About C4SLWe organize collaborative events and curate thought-provoking content so you can explore the big questions about human freedom that lie at the heart of complex social issues.Our programming is based on the two pillars of our guiding philosophy:​ * Liberty is a key driver of progress. Societies cannot thrive unless people have the freedom to pursue their self-interest through the free exchange of goods, services, and ideas. * Learning transcends formal education. Intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of lifelong learning are important components of individual flourishing. Center for the Study of LibertyC4SL_c8ee3584-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f3634092Open-Minded PeopleWe create opportunities for exchange between open-minded people in the marketplace of ideas.Liberty FundFounded in 2015 by members of Liberty Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors, we’re built on a long history of educational excellence. Our headquarters are at Liberty Fund and our resources include access to their library of nearly 50,000 important classical liberal texts, compiled from the collections of Liberty Fund, the Foundation for Economic Education, the Institute for Humane Studies, and several private libraries. Foundation for Economic EducationInstitute for Humane StudiesC4SL TeamJennifer K. ThompsonJennifer K. Thompson is the executive director of the Center for the Study of Liberty. She began her career teaching philosophy, and later joined Liberty Fund, Inc., a private operating foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana. At Liberty Fund, Dr. Thompson served as fellow and, later, as founding director and vice president of Co-Sponsored Programs. In 2011, she became senior director of programs at the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University. She holds a PhD and MA in philosophy from Vanderbilt University and undergraduate degrees in philosophy (BA) and economics (BS) from the University of Tulsa. She is a graduate of the Atlas Network’s Leadership Academy and Sewanee’s Education for Ministry program. Beth Erber is the director of programs at the Center for the Study of Liberty, developing content and programs designed to engage people with an appetite for knowledge and a spirit of open inquiry. She previously worked as the director of On-Campus Education at the Institute for Humane Studies. Through her time at IHS, she created and managed programs that reached thousands of undergraduates with interdisciplinary classical liberal education. Additionally, she partnered with academics at colleges and universities across the country to bring extracurricular educational opportunities to their students. She graduated with a BA in political science from Hillsdale College. Currently, she lives in Arlington, VA and works remotely for the Center.Jaffe AbeshausJaffe Abeshaus is the Center’s director of operations, responsible for managing the Center’s day-to-day business as well as our database infrastructure. Prior to joining the Center, Jaffe worked at the Bill of Rights Institute as their database manager and the Institute for Humane Studies as a manager for program and data evaluation. Jaffe holds an MPA in nonprofit management from George Mason University and a BA in political science from Lewis & Clark College. She is a graduate of the Atlas Network's Leadership Academy. In her free time, Jaffe enjoys reading, baking, and hiking with her dog, Harper.Mike CraigMike Craig is the director of development for the Center for Study of Liberty, responsible for fundraising and marketing. Mike comes to the Center with a diverse background in technology consulting, entrepreneurship, and other leadership roles in the private sector. His position at the Center is his first full-time role in a non-profit. Mike was raised in Indianapolis. He holds a BS in Telecommunications, and an MS in Information & Communications Science, both from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. When not at the Center, Mike enjoys expressing his inner caveman by grilling meat on an open fire.Lindsey GrudnickiLindsey Grudnicki is the digital projects and evaluation manager at the Center for the Study of Liberty, developing and executing educational programs rooted in civil discourse and free thought. Prior to joining the Center, Lindsey served as the director of Graduate Student Programs at the Institute for Humane Studies, providing intellectual and career development opportunities to aspiring academics dedicated to advancing classical liberal principles. Lindsey graduated with a BA in history and English literature from Ashland University. She currently lives in Detroit, MI and works remotely for the Center.The world becomes a freer place. _c8ee3688-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f3634092To support the building of a free society by creating spaces for civil conversations among independent thinkers._c8ee371e-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f3634092ResponsibilityWe are responsible -- We are responsible for our actions and for our own intellectual development. We believe that communities are made better by individuals acting on local knowledge to improve their lives and the lives of those around them, so we celebrate those who accept the consequences of the choices they make, no matter how challenging that might be. We acknowledge our own mistakes when we make them, and, when we see problems, we look for solutions and not for other people to blame. We have enough self-awareness to know our strengths and our weaknesses, and we make decisions with both in mind.Open-MindednessWe are open-minded -- We believe open-minded people choose a disposition of curiosity and humility. We seek out many opinions, especially those that don’t match ours, and we approach all people believing there is something we can learn from them. We have biases, but we recognize that we do and we work to overcome those biases when they are unfounded. We avoid making judgments without evidence or without understanding, and we listen carefully. We are frequent shoppers in the marketplace of ideas because the competition there generates the best outcomes.InquiryWe value inquiry -- We are curious people and we love to be around other people who want to join us in the process of inquiry. We believe that deliberate, thoughtful study is the surest path to learning. We believe human flourishing requires continuous learning. We also know that learning entails humility: to be open to the excitement of discovery, we must first recognize our own limitations. Inquiry requires courage and diligence, so we must remind ourselves to be vigilant about providing space for discussion and contemplation. No matter how careful we think we are, it will always seem easier to propagandize than it will to trust others to come to their own conclusions.Round Table EventsHost round table events._c8ee37aa-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340921John Templeton FoundationThis project was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.Create an Experience to Remember at a Free Dinner Round Table Event -- Civil discourse is more important than ever, and the dinner table is the best place to discuss what truly matters. Let us handle the logistics. All we need from you is a little help getting the right people to the table.ConversationsStart civil conversations._c8ee3854-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340921.1Be the One to Start a Civil Conversation -- The Center for the Study of Liberty knows that having conversations about social topics has become more difficult and polarizing. Our Dinner Round Table events are the perfect opportunity to put aside partisan divides between your friends or colleagues; you will learn and share your ideas over dinner – the ideal place for these discussions. Explore new ideas in a respectful environment, where we help guide the discussion in a civil way.ConversationalistsEngage expert conversationalists._c8ee38ea-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340921.2ConversationalistsTap into Our Network of Expert Conversationalists -- We will make all the necessary arrangements for an expert facilitator to attend – from policy experts and professors to business leaders. We will also come prepared with thoughtful questions to ask to keep the conversation moving forward. Your guests will be encouraged to learn about a topic with guided readings, podcasts, or videos before the event to help steer the conversation towards meaningful discourse.ShowcasingShowcase organizations._c8ee398a-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340921.3Showcase Your Organization in a Thoughtful Way -- Are you a part of an organization? Our Dinner Round Table events are an excellent opportunity to bring your network together to talk about key issues – even controversial ones – in a relaxed environment that promotes learning and understanding. We will showcase your community on our website and social media platforms as the host. You’ll gain exposure for your group while also benefiting from the great conversations at the dinner event. If you like, you may provide signs, swag bags, or other promotional items at your hosted event for your guests.Reading GroupsSupport virtual reading groups._c8ee3a52-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340922Reading GroupsOur Virtual Reading Groups are designed to give you the experience of a book club focused on deep and thought-provoking topics, without needing to leave your home. Join other open-minded and curious people once a week to learn together in civil online video discussions. All readings and materials are provided. You just need an internet connection! The Center will invite an expert facilitator to ensure a meaningful discussion on the readings, ask provocative questions, and keep the conversation moving in a respectful manner. Each session lasts 75 minutes and groups meet once a week for 3-4 weeks. A simple tutorial on our user-friendly video conferencing platform is provided in the first session. There’s no need to be an expert on the topic in order to participate. You only need to be eager to learn, discuss, and expand your understanding of the world. Virtual Reading Groups -- Connect for an hour per week with smart, open-minded people_c8ee3afc-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f3634092Ideas & ApplicationsDiscuss important ideas and their real-world applications with topic experts._c8ee3b9c-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340923Ideas at Work -- Discuss important ideas and their real-world applications with topic experts... "Ideas at Work" are free online sessions offered to the public that focus on connecting big ideas to real-world applications. Through interviews and "Ask Me Anything"-style discussion with experts on a range of topics, participants will discover new perspectives and practical guidance for bringing about positive change in their community. . Each session will last for one hour and fifteen minutes, and the Center will facilitate the discussion online via Zoom video chat. These sessions are specifically designed for people with busy schedules who are eager to learn and discuss important economic, political, and/or social issues. ​ Participants will be required to use an online video chat platform in order to recreate the feel of an in-person interview and Q&A. A brief tutorial of the platform will be shared prior to the session._c8ee3c50-b97b-11e9-a482-e9d8f36340922019-08-07https://www.studyliberty.org/aboutOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net