Welcome from Board Chair Devanshi Patel
Change touches everything. It reshapes our county, our institutions, and the rhythms of everyday life. It challenges us to think differently, act boldly, and come together with purpose.
In moments of uncertainty, it is not policy alone that guides us. It is people. It is the strength of our relationships, built on trust, dialogue, and shared commitment, that gives us the power to shape the future we want to see.
For more than 70 years, Advance Arlington has been that gathering place. A space where neighbors become collaborators. Where questions lead to insight. Where ideas are not just heard—they are valued.
Advance Arlington is where ideas take root and community takes action.
We do not endorse candidates. We elevate voices.
We do not take sides. We build bridges.
We do not debate each other. We ask the important questions.
Residents from across Arlington come together. Not to agree, but to engage.
To gather.
To think.
To shape our future.
We are more than a meeting space. We are a movement, grounded in respect, guided by curiosity, and inspired by the power of dialogue to shape what comes next.
On behalf of Advance Arlington, welcome to the 2025–2026 program year.
Stay connected.
Learn more.
Join the conversation.
The future of Arlington is not written by one person. It is written by all of us, together. We look forward to learning, questioning, and growing with you.
Welcome to the 2025-2026 Program Year
The Advance Arlington Board offers several opportunities for combined in-person and virtual hybrid programs throughout the year. See current and future program updates, as well as a video recording of our most recent program, below.
Viewers can also find recordings of all of our previous events at our "Past Programs" tab as well.
Join us for Our Annual Soirée
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
June 10,2026
Advance Arlington’s Annual Soirée celebrating community conversations returns Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington!
Join us to celebrate beautiful art, engaging conversation, and community connection. We’re thrilled to feature special guest Eliza Tebo—award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and culture reporter.
To purchase tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities, please click below. Your contribution directly funds our vital monthly programs, bringing together diverse, expert voices to tackle the critical issues shaping Arlington’s present and future. Enjoy exclusive recognition, yearlong membership for all Advance Arlington’s programs, and connect with your fellow neighbors.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the soirée!
We are excited to welcome Eliza Tebo as our guest speaker.
Eliza Tebo is a D.C.-based journalist, musician and podcast host with a passion for storytelling.
As a culture reporter covering arts, education, work and the local economy, Eliza's bylines have appeared on NPR, WAMU, The Washington Post, The 51st, Washington City Paper, Arlington Magazine and BmoreArt. Her writing also includes short stories, screenplays and poetry.
Eliza’s remarks at the Soirée will highlight the importance of continuing Advance Arlington’s civic conversations in our community as we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s democracy.
Eliza is an award-winning vocalist and songwriter performing jazz and pop music. Her pop project, Gemma Sky, released its debut album in March 2026. She will also perform one of her songs during the Soirée.
Eliza thoroughly enjoys interviewing people and is the host of the podcast, Making Stuff. The show features conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, and makers about exactly what it takes to build something out of nothing.
Click below to listen to Eliza's music and podcasts.
In case you missed it!
Generational Disconnection: The Future of Civic Life
Young people took center stage in a powerful conversation exploring the growing generational divide in civic life and what it will take to rebuild trust, belonging, and engagement in our communities.
Through candid dialogue, youth leaders Dayana and Chetan shared their lived experiences, perspectives, and hopes for the future of civic participation. Together with community leaders Susan Cunningham, Tralonne Shorter, and Brian Stockton, they examined why many young people feel disconnected from traditional institutions, what adults and systems often misunderstand about youth voice, and how schools, organizations, and communities can create authentic opportunities for young people to lead.
The discussion, moderated by Babiha, Youth Advisory Board member, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy, highlighted both the challenges and possibilities facing the next generation. Youth spoke openly about the barriers they encounter while also offering a clear vision for stronger, more responsive institutions that listen, adapt, and make room for meaningful participation. Their insights served as a powerful reminder that young people are active leaders shaping civic life todayfuture of civic life; they are active leaders shaping it today.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our panelists for their honesty, wisdom, and commitment to elevating this important conversation.
Click below to watch the full program.
In Case you MIssed it!
Redistrict or Not to Redistrict? That is the Question.
Did you catch our conversation on Virginia's proposed redistricting amendment? If not, you missed a dynamic exchange of ideas, as our panel dug into the proposal from multiple angles while modeling exactly what civil discourse should look like. Voting is open now through April 21.
A big thank you to Mike Condray, Richard Samp, Marcus Simon, and moderator Sam Shirazi for bringing clarity, candor, and depth to this important conversation.
Watch the full recording before you cast your vote and hear the perspectives shaping this moment.
Advance Arlington in the news
Read more about Advance Arlington's April program from Scott McCaffrey in ArlNow.
Local redistricting advocate and opponent debate ‘new rules of the game’
Save the Date
Advance Arlington's Annual Soirée
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
DID YOU MISS ANY OF OUR PAST PROGRAMS?
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powering conversations together
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