Root Quarterly presents
FOUNDER’S WEEKEND
November 13 – 16th, 2025 // Philadelphia, PA
America is an experiment. Be part of it.
We are ALL Founders. See tickets for how to attend.
Founder’s Weekend features both public and private lectures // workshops // panels // art-pop ups // discussions and more
THURSDAY
11/14
9:00- 11:00 a.m.
Interfaith and Civic Leader Breakfast
PRIVATE EVENT
A discussion among faith and civic leaders featuring Molly Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, hosted and led by Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church.
FEATURING
CONVERSATION WITH
Rev. Christopher Micklewright, rector, Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church
Molly Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Has Shaped American Politics from the Puritans to Donald Trump
FOLLOWED BY TABLE CONVERSATIONS
LOCATION:
Gloria Dei, Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church
927 S. Water Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Parking Available
TO ATTEND:
If you are a faith or civic leader who would like to attend this event, please send us an email.
FRIDAY
11/14
3:00 - 4:30
“Free to Assemble?”
PANEL DISCUSSION
CONVERSATION AND Q&A WITH MOLLY WORTHEN AND OTHERS
Do we really have a right to assemble given the ongoing drumbeat of political violence? Are all charismatic leaders and influencers with large followings now possible targets of assassination? Does just attending an event or protest put you at risk? What does it mean that many young people don’t value our first amendment? A conversation with: Molly Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Has Affected American Politics from the Puritans to Donald Trump, panelists from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and others to be announced.
LOCATION:
Center City Philadelphia, TBA Soon!
TO ATTEND:
FRIDAY
11/14
5:30 - 7:30
FRANKLIN LECTURE: MOLLY WORTHEN
“The Future of Faith in America”
WHAT DOES THE NEXT 250 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IN AMERICA LOOK LIKE?
Pennsylvania was founded in part as a place that valued religious tolerance, and many sought refuge here. Since then, our modern world has become increasingly secularized, and some argue that politics has replaced religion for many. But religion and spirituality feel ascendent again. Is a 60s- and 70s-era new-age grab-bag spiritualism giving way to older practices as people seek out spiritual and philosophical wisdom again? Should non-religious Americans fear a future with more faith? What is in store for the next 250 years of religious tolerance and our freedom to assemble? Root Quarterly has invited Molly Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Has Affected American Politics from the Puritans to Donald Trump to speak to these questions for 30 minutes in our second annual Franklin Lecture to be followed by dinner and table conversation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
50 spaces only at the historic Franklin Inn Club. Twenty-five spaces will be held by event partners, funders, and special guests. Twenty-five are available for single ticket purchase for $175, or by purchasing a full Founder’s Weekend convening pass for $500. Dinner and drinks are provided and a cocktail reception will follow the dinner until 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
The Franklin Inn Club
205 S. Camac Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
TO ATTEND:
SATURDAY
11/15
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
LECTURE AND PANEL: MAURY GILES AND OTHERS
“Turning Toward Each Other and Away from Political Violence”
American’s are familiar with the idea of E pluribus unum: Out of many—one. But political violence—fomented on the left and right with calls, for instance, of “by any means neccessary,” are resulting in a culture in which we demand that others hold our point of view, or be punished. How do we come together, first to seek to understand what others think, and then to find common ground? What tools and training might each of us need to live in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, politically heterogeneous populace where we cannot possibly come to agreement? Are we no longer willing to live and let live?
OUR PLURALISTIC NATION REQUIRES TOLERANCE AND FORBEARANCE. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
FEATURING
LECTURE BY MAURY GILES, CEO, BRAVER ANGELS
PANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW WITH:
MAURY GILES, CEO, Braver Angels // Braver Angels is the largest grassroots political depolarization organization in the country. It’s mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
DEVIN SCANLON, executive director, Pluralist Lab // The Pluralist Lab empowers the next generation of leaders to navigate difference with clarity, courage, and respect. Through immersive workshops, curated forums, and a growing alumni network, we help students, educators, and community members build the skills, habits, and dispositions necessary for civil discourse and institutional leadership in a diverse and divided world.
PHIL LINDSAY, leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society // Director, Democracy Innovation HUB, Bard College’s Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and the Humanities. The Philadelphia Ethical Society is a humanist congregation dedicated to honoring the worth and dignity of every human being. The Democracy Innovation Hub at the HAC aims to inspire an ecosystem of civic innovators to build a more resilient, innovative and collaborative democracy. We convene and train public servants, community leaders and educators to use participatory methods of engagement and tools, with a focus on citizens’ assemblies.
MODERATOR: HEATHER SHAYNE BLAKESLEE, Founding publisher and editor of Root Quarterly // RQ elevates and celebrates humanity with artistic collaboration and radical conversation. Toward a more beautiful future
LOCATION:
THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA
1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
THE PHILADELPHIA
ETHICAL SOCIETY
SATURDAY
11/15
2:30 - 6:30
“Practicing Pluralism”
WORKSHOP
LOCATION:
THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA
1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
CONTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE IN ACTION WITH THE PLURALIST LAB
The Pluralist Lab empowers the next generation of leaders to navigate difference with clarity, courage, and respect. This immersive workshops will help students, educators, and community members build the skills, habits, and dispositions necessary for civil discourse and institutional leadership in a diverse and divided world. Moderators at each table will lead participants through engaging conversation that seeks to destabilize binary thinking, cultivate nuanced conversation, and create space for understanding. Leaders from the proceeding lecture and discussion will all be participating in the workshop.
THE PHILADELPHIA
ETHICAL SOCIETY
SATURDAY
11/15
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
ART SHOW OPENING AND RQ “CONSERVATION” ISSUE RELEASE
“Hello, Beautiful”
SHOW OPEN NOVEMBER 15 - NOVEMBER 30
In addition to its work bringing people together in radical conversation, RQ values artistic collaboration, and our quarterly print journal features some of the most interesting artists in Philadelphia, the mid-Atlantic region, and the country. In our first-ever art show at Paradigm Gallery + Studio, we’ll feature artists who have appeared in our pages over the last six years, celebrating our work together toward a more beautiful future. We’ll also be celebrating the release of our fall “Conservation” issue.
FEATURING WORK BY (list still in development)
Bruce Katsiff
Patricia Moss-Vreeland
Suzanne Stein
Kathleen Studebaker
Sabrina Small
Julia Wald
WHAT TO EXPECT
Fine art, fine people, and fine conversation. Food and drinks are included in the price of the ticket.
