What You’ll Experience

Inspiring Speakers

Hear remarkable stories from community leaders, faith leaders, educators, veterans, artists, and civic voices who have discovered that lasting change begins when ordinary people become engaged. Their stories will challenge you. Encourage you. And remind you that every voice has the power to make a difference.

Music That Lifts the Spirit

Enjoy music filled with humor, hope, and inspiration that celebrates community, democracy, and the joy of belonging.

Conversations That Matter

No shouting. No labels. No litmus tests.Just honest conversations rooted in curiosity, respect, and the belief that we all have something to learn from one another.

Community Connections

Meet organizations and neighbors who are making a difference every day—and discover practical ways you can become part of something bigger than yourself.

This Isn’t About Politics.

It’s about participation. Because participation is the Language of Hope. We’re not gathering to tell anyone who to vote for. We’re gathering to celebrate that we have the right to vote. We’re celebrating the freedoms that allow us to think, speak, disagree respectfully, and work together for the common good. Whether you’re politically conservative, politically progressive, independent, or simply curious… You belong here.

Meet Our Featured Guests

You’ll hear from an inspiring lineup of community leaders, faith leaders, and advocates who believe that democracy flourishes when people participate. Each speaker brings a unique story. Each reminds us that hope is not passive. Hope shows up.

Meet Our Presenters

KAY BROWN
Former Alaska State Representative • Journalist • Public Policy Leader
Kay Brown is a former Alaska state representative, state official, journalist and public-policy professional. She served 10 years in the Alaska House of Representatives and later held leadership positions in state government and nonprofit organizations. A journalist by training, Kay has worked extensively on environmental and public-policy issues and currently serves as Arctic Policy Director for Pacific Environment. She founded Alaska Women Ascend, a training program for women candidates and campaign staff, and was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017. Kay earned her journalism degree from Baylor University and now lives in Palm Springs.

KIM HARTH
Community Member • Volunteer • Quiet Activist
Kim Harth describes herself as a “typical, garden-variety American” and a consistently quiet activist from the great state of Minnesota. Since 1978, she has worked in the financial services industry, helping clients pursue their financial goals.

Throughout her life, Kim has also found ways to serve her community, including fundraising for her children’s schools, supporting a local children’s museum in Illinois, and, most recently, contributing her time and talents at the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs and as a member of Voices Reclaimed.

Kim believes participation doesn’t require a title, a platform, or a public office. Sometimes it simply begins with caring, paying attention, and choosing to get involved.

CHRIS “JOE C.” JACKSON
Faith Leader • Educator • Volunteer
Chris “Joe C.” Jackson spent 31 years working with large United Methodist churches in Florida and Minnesota, serving in education, communications, pastoral care and administration. After retiring to Palm Springs, he continued his commitment to community service as a Palm Springs Sustainability Commissioner from 2012–2019, serving five years as chair. He also served as the primary fundraiser for the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus from 2013–2017. Now re-retired, Chris continues to bring decades of experience in communication, community engagement and service to his civic involvement—and enjoys traveling whenever he gets the chance.

LAUREN MAYER
Composer • Lyricist • Performer • Political Humorist
Lauren Mayer is a songwriter, performer, political humorist and teaching artist whose topical comedy songs have attracted millions of views. A summa cum laude graduate of Yale University, she studied songwriting and music theory with Tony Award-winning composer Maury Yeston. Lauren has written several children’s musicals, released albums of original comedy songs and is a five-time recipient of the San Francisco Cabaret Gold Award. Her work combines music and humor to engage audiences with current events and contemporary life. She also teaches tap dancing—and, as Lauren puts it, occasionally sleeps.

LISA MIDDLETON
Former Mayor of Palm Springs • Public Servant • CalPERS Board Member
Lisa Middleton served on the Palm Springs City Council from 2017 through 2024, including service as mayor in 2021–22. She currently serves as a governor-appointed member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration, where she chairs the Finance & Administration Committee. Before entering elected office, Lisa spent 36 years with California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund, retiring as Senior Vice President of Internal Affairs. She has served numerous civic and nonprofit organizations and holds degrees in political science and public administration. Lisa was the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in California.

BECKI ROBINSON
Educator • Community Volunteer • Voter Registration Advocate

Becki Robinson spent more than 39 years as an educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District, serving as an elementary school teacher, an elected vice president of United Teachers Los Angeles, and a program specialist for extended learning. After retiring in 2009, she made the Coachella Valley her full-time home in 2012.

Becki became involved with Courageous Resistance in 2017 and began coordinating its voter registration efforts the following year. Over the past eight years, Becki and her volunteers have helped register more than 1,850 voters, with the Mary Pickford Theatre becoming one of their familiar registration locations