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The Power of Listening: Conversations that Shape Our Democracy

Urban Strategy in the Present Tense is a conversation series featuring notable urbanists discussing their frontline work in urban resilience, as well as sharing their insights about public policymaking, urban problem solving, and life in Philadelphia.

This installment of our conversation series focused vote engagement, how to build trust through active listening, and how to empower citizens to create a more inclusive, participatory democracy. We were joined by Lorene Cary, Adam Barbanel-Fried, and Bree Doldron; read more about them below.

The series is produced by the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University in partnership with the Urban Strategy Masters Program in Drexel's Westphal College of Media, Arts & Design.

Lorene Cary founded Vote That Jawn in 2018, a non-partisan initiative aimed at encouraging first-time voters, bringing Philadelphia’s youth to the polls, and amplifying their voices. Cary is an award-winning author and the founder of Art Sanctuary celebrating Black artistic excellence in Philadelphia. She has taught at the University of Pennsylvania for over 25 years.


Adam Barbanel-Fried is the co-founded Changing the Conversation Together (CTC) in 2018 and has trained hundreds of leaders in relational organizing and deep canvassing, building a corps dedicated to fostering compassion and inclusion. CTC has trained hundreds of volunteers who have engaged thousands of Philadelphians at risk of not voting, significantly increasing their likelihood to vote.


Bree Doldron is a community organizer with CTC and has a background in analyzing policy to advance equity. Her proven track record of crafting impactful stories allows her to approach work with empathy and cultural competence.