Circles
Our Circles invite people into thoughtful, inclusive dialogue. Through guided conversations, both online and in person, we create a space where everyone is encouraged to speak, listen, and connect.
Democracy in Practice:
U.S. Challenges, Global Lessons
In a world where fear is used to divide us, it is more vital than ever that we come together, united in our shared values, and resist the forces that seek to isolate, control, and suppress. In the face of uncertainty, there is a powerful antidote: solidarity. By building coalitions, joining forces across communities, ideologies, and backgrounds, we can stand firm against the tide of division.
We hope you can join us.
Wednesday, October 26
12:00-1:00pm EST
Uniting in the Face of Fear
28 Feb 2025
In a world where fear is used to divide us, it is more vital than ever to come together, united in our shared values and resist the forces that seek to isolate, control, and suppress.
What Do We Do Now?
5 Dec 2024
How do we move forward constructively given the polarization of the American citizenry?
Holding Onto Humanity
5 Oct 2024
Bereaved Israelis and Palestinians for Peace
An Israeli and a Palestinian who both lost sons to the conflict tell their personal stories of loss and explain their choice to engage in dialogue and reconciliation.
Inside Out Peace
17 Jun 2024
Join renowned author and former child soldier Ishmael Beah alongside peacebuilder Libby Hoffman in a thought-provoking discussion on the transformative journey of finding peace from the inside out.
Justice in Times of War
21 Mar 2024
As fate hangs in the balance for millions of Ukrainians, it is urgent that we understand the stakes and the human toll of war with Russia.
Peace & Patriarchy
28 Jan 2024
We welcome back renowned feminist icon Gloria Steinem who shared her thoughts on "Feminism Today" with a Global Citizens Circle gathering in 1980. More than four decades later, we honor her tireless work on behalf of women and girls worldwide and welcome her into conversation with emerging leaders Ibrahim Kakinda from Uganda, offering insights into the unique challenges and perspectives of the African continent, and Firdos Khan from India, providing a lens on the dynamics in South Asia.
Finding Peace of Mind
21 Nov 2023
Global Citizens Circle orchestrated an illuminating discourse on the intersection of technology and mental well-being, in collaboration with key partners. The event featured esteemed experts, each offering unique insights into the evolving landscape of our digital world and its impact on mental health.
Reclaiming Our Humanity
25 Sep 2023
Global Citizens Circle partnered with The Parents Circle-Families Forum and Narrative4 to host a transformative conversation that resonated deeply with its audience. The event featured Colum McCann, distinguished author of the renowned work Apeirogon and President of Narrative4, in a thought-provoking exchange with bereaved family members from The Parent Circle - Families Forum, Arab Aramin and Yigal Elhanan.
Youth Resilience
11 May 2023
With millions of young people living in conflict zones throughout the world today, we can imagine the many negative impacts this has on developing minds of the most vulnerable populations. What is perhaps more surprising is that many young people living in difficult and often times unimaginable circumstances show an ability to adjust to a new normal, transform to survive or even flourish.
Starting Young
25 Feb 2022
During the Global Citizens Circle event, we paid tribute to Robert F. Kennedy's legacy of promoting human rights and social justice. Ethel Kennedy, his widow, continued his work after his assassination in 1968, inspiring a new generation of leaders to strive for a more just and peaceful world.
Rewarding Work
13 Dec 2022
A conversation about how to make American capitalism work for everyone, with Abigail Disney and Julie Gorte, moderated by Nicole Ellis.
Defending Democracy
22 Sep 2022
In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, join us for a virtual conversation with and between two defenders of democracy, 21-year-old Jahnavi Rao and 96-year-old Robert Jay Lifton. Come together with readers, writers, artists, booksellers, publishers, librarians, and citizens around the country and participate in this inspiring intergenerational dialog.
Footsteps of Giants
14 Jun 2022
A new generation is determined to come out of “the Dream” and make it current to their generation on the ground. Tackling critical issues they are passionate about, at a time when the ballot is being undermined and technology is being weaponized to distort the truth, Yolanda King and Khandace Wilkerson represent a generation of new voices strengthened by the lives of those who paved the way.
