What would it mean to truly Reimagine America?
Timed to coincide with Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of July 4th, Reimagining America invites participants to reflect on the nation’s founding promises as well as the ongoing work of true liberty for all.
This gathering brings together leaders, activists, scholars, and community members of all ages for thoughtful conversations about the future of our shared civic life. Through panels on education, local government, reflective activism, and religious pluralism, participants will explore how we can strengthen institutions, deepen participation, and build a more just and inclusive society.
Grounded in honest reflection and creative possibility, the conference is a space to ask bold questions and imagine new paths forward.
The gathering will conclude with music and comedy, reminding us that art, laughter, and shared joy are also essential to a healthy America.
Together, we will explore what a more hopeful American future could look like.
This event is being organized with love by Pacific Unitarian Universalist Church, American Atheists, and Atheists United
Pacific Unitarian Church will host Unitarian Universalist worship services on the following day, Sunday, the 21st at 10:30, followed by a brunch.
Atheists United will host a unique Science Sunday trip on the 21st, to the world-famous Mount Wilson Observatory! Ticket holders will get a docent-led tour of grounds and then have 6-hours to look through the 60-inch telescope used by Hubble, Baade, and Sandage to unravel secrets of the stars.
Agenda
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Joshua Berg - Minister, Pacific Unitarian Church, Debbie Goddard - Director of Programs, American Atheists, Christina Jones - Atheists United Board President
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Reimagining Democracy
Nick Fish (American Atheists)
Nick Fish, President of American Atheists talks about Reimaging Democracy to frame the day.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Reimaging Education
Dr. Carl Cohn, Lisa Pearlman Greathouse, Sam Weiss
Public education isn’t just about academics – it’s where battles over truth, identity, rights, and democracy are playing out. This panel asks who has authority in education, how pluralism works (or fails) on our schools, and what young people are inheriting – and reshaping. Dr. Carl Cohn is the former Superintendent of Long Beach and San Diego School Districts and a distinguished California educator. Lisa Perlman Greathouse is a writer, educator, and co-founder of a the Chino Valley Defenders of Public Education. Sam Weiss is a 30-year educator, President of the Palos Verdes Faculty Association, California Teachers’ Association’s State Council member and passionate student and teacher advocate.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Break
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Breakout Discussion Sessions
Breakout Workshop #1 -- Reimagining Community Resilience (Mutual Aid) How do we build more resilient communities? Breakout Workshop #2 -- Reimagining Global Collaboration How do we build solidarity across borders?"
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
Lunch will be sold from immigrant vendors.
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Reimagining Local Government
Mayor Chelsea Beyers - West Hollywood , Mayor Freddy Puzo - Culver City, Mayor Paul Seo - Rancho Palos Verdes
National debates often dominate headlines, but democracy is lived locally. Cities are where ideals meet reality – where policies shape daily life and where trust is built or broken.
02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Break
02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
Reimagining Religious Pluralism
Dr. Vanessa Gomez Brake, Dr. Decki Joshi, Dr. Cecelia Lynch, Dr. Jessica Moss
Dr. Gomez Brake is the Senior Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. Dr. Devki Joshi is an OBGyn and Physicians for Reproductive Health advocate. Dr. Cecelia Lynch is Professor, Political Science School of Social Sciences at UC Irvine. Dr. Jessica Moss is an interfaith activist and academic and ED of Interfaith Youth Alliance. America has always been religiously diverse – and deeply divided. Reimagining America requires moving beyond tolerance toward a more active, demanding form of pluralism.
03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Break
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Reimagining Reflective Activism - Youth Panel
Jack Kellum - Board Member, Atheists United, Kevin Leedy - President, Beach City Young Dems, Jessica Robinson - Women's Leadership Project , Soha Shah - Interfaith Youth Alliance
Young people are often described as the future – but they are already reshaping the present. Reimagining America means rethinking who gets to participate, how, and at what age.
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Catered Dinner
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Music and Comedy
Shelley Segal, Learnmore Jonasi