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Strengthening Democracy Through Pluralism: A Conversation with Eboo Patel
Join us as we launch our USM Forum on American Democracy with a keynote from Eboo Patel, one of the nation’s most influential voices on interfaith cooperation and civic engagement. Founder of Interfaith America, Patel will explore how pluralism — the respectful engagement of diverse identities — can help revitalize democracy and build more resilient, inclusive communities.
In this timely and thought-provoking talk, Patel will reflect on the role that campuses, communities, and individuals can play in bridging divides and turning diversity into a civic strength. Drawing from decades of leadership in public life, he invites us to reimagine democracy as a space where everyone belongs — and where cooperation across difference is essential to our shared future.
The event will be followed by a book signing from 6:30 to 7:00 PM with Patel for his book We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy.
This event is free and open to the public, and registration is required in advance.
Meeting friends for the event? Wander over the street to the Husky Brew in the McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success for a drink, coffee, or bite before or after the event!
About Eboo Patel
Author, Speaker, Educator, and Founder and President of Interfaith America
Eboo Patel is a civic leader, speaker, and author advancing the notion that diversity is a treasure and cooperation across our difference is the key for everybody to thrive. Recognized as “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, he is the Founder and President of Interfaith America, the nation’s leading interfaith organization.
Under Eboo’s leadership, Interfaith America has grown into a $20 million-per-year organization that partners with governments, universities, businesses, and civic organizations to transform faith into a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.
Eboo’s impact extends to serving on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, delivering hundreds of keynote addresses, and authoring five influential books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. A Rhodes Scholar and Ashoka Fellow, Eboo earned a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University.
Learn more about Eboo Patel
- 🎥 Building bridges — religions’ role in our societies, TEDxChicago TEDx Talks
- 🎥 To narrow toxic divides, students build bridges between faiths, PBS NewsHour
- 🎥 Eboo Patel at The Obama Foundation’s 2024 Democracy Forum, Interfaith America
- 🎥 Bridging Identities, Strengthening Pluralism, UW-Madison
- 🎥 What Inspires Eboo Patel to Bridge Differences, Greater Good Science Center
- 🎥 2024 University of Utah Commencement Address
- 🎥 Introduction to Social Change — Eboo Patel, Founder, Interfaith America, Deseret News
About the Forum
The USM Forum on American Democracy is a year-long public series designed to engage the University of Southern Maine (USM) and the broader community in thoughtful conversations on the foundations and future of a democratic society. Hosted by President Edmondson, the Forum invites multiple perspectives on timely civic topics through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and campus-wide engagement.
Check out the full event series
Special Thanks
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Pond Family Foundation.