Climate: Call to Action
06 May 2022
Climate Change: A Call to Action
Stand Up, Speak Out
17 Mar 2022
In honor of International Women’s Day, Global Citizens Circle joins with its partners, Southern New Hampshire University and Social Change Initiative, to invite you to a celebrate the accomplishments and courage of women globally to create a more just and equitable world.
Climate Justice
08 Feb 2022
Extreme weather patterns along with forest fires, floods and intense hurricanes, have forced us to examine the human toll on our eco-system. From our dependence on fossil fuels to unsustainable overconsumption, we know that despite the Earth’s amazing resilience, we need to pay attention to how we inhabit our only home.
Critical Race Theory
30 Oct 2021
Controversy surrounding critical race theory is stirring in schools from kindergarten through higher ed in the United States, as legislators attempt to ban a wide array of teaching practices concerning race. While the issue is particularly salient in the US at this moment of deep division, the need for truth-telling about systemic racial oppression is global.
Equalizing Education
02 Oct 2021
Global Citizens Circle joins Southern New Hampshire University for a vital conversation on what access to education means to the most vulnerable global communities.
Collective Trauma
03 Jul 2021
The crises we are confronting today are like the tips of icebergs. Beneath the social injustices, ecological destruction and spiritual malaise of our time are huge storehouses of unresolved trauma passed on through our bodies and through our “cultural DNA”, creating ongoing and repetitive patterns of despair, oppression and fragmentation.
Police Reform
27 Apr 2021
With events unfolding at an unprecedented pace, the need to address police violence has never been more urgent; the US has reached an inflection point. This will be a hard discussion about why law enforcement controls the safety narrative and how comprehensive, community based solutions are essential to restore public safety.
Monumental Struggles
02 Mar 2021
Battles over Confederate flags and monuments persist and suggest that the issues fought over in the American Civil War and Civil Rights Movement are unresolved. How we confront symbols of statues, flags and anthems determine the extent of domestic tranquility we can achieve as a nation.
Inhabiting Hope: Artivism
24 Nov 2020
A conversation about art, meaning making and change
Healing Divisions
03 Nov 2020
At a time when violent extremism is on the rise and messages of polarization dominate political rhetoric and the streets, we turn to those who have found the courage to reshape their identities, move beyond the process of “othering” and find healing, hope and inspiration by embracing our common humanity.
Widening Lens on Injustice
30 Jul 2020
Inspired by our June 17th circle, we widen the lens on racial injustice, sharpen our ears to the voices of those impacted now and over many generations and inform our understanding through meaningful dialogue.
Do Right Now Stuff!
27 Jun 2020
A HIGHLY INTERACTIVE GLOBAL CONVERSATION AS WE GARNER THE MOMENTUM OF THE PAST WEEKS AND TAKE INSPIRATION FROM OUR DISCUSSION LEADERS WHO WILL INFORM AND ENCOURAGE US TO EXPLORE HOW TO "DO RIGHT NOW STUFF" WHEREVER WE ARE TO CREATE A SOCIETY CENTERED ON HUMAN DIGNITY.
A New Generation Leads
21 May 2020
YOUNG LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD JOINED FOR A MODERATED VIRTUAL CONVERSATION ABOUT
WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO ACTION?
HOW HAS THE CORONA VIRUS IMPACTED THAT?
WHAT GUIDING PRINCIPLES INFORM THEIR VISION OF A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD?
Movements for Change
05 Jun 2019
DOLORES HUERTA RECEIVES GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARD AND CO-
LEADS INTERGENERATIONAL GLOBAL CONVERSATION WITH
LAUREN HOGG, RAMLA SAHID, JADA HEBRA - AND YOU!
Activism That Works
13 Dec 2017
A CONVERSATION WITH MONICA MCWILLIAMS, OPAL TOMETI,
PHUMEZA MLUNGWANA, HEETEN KANTI KALAN — AND YOU.
GUESTS OF HONOR DESMOND & LEAH TUTU
2017
Activism That Works: Starting Now and Staying At It Monica McWilliams, Opal Tometi, Phumeza Mlungwana, Heeten Kanti Kalan, and guests of honor Desmond & Leah Tutu, Khayelitsha, South Africa
2014
Peace and Reconciliation in Libya Discussion between Ali Ahmida, political science professor, University of New England and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
2011
Capitalising on Social Capital Lew Feldstein, author and former president, NH Charitable Foundation, University of New England
2008
Order of Companions of O.R. Tambo South Africa’s highest award for a foreign national presented to Jerry Dunfey, Harry Belafonte, Ron Dellums, Linda Biehle; presented by President Thabo Mbeki, Pretoria, South Africa
Africa’s Leadership Legacy: Our Elders and Emerging Leaders in Dialogue Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chair, Commonwealth Nations with ‘Mbatha Muendane, student in Pretoria; Madonna Moate, student, Johannesburg; facilitator, Xolela Mangcu, resident scholar, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Walter Sisulu Square, Soweto
Green Justice: Caring for People and Planet Together Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Marjora Carter, founder, Sustainable South Bronx; facilitator, Steve Curwood, PRI’s Living on Earth
2005
Born Into Brothels Screening of Oscar Award winning documentary, followed by discussion with Geralyn White-Dreyfous, producer, Southern New Hampshire University
Peace Prospects: An Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue Benjamin Pogrund, journalist; founder and director, Yakar Peace Center for Social Concern and Ata Qaymari, general director, Almadar for Translation and Press Service, project facilitator for workshops in conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation, Nadine B. Hack, president, beCause Global Consulting, Global Citizens Award presented to Benjamin Pogrund, Jerusalem
2002
Global AIDS and the Human Right to Health with special dedication to Jonathan Mann Janet Wu, Sandra L. Thurman, Ochoru Otunnu & Eric Sawyer
Northern Ireland: Moving Forward in Peace David Trimble, Mark Durkan, Dr. Mamphela Ramphele & Margaret Warner
From Requiem to Renewal: A Decade of Balkan Conflict Dr. Westy Egmont, Stephen Walker, Mirza Kusljugic, John Shattuck & Edita Tahiri
Why War With Iraq? Callie Crossley, Scott Ritter & James Carroll
1999
Northern Ireland: A New Government for a New Millennium David Trimble, Marjorie “Mo” Mowlam, Lois Roach, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, & Kevin O’Neill
Ethics and Athletes: A Challenge for Sports and Society Michael Wadsworth & Yelena Khanga
1999 Solas Awards presented to Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger for the Dunfey family and Global Citizens Circle
Democracy and Freedom for China in the New Millennium Wei Jingsheng & Susan Weld
How Do We Create True Reconciliation? — 25th Anniversary John Hume, Coretta Scott King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Andrew Young
1996
Children, Family, Community Hilary Rodham Clinton & Alvin Poussaint
Northern Ireland: Prospects for Peace George Mitchell & Mary Richardson
Building Democracy in Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide & H.D.S. Greenway
Hope for America’s Secondary Education Theodore “Ted” Sizer & Sarah-Ann Shaw
Journey to Peace through Demilitarization and Development Oscar Arias & Margie Reedy
1993
Why Race Matters Cornel West & Margot Strom
The Emerging World Democracy Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Ted Sorenson & Boutros Boutros-Ghali
Healing the Wounds of History, Healing Ourselves Jeffrey Brown & Wilma Mankiller
1990
Religious Activism and El Salvador Jennifer Casolo & Jackie O’Neill
Peace Dividends William Sloane Coffin & Marjorie Arons-Barron
Vision of a New Political Landscape Madeleine Kunin, Maxine Waters & Charles Royer
Civil Rights Today Julian Bond, Peter Mead & Henry Hampton
The New Global Economy Robert Reich & Lawrence Ingrassia
1987
Homelessness Mitch Snyder, Carol Fennelley, Martin Sheen & Tanya Hart
Farm Issues Tom Harkin & Sarah McClendon
Central America in Turmoil Charlie Clements, Ed Asner & Uma Pemmaraju
Issues and Dilemmas of Leadership in Public Life Richard Thornburgh & Pam Moore
World Premiere Film “Cry Freedom” Donald Woods
Defending Our Children Marian Wright Edelman & Crocker Snow, Jr.
Rudman Speaks Out Warren Rudman & Carmen Fields
1984
Neighborhood Revitalization James Rouse
The Caribbean Future Michael Manley
1981
Cry Freedom: South Africa Awareness Donald & Wendy Woods
Afghanistan Between Three Worlds Liz Gould & Paul Fitzgerald
1978
U.S. and the Economy John Kenneth Galbraith
The Carter Administration Jody Powell
Peace in Northern Ireland John Hume
1975
New Politics Julian Bond
Early Warning/CIA Michael Harrington
The Kennedy View Edward Kennedy
2016
Economic Empowerment and Income Inequality: New Civil Rights Imperative Marc Morial, president, National Urban League, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday program presenter
Commencement Address and Honorary Degree Recipient Swanee Hunt, president, Hunt Alternatives and former U.S. Ambassador to Austria, Southern New Hampshire University
Investing as a Social Change Strategy Joe Keefe, CEO, Pax World Funds, University of New England
2013
Remembering Madiba, Honoring President Nelson Mandela Mpho’ Muendane, daughter of refugees exiled after Soweto Uprising, textile designer; Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger, professor of Civic Engagement, Southern New Hampshire University
Where’s the Outrage Over Our Failed Health Care System Philip Caper, M.D, founding director, Maine ALLcare, GCC delegate to Cuba, 2001; University of New England
2010
Afghanistan: Between Three Worlds Liz Gould and Paul Fitzgerald, filmmakers, researchers, authors, activists; co-sponsored with the NH World Affairs Council
2007
Globalization, Ethics and Human Rights Mary Robinson, president, Ethical Globalization Initiative, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, connected her to University of Southern Maine
Left to Tell: The Rwandan Holocaust and Forgiveness Immaculée Ilibagiza, refugee, survivor, author; facilitator, Prince Tshabangu-Soko, student from Tanzania, Southern New Hampshire University
Conflict Resolution: Crips and Bloods Aqeela Sherrills, broker peace agreement between gangs, founder, The Reverence Movement, a peace initiative; facilitator, Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger, professor of business ethics, Southern New Hampshire University (
Restoring America’s Moral Reputation in our World Peter Galbraith, senior diplomatic fellow, Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation and Samantha Power, Anna Lindh Professor of Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy, Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
2004
Bring the Children Home: The Will to End Homelessness Marian Wright Edelman, founder, Children’s Defense Fund and Felix Torres, executive director, Manchester NeighborWorks, and keynote speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition, Manchester, NH
Renewing Our Commitment Martin Luther King, III, board member Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Constructive Change; facilitator, Paul LeBlanc, president, Southern New Hampshire University
2001
Making Community Work: Listening and Learning from Cuba’s professionals in Medicine, Education, Economics, and Business Elma Lewis, Harry Belafonte & Paul Solman
Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Dialogue with Archbishop Tutu Maurice Hayes, Martin O’Brien, Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger
1998
Futures Worth Having: Our Gift to the World’s Children Graça Machel & Andrew Young
Sustaining the Hope for Freedom Alelaide Tambo
We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest Bernice Johnson Reagon & Henry Hampton
Why America Needs a Raise John Sweeney & Robert Reich
Truth & Reconciliation Desmond Tutu (with NH Humanities Council)
The New Assembly David Trimble, Seamus Mallon & Lois Roach
1995
Affirmative Action A. Leon Higginbotham & Marty Linsky
Human Rights in Nigeria Frank Chikane, Willard Johnson & Sara Ting
Update: The Irish Peace Process Martin McGuiness & Kevin Cullen
Reclaiming Urban America Jesse Jackson & Liz Walker
My Day and Nights in the Chinese Den Harry & Ching Lee Wu & Loretta McLaughlin
Northern Ireland David Trimble & Robert O’Neill
Peace Corps: Vision for the 21st Century Mark Gearan & Paul Tsongas
1992
Russia Today and In the Future Olin Robison & Yelan Khanga
Tobacco Industry Under Fire Laurence Tribe, Marjorie Clapprood & Arnold Hiatt
Blueprints for the Next President Mark Green, Harvey Gantt & Madeleine Kunin
Restructuring Education James Freedman, Eugene Land & Juanita Wade
1989
Inside the CIA William Webster & Ellen Hume
Mozambique and International Leadership Marcelino dos Santos
Middle Ground on the Middle East Mubarak Awad, Yosef Olmert & Marcia Gillespie
El Salvador: An Endless War? C. Clements, D. Farah, T. Gibb, C. Norton, F. Smyth, & C. Alvear
The Brady Bill Sarah Brady, Pete Shields & Charles Austin
1986
Liberal vs. Conservative Barney Frank, John Sununu & Liz Walker
International Relations & Negotiations Roger Fisher
Witness to Apartheid Desmond Tutu, Harry Belafonte & Sharon Sopher
Reflections on the Oval Office Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter & Liz Walker
Women for a Meaningful Summit Margarite Papandreou & Judy Jarvis
Human Rights and Third World Women’s Projects Isabel Morel Letelier & E. Lovell Dyett
1983
Nuclear Proliferation Edward Markey
The Lincoln Trust Robert McNamara & Donald Woods
Canadian/American Relations Allen Gotlieb
1980
Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa & Kyoto, Japan Delegation
Feminism Today Gloria Steinem
Peace & Conflict Resolution U.S. Commissioners of the Peace Academy
Africa’s Future Delegations from Southern African Nations and African-American Institute
Industry in Trouble Douglas Fraser
1977
Human Rights and Full Employment Coretta Scott King
Congress and Carter Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill
1974
America’s Future — After the Turbulent 60’s Richard Goodwin
Nixon and Impeachment Henry Steele Commager
U.S./Canadian Relations Kenneth Curtis
2015
Cuba Opening Frank Smythe, journalist, human rights activist, GCC participant, initiated conversation regarding GCC’s involvement in a new not-for-profit organization
2012
Walk in My Shoes: Conversations Between a Civil Rights Legend and His Godson on the Journey Ahead Andrew Young and Kabir Sehgal, New Hampshire Humanities; William ‘Bud’ Dunfey award presented to Ambassador Young by Joe Keefe, CEO, Pax World Funds
2009
Commencement Address Nadine B. Hack, CEO, beCause Global Consulting and visiting professor, International Graduate School of Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University
AIDS: The Personal Stories Bishop Gene Robinson, Episcopal Vicar, NH; facilitated by Lillye Ramos Spooner, community leader, AIDS activist, Universal AIDS Day
2006
We Are All The Same: Aids and Children Jim Wooten, ABC journalist and author, facilitator, Eleanor Dunfey-Freiburger, Endowed Chair, Business Ethics, Southern New Hampshire University
Rabble Rouser for Peace: The Authorized Biography of Archbishop Tutu Book launch, John Allen, author, Cambridge, MA and New York, NY 2006), Cambridge, MA and New York, NY
2003
The AIDS Pandemic James W. Squires, MD, Rory Kennedy, Ochoro Otunnu & Kate Roberts
Politics of Community Change Hubie Jones, Cynthia “Mil” Duncan & Michael Swack
Romanticizing Violence and Conflict Karen Brown, Aqeela Sherrills & Peter Stringham, MD
Tranforming the Process: Women at the Peace Table Swanee Hunt, Luz Méndez & Steve Curwood
Celebrating and Renewing Civil Discourse — 30th Anniversary Andrew Young, Aqeela Sherrills, Kate Roberts, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Callie Crossley; and Mark Russell, special guest
Afghanistan: A Delicate Balance Sima Wali & Liz Walke
2000
Nuclear Proliferation Richard Butler, Jonathan Schell, Susan Atwood, Joseph Biden, John Tierney, Stephen Cambone, Lisbeth Gronlund, Graham Allison & James Carroll
Peace Building in the Middle East Itzhak Levanon, Hasan Abdel Rahman & James Carroll
Reconciliation Efforts Recognized Belfast Award presented to Jack and Bob Dunfey for the Dunfey family and Global Citizens Circle
Building Bridges: Challenges for Education in Divided Societies Sheila Sisulu, Maureen McLaughlin, Martin McGuinness & Mary Brabeck
Renewing American Policy: Past As Prologue Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. & Laura Knoy
1997
Working for Justice: A Global Challenge Richard Goldstone & Anthony Lewis
Environmentalism: Stewardship and Sustainability Carol Browner & David Ropeik
Labor for the Future: Shaping the World of Work Alexis Herman & Emily Rooney
Toward a Global Ban on Landmines Patrick Leahy & Michael Croll
Northern Ireland Community Leaders Speak May Blood, Liz Groves & Heeten Kalan
Beyond Partisanship: New Paradigms in Leadership Jeanne Shaheen & Tom Oliphant
1994
Ireland’s Possibilities — 20th Anniversary Andrew Young & Mary Robinson
Freedom Summer J. Brown, R. Coles, K. Delaney, M.W. Edelman, C. Goodman, A. Poussaint, E. Rivers, R. Robinson
New Directions in Healthcare and Welfare Donna Shalala & Hubie Jones
Republicans for Peace Gerry Adams & James Carroll
Support During the Apartheid Era Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Loyalists for Peace G. Spence, D. Ervine, G. McMichael, B. Hutchinson, D. Adams, J. English, K. Morrison
Monument of the Irish Peace Process John Hume & Kevin O’Neill
1991
Alternatives to War in the Gulf Roger Fisher & Dianne Wilkerson
AIDS: The Global Epidemic Jonathan Mann & Jeanne Blake
Energy Resource and Policy Amory Lovins & Gregg Easterbrook
Principles and Profits Anita Roddick & Bo Burlingham
The African National Congress and Freedom Fighters Anthony Lewis, Albertina & Walter Sisulu
The Way of Newspapers Benjamin Bradlee, Tom Winship & David Nyhan
1988
Revolution of Peace Daniel Berrigan & Janet Langhart
Women and International Leadership V. Garron de Doryan, S. Wood, G. Ferraro, & C. Saenz de Phillips
From Despair to Hope Harry Belafonte, Paul Meyer, Arn Chorn, Judith Thompson & The Children of War
U.S.S.R. and U.S. Economics — 15th Anniversary J.K. Galbraith, Stansislav Menshikov, Bill Moyers
Iran Contra Affair William Cohen, George Mitchell, & Judy Jarvis
Drugs Circle the Americas Clara Lopez Obregon, Mickey Leland, & Brad Willis
1985
Media’s Challenge Hodding Carter
South Africa’s Struggle Oliver Tambo & Callie Crossley
Ireland’s Future Anthony J.F. O’Reilley & Sheila Banks
Apartheid Today Beyers Naudé
1982
Direction of the National Urban League John Jacobs
Central America Turmoil Bianca Jagger & James Shannon
Nuclear Age — 10th Anniversary J. Rouse, I. Thorsson, J.K. Galbraith, E.Handler, G. Kistiakowsky
Legalized Racism/South Africa Donald Woods and Dick Gregory
A Choice of Heroes Mark Gerzon
20th Century Woman Jane Fonda & Judy Jarvis
1979
City Decisions Edward Koch
New Right Effects on American Politics Thomas J. McIntyre
Americans for SALT Treaty Edward M. Kennedy & Henry Cabot Lodge
Consumer Movement and The Political Process Ralph Nader & Lyn May
1976
Race and the City Jimmy Breslin
Young Ideas Andrew Young