The Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Public Affairs Programs convene discussions of diverse perspectives in order to address critical issues facing our communities, our nation, and our world.

View upcoming programs. • View past programs.

Getting to the Point

The Getting to the Point speaker series highlights the people and topics driving national policy and current dialogue. These programs take on various formats, including keynote lectures, moderated conversations, and panel discussions. Getting to the Point programs have featured a diverse array of elected officials and thought leaders.

Across the Aisle

Across the Aisle programs are dedicated to convening bipartisan conversations. The Kennedy Institute brings together leaders from different political parties to discuss current areas of common cause. Through moderated discussions in Boston and Washington, D.C., senators, members of Congress, governors, mayors, and leaders with diverse perspectives highlight the issues and problems they are working on together to solve through common-ground solutions.

Stone Social Impact Forum

New in 2019, the Stone Social Impact Forum is an annual series that features bold civic change agents who demonstrate the various pathways to tackle inequality, advance social change, and inspire all people to be civically active. The Stone Social Impact Forum is a joint initiative of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation made possible through the generous support of the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation.

Special Programs

The Institute produces a selection of programs that offer insight into specific issues and challenges facing our democracy and our society. These programs tackle bold themes, and address important issues such as encouraging diverse leadership, examining the policy challenges facing local leaders in Massachusetts, and using the lessons of history to inform a path forward for today’s policy challenges. Past programs have examined women’s political leadership as well as peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The Institute also specially designs programs for young audiences, including the popular Kid Convention.