THE DEMOCRACY DINNERS

Mark your calendars!  The 2025 Democracy Dinner dates are at 6-9pm Saturdays, March 1, May 3, June 28, August 23, and November 22.  RSVP to attend an upcoming Dinner, then we will email you with full details closer to your Dinner date.  

Why Democracy Dinners?

In the DMV (i.e., the DC-MD-VA or Washington, DC metro region), there are a lot of people who volunteer or get paid to work on varied democracy issues, from local to global levels, yet they often labor in occupational or specialty silos.  The DMV Democracy Dinners bring people in the DC region together across their specialty silos to connect, share, learn, and discuss ways to collaborate on democracy issues.  

The Dinners are a project of Learning Life’s DMV Democracy Learning Community (DLC).  The DLC makes democracy more fun and inclusive by connecting professionals, publics and policymakers via social events, products, and services that nurture fun, learning, networking, collaboration and wider, deeper citizen participation.  The DLC includes the Democracy Dinners, the DMV Democracy Festival, the Youth Assembly on Youth Policymaking, and soon, the DMV Democracy Dispatch.  

During the Dinners, participants (a) become better informed about democracy activities in the DC region, (b) connect and collaborate with other individuals and organizations doing or interested in doing democracy work, and (c) nurture a sense of community with diverse others who care about democracy. 

What is the Democracy Dinner schedule?

The Dinners are held about five times per year, roughly every two months, typically in person, in DC or nearby, on Saturdays, 6-9pm.  The Dinners follow this format:

6:00-7:00: Guests arrive.  Reception with appetizers.
7:00-7:20: Settle in for dinner, then go around for brief introductions.
7:20-8:00: Reports from individuals and organizations doing democracy work.
8:00-8:30: Dessert served. 1-3 speakers on a democracy topic.
8:30-9:00: Discussion on the democracy topic.
9:00-10:00: Mingling while Learning Life staff clean up.   
Who attends the Democracy Dinners?   

Democracy Dinners bring together diverse people in the Washington, DC region who care about democracy, including adult professionals and volunteers, elected officials, scholars, parents, and students.  Visitors from outside the DC region are also welcome. 

“Democracy Dinners are an exciting opportunity to engage with a cross-section of leaders with unique perspectives and experiences working on various aspects of democracy. We often discuss the big D and the little d of democracy, which makes for very interesting conversations that range from what it means to be a participatory community member locally to what it means to impact global policy and actions. I have learned so much and truly enjoy every opportunity I have to participate.” – Emily Samose, Principal, ECS Consulting 

How many people attend the Dinners?

Each Dinner generally brings togetheer 20-40 participants.    

What food is served at the Dinners?

The Democracy Dinners typically have three courses.  First, during the reception from 6-7pm, appetizers are served, commonly consisting of a variety of cheeses, sausage, raw vegetables, spreads and crackers or bread.  During the meeting, the main course then dessert are served.  The main course is commonly a variety of pizzas, or occasionally tasty vegan dishes with plant proteins, all typically from locally-owned restaurants.  Dessert usually includes cake, tart, a selection of cookies, and/or fresh fruit.  In all cases, the Dinners have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options.

What do the Dinners cost, and how can I pay and RSVP?
Each Dinner is $40 for individuals, $70 for couples (or friend/colleague pairs, or parent and child), $90 for families of three or more, and $20 for students, retirees, and individuals unemployed or with gross annual income below $50,000.  All proceeds support the Dinners and the wider DMV Democracy Learning Community (DLC).  The Dinner fee is not tax deductible because of the material benefits conferred.  RSVP here for any of the scheduled Dinners, and pay the Dinner fee at this link. 
How can I get reminders of upcoming Democracy Dinners?

Anyone who wishes to get notices/reminders of upcoming Democracy Dinners should sign up for the free, monthly, email DMV Democracy Dispatch coming in 2026.  Via The Dispatch, you will also get selected DC area democracy news, events, and people profiles.  

Are there ways to connect between the Dinners?

Yes, two ways beyond The DMV Democracy Dispatch described above:       

First, our Democracy Learning Community Linkedin Group allows people in the DC region to connect, learn about, and/or share democracy-related calls to action or collaboration, publications, events, news, programs, and projects.  

Second, we encourage you to join Learning Life’s overarching Democracy & Diplomacy Community. Annual DDC member dues are inexpensive, confer additional ways to connect and learn, and support our work to widen participation in democracy and diplomacy.