Future in Common
A Gala Benefiting Civics Learning Project
May 11, 2026 | 5:30-8:30pm
PURCHASE TICKETS | MORE INFORMATION
The Hyatt Regency
375 NE Holladay St
Portland, Oregon
Invest in What We Hold in Common
A strong democracy depends on whether young people understand how civic life works—and how to engage across differences.
Future in Common is Civics Learning Project’s annual gala, bringing together leaders, educators, and partners who believe civics education is essential to our shared future. The evening celebrates the idea that democracy is learned, practiced, and built together.
By sponsoring Future in Common, you invest in students gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate fully in civic life—and in communities strengthened by shared understanding.
Join us as a sponsor and help shape the future we hold in common. Please contact Patricia Brooke for more information, [email protected].
Emcee: Rachel Smolkin, Oregon Public Broadcasting President & CEO.
What to Expect
- A featured conversation with Kerry Tymchuk, our Jonathan Newman Civic Leader of the Year
- Educator voices and real-world civic stories
- Recognition of partners advancing civics education
- A bold vision for what comes next
- Cocktail reception, plated dinner & paddle raise
About the Jonathan Newman Civic Leader Award
The Jonathan Newman Civic Leader Award recognizes the late Judge Newman for his leadership in encouraging and instilling respect for civic education in Oregon. Each year, a leader is honored for demonstrating a commitment to the mission and principles of Civics Learning Project including advancing the ideals of civic education and inspiring future generations.
As part of our celebration, Civics Learning Project also honors an exemplary educator in Oregon with the Peter & Leslie Richter Civic Educator of the Year Award.
The 2025-26 honoree is Jacqueline Pope Brothers of Sprague High School in Salem.
About Kerry Tymchuk
Kerry Tymchuk has served since 2011 as the Boyle Family Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society. Founded in 1898, OHS includes a world-class museum and research library, and is the designated steward of Oregon’s history.
A native of Reedsport, Oregon, Kerry earned degrees from Willamette University and Willamette University College of Law. Prior to assuming the helm at OHS in April 2011, Kerry earned a bi-partisan reputation as one of Oregon’s most respected public servants. His career includes service as a Marion County Deputy District Attorney, Director of Speechwriting to U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole, Director of Speechwriting and Legal Counsel to U.S. Senator Bob Dole, and Oregon Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Gordon Smith.
Kerry is active in the community, serving on a number of boards, including the board of AAA Oregon-Idaho, Regence/Blue Cross Oregon Advisory Board, Willamette University, Special Olympics Oregon, Oregon Golf Association, and the Robert Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. Kerry and his wife, Becky, reside in Beaverton, and are the parents of a daughter and a son.