Democracy Ain’t Dry: The Summit 2026
Saturday, September 19
Barrington White House
145 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL
Join Barrington Area Democrats for a day of community, conversation, and civic engagement at Democracy Ain’t Dry: The Summit, a one-of-a-kind event bringing together candidates, organizers, advocates, local businesses, and community members who believe democracy works best when we all participate.
Third Floor | Little d Democracy One Day Summit | 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Take your civic engagement to the next level with four engaging educational sessions designed to inform, inspire, and empower attendees.
Session topics include:
- Judges on the Ballot 101
- Ranked Choice Voting
- Goodbye Hashtags and 5 O’Clock News
- Little d Democracy Meets Big P Patriarchy
Your ticket also includes:
- An inspiring keynote address
- Boxed Lunch (with fellow attendees, speakers, and organizers- or take it and pop out to the local park for some R&R)
- A closing capstone speaker to send you home energized and ready to make a difference
Seating is intentionally limited to create meaningful conversations and interactive sessions, and we expect tickets to sell quickly. Reserve yours early and join us for a day dedicated to strengthening our democracy, supporting local candidates, and building the future of civic engagement in our communities.
Event schedule:
9:00 a.m. Check In & Checkout the First Floor
9:30 a.m. Keynote Kickoff
10:00 a.m. Session One
11:00 a.m. Session Two
12:00 p.m Lunch Break
1:00 p.m. Session Three
2:00 p.m. Session Four
2:45 p.m Ending Farewell Address
First Floor | FREE & Open to the Public | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
No ticket required!
Visit with our endorsed Super Six candidates:
Nabeela Syed (Illinois Senate District 26)
Jenny Levin (Illinois House District 51)
Maria Peterson (Illinois House District 52)
Ted Mason (Cook County Board District 15)
Mary Mesa (Lake County Board District 17)
Dee Darling (McHenry County Board District 1)
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded community organizations, including groups such as Indivisible Barrington and the Community Mental Health Project, along with other partners working to strengthen our communities.
While you’re there, browse local vendors offering democracy-themed merchandise, handcrafted goods, books, artwork, and other unique items available for purchase throughout the day.
Support Local. Shop Local. Win Local.
One of the highlights of Democracy Ain’t Dry: The Summit will be our Support Local Giveaway Basket, showcasing some of the incredible small businesses that make the Barrington area such a vibrant place to live, work, and shop.
We’re inviting local businesses to contribute gift cards, products, experiences, or other items to help us create a basket that celebrates our local economy. Every attendee who visits the free first-floor Community Marketplace will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win.
This is a fun way to introduce hundreds of attendees to businesses throughout our community while highlighting the importance of supporting the entrepreneurs, makers, restaurants, retailers, and service providers who help our neighborhoods thrive.
If your business would like to contribute an item to our giveaway basket, we’d love to partner with you. Please contact us at info@barringtonareadems.org.
Become a Democracy Ain’t Dry Sponsor
Help strengthen civic engagement across Chicago’s northwest suburbs by becoming a sponsor of Democracy Ain’t Dry: The Summit.
Sponsor support allows Barrington Area Democrats to host an engaging day of civic education while investing in year-round organizing, voter engagement, and support for our endorsed candidates and community partners.
Sponsors receive recognition throughout the event and in promotional materials leading up to September 19, including printed event materials, digital advertising, the welcome display at the Barrington White House, and event badges worn by attendees, speakers, volunteers, and exhibitors.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The People’s House Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive) – $25,000**
Constitution Sponsor – $10,000**
Bill of Rights Sponsor – $5,000
Town Hall Sponsor – $2,500
Community Builder – $1,000
Friend of Democracy – $500
Whether you’re an individual, business, labor organization, advocacy group, or community partner, your sponsorship helps build a stronger democracy from the ground up.
Interested in sponsoring the event or donating an item to our Support Local Giveaway Basket?
**Please contact info@barringtonareadems.org. We’d be happy to discuss sponsorship opportunities and answer any questions.
