Passing the Torch: Calling a New Generation to Leadership

In the Spring 2022 Harvard Youth Poll, 56% of young Americans agreed that “politics today are no longer able to meet the challenges our country is facing.” Last year, more than half said that our democracy is “in trouble” or “failing.” The country is seeking new leadership to carry us through some of the greatest crises of our time, including climate change, pandemics, and threats to democracy. Please join the Center for Public Leadership and the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School for a conversation with leading experts in government, the military, public service, and the private sector on why it is time for those in power to pass the torch and support the next generation of American leadership.

Panelists include:

• Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick HLS '82 (moderator), professor of practice and co-director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School
• David Gergen HLS '67, former White House adviser to four U.S. presidents, CNN senior political analyst, professor of public service and founding director of the Center for Public Leadership, and author of the book: Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made
• Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield HKS ’97, president of the U.S. Naval War College and career naval helicopter pilot
• Bill George HBS '66, senior fellow at Harvard Business School, former CEO of Medtronic, and author of True North: Leading Effectively in Today’s Workplace

Please click here to RSVP for an in-person seat.

Please register by Tuesday, November 29, if you would like the possibility of attending this event in person. Registrants will be notified by 5:00 PM ET that day if a seat is available for them in the venue.

If a seat is unavailable or you will not be attending in person, viewers can stream the event live via our YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook pages. You do not need to register for virtual attendance.

The Institute of Politics follows all HKS health and safety protocols, including COVID vaccination, testing, and quarantine guidelines. Masks are no longer required at HKS events, but anyone who wishes to wear a mask should feel free to do so. The Forum is currently closed to people without a Harvard ID, and RSVPs are required for in-person attendance.

The IOP encourages persons with disabilities to participate in our programs. If you have questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, please contact 617.495.1360 or iop_info@hks.harvard.edu in advance of the event.