NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal political views and approach to citizen advocacy and policy. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf Kari is speaking about the importance of citizen engagement at all levels but specifically in your own community. She shares strategies for making change in a highly-charged political climate by identifying common ground and solidifying lasting relationships. Kari Boiter is an award-winning advocate, community organizer, and campaign strategist. With a wealth of experience in public policy, Boiter is a prominent expert on civic engagement as well as helping author and pass historic reforms at all levels of government. She demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate complex political landscapes while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Kari will be speaking about the importance of community engagement, particularly as it relates to the idea of representative democracy. She will share strategies for making an impact in a highly-charged political environment by identifying common ground and shared goals, establishing and solidifying the relationships necessary to drive lasting change. Her dedication to community engagement has been instrumental in dismantling stigmas and fostering empathy among diverse audiences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx