A Community Conversation with Eric Liu
Join us May 20, 2025 from 6 pm - 8:45 pm at South Puget Sound Community College for a Community Conversation with Eric Liu. We hope to see you there!
About the Conversation
At the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, we are committed to fostering collaboration, engagement, and inclusion, and we envision a future where everyone across the South Sound can thrive in sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities.
After last year’s inspiring Community Conversation with journalist Mónica Guzmán, we are excited to welcome Eric Liu for another evening of connection and learning. Together, we will explore vital ideas surrounding civic health and belonging.
What does it mean to be an engaged American in today’s divisive political landscape? How can we unite to restore hope, revive democracy, and foster a sense of belonging within a connected community? Join us for an inspiring evening with Eric Liu, CEO of Citizen University, as we explore what it means to cultivate belonging, civic engagement, and shared responsibility in a divided world.
Drawing from his books, You’re More Powerful Than You Think and Become America, Liu will challenge us to reclaim our collective power, rehumanize our politics, and move from isolation to community. Through thought-provoking insights and actionable ideas, this conversation will ignite hope and equip us with the tools to strengthen our civic muscle and build a more connected and engaged community.
Meet Eric Liu
CEO, Citizen University & Civic Evangelist
Eric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University, which works to build a culture of powerful and responsible citizenship in the United States. He is also the founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship & American Identity Program. Liu is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including most recently You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen and Become America: Civic Sermons on Love, Responsibility, and Democracy— a New York Times New & Notable Book. He is featured in the PBS documentary American Creed and is a contributing writer for The Atlantic.
“Our work at Citizen University feels urgent and meaningful, especially in this time when faith in democracy is declining, and civic know-how and civic cohesion are waning. Our team believes it’s possible to spark a civic revival in this country. And we try to show it as much as say it — to find and connect and activate people all around our country who want to practice civic power and cultivate civic character to achieve true liberty and true justice truly for all.” - Eric Liu
Liu served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as the President’s deputy domestic policy adviser. He was later appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. In 2020, Liu was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he serves on its Trust and is co-chair of Our Common Purpose Commission on democratic citizenship. He is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School and a member of the Yale University Council.
Liu and his family live in Seattle, where he has served on the boards of the Seattle Public Library and the Washington State Board of Education and co-founded the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. His work as a civic innovator was recognized in 2020 with an Ashoka Fellowship.
What to Expect:
The evening will kick off with a welcoming reception featuring delicious appetizers, drinks, and an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees. Guests will also have the chance to purchase one of Eric Liu’s books and get it signed by Liu after the talk. The conversation will include a Q&A session, inviting audience members to engage directly with Eric and enhance the discussion.
Ticketing Information
Tickets are nonrefundable. They are priced for accessibility and cover only a small portion of event costs. Additional support comes from donations, sponsorships, and Friends Of the Foundation.
- Student – $10 (supported by donations): Intended for youth and individuals currently enrolled in an educational institution.
- Community – $25 (supported by donations): Offered at a discounted rate and are available to everyone.
- Supporter – $75: Helps offset the true cost of the event and support making the event possible to our community.
If ticket prices present a barrier to entry, please contact Community Foundation staff at 360.705.3340 or email heidi@thecommunityfoundation.com for assistance.
Thank you to Friends Of the Foundation!
Community Conversations are made partly possible by the generous support of our Friends Of the Foundation. We are deeply grateful for your contributions—thank you!
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A Community Conversation with Eric Liu
May 20, 2025, 5:45 pm - 8:45 pm
SPSCC Student Union Building #27
2011 Mottman Road SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Gratitude For Our 2024 Event with Mónica Guzman
Thank you to everyone who attended last year’s inaugural Community Conversation! A special thanks to Browsers Bookshop for joining us at the reception and to Lt. Governor Denny Heck and Renee Radcliff Sinclair—Community Foundation board member and President &CEO of TVW—for joining Mónica on stage. Lastly, thanks to our Friends of the Foundation for helping make this event possible.