The Art of Practicing Democracy 

Democracy is not a passive act; it’s an ongoing and messy practice that requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Lea Endres, an entrepreneur, educator, human rights advocate, and the CEO of NationBuilder, will join the Gratitude Blooming podcast cohosts for an inspiring conversation about the art of practicing democracy.

This second of four conversations about Empathy and Democracy seeks to understand how we can PAUSE in order to better navigate our lives—and our collective governance—with greater intention, compassion, and imagination.

Discover how we can collectively reshape our democracy by embracing discomfort, engaging in meaningful conversations, and taking purposeful actions. Be part of a transformative dialogue that explores the dynamic role of democracy in our lives and the world.

As Lea Endres says, “Democracy is not just about voting. It’s about people—each of us—and our relationship to the practice of democracy in our daily lives. It’s a muscle that we have to exercise to pull us together and towards democratic resilience.”

Combining poetic imagination, nature, and social impact, Gratitude Blooming is a collaboration among an artist, a poet, and a land steward, three Asian Americans who aim to create sacred spaces that inspire us to notice and name the emotions we hold deep inside so we can build a better relationship with each other.
 

Speakers

• Lea Endres, the CEO of NationBuilder, is an entrepreneur, educator and human rights advocate. A renowned facilitator, she has spent most of her life making the tools of leadership available to everyone.
• Omar Brownson is a storyteller, poet, entrepreneur, and the cohost of the Gratitude Blooming Podcast; he builds heartful spaces for a gratitude ecosystem and regenerative economy. 
• Belinda Liu is a nature-inspired visionary, land steward, and the cofounder of Gratitude Blooming; she creates new ways of being and belonging. 
• Arlene Kim Suda is an artist and co-founder of Gratitude Blooming; she makes art to bring awareness and healing to the world.

Hosted by James E. Herr, director of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum (Democracy Center).

Empathy & Democracy is presented by the Democracy Center in collaboration with the Gratitude Blooming Podcast. 

The Democracy Center is committed to expanding conversations that stretch our imagination and understanding of what it means to be part of a democracy. This series presents a unique perspective from which to examine our individual and collective roles in preserving and protecting our democracy.