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The John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics is Harvard's premier arena for political speech, discussion and debate.

The forum regularly hosts heads of state, leaders in politics, government, business, labor and the media. A living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the Institute's mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policy makers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics.

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Students seeking information about the IOP Forum Program should contact the Student Chair Keziah Clarke or IOP Forum Coordinator Cathey Park. If you're interested in attending a JFK Jr. Forum or watching online, make sure to sign up for our newsletter. 

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TheJFK Jr Forum

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Upcoming Forums

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Race, Media and Politics

A Conversation with Malala Yousafzai

America and the World: A Conversation with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy & Senator Ed Markey

Goldsmith Awards Ceremony 2019 with Marty Baron

Free Speech, Open Minds and the Pursuit of Truth

Robotland: The Future of Labor Policy and Work in an AI World

A Conversation with John Kerry

Brexit: What’s Next?

Moral Resistance: When Faith & Activism Meet in the Streets

Big Tech and Democracy

Upcoming Forums

A conversation with Ai-jen Poo and Palak Shah

Monday September 23 - 6:00pm

A conversation with activists Ai-jen Poo and Palak Shah, moderated by Executive Director of the Social Innovation and Change Initiative Brittany Butler to discuss the future of the labor movement in America.

Road Warriors: Stories from the Presidential Campaign Trail

Tuesday September 24 - 6:00pm

A first in the IOP’s ongoing Election 2020 series featuring embedded reporters on the campaign trail with presidential candidates. This inaugural event features CBS News’ Musadiq Bidar, Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes, and NBC News’ Marianna Sotomayor. The conversation will be moderated by IOP Senior Fellow and Washington Post correspondent Dan Balz.

The Politics of Difference: Race, Technology, and Inclusion

Wednesday September 25 - 6:00pm

This panel brings together Professor Ruha Benjamin, Professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ms. Latoya Peterson and moderator Joan Donovan for a discussion on race, technology, media, and policy to converse on a range of topics from the recent public upheavals over facial recognition technology, increasing integration into police and state surveillance tools, and the manipulation of social media to gain a political advantage.

 

A Conversation with Jim Acosta

Tuesday October 1 - 6:00pm

A conversation with CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta and IOP Resident Fellow Alice Stewart on reporting the truth in today’s America.

Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-4, D)

Thursday October 10 - 8:00pm

Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-04, D) will reflect on his career in public service, including his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic and current tenure as representative of Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.