American Pro-Democracy Movement (specifically the youth wing of this movement) should have a tangible home in Washington D.C. to advocate for and defend democracy.

Ideally this “home” for the movement should be at the intersection of professors/scholars, government officials, the nonprofits coordinating the movement, one of the strongest networks of advocates/elected officials/policy-makers, and politically-engaged students passionate about organizing for democracy. American University meets these criteria as it has (according to the Princeton Review) the most politically active student body. AU’s student leadership (especially in student government, AUSG) is recognized as the most active student government in the U.S. in terms of influence over University policy. Furthermore, everything from AU’s branding as “The American University” to its location in Washington, D.C. and proximity to the leadership of most pro-democracy nonprofits makes it an ideal home for scholars, advocates, and students to come together and defend democracy.

Now to the different ways the Task Force envisions cultivating that “home” for the movement: