Harvard Club of the Research Triangle

The HR Class of '85 has created a public service organization, "ClassAct HR85",  and are holding events to stimulate interest among Harvard Alumni to take action on important challenges facing society. 

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 seemed to mark the triumph of democracy. Yet, a mere three decades later, democratic governance is declining around the globe. Shockingly to many, recent events have called into question the security and vibrancy of American democracy as well.

ClassAct HR85 has identified protecting democracy as one of our core focus areas. To launch our initiative into this vital and timely issue, we are excited to announce an upcoming on-line event: “Healing American Democracy: A Conversation with Michael Abramowitz, ’85, president of Freedom House.” The event will take place on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 @ 8:00 PM EST.

Freedom House was founded in 1941 to advocate for American participation in World War II and the fight against fascism. Since 1973, Freedom House has been assessing levels of democracy in every country around the globe in its annual report Freedom in the World. Michael Abramowitz has been the president of Freedom House since 2017. Read more here.  

This on-line event will consist of a moderated conversation between Mike and David Schanzer, ’85, followed by an open discussion on democracy protection and how the Class of 1985 could contribute to efforts to strengthen American democracy. Classmates will have the opportunity to mingle after the event (at approximately 9:15) on the communications platform – Shindig. Anyone that would appreciate some assistance navigating the Shindig platform is welcome to log on at 7:45pm EST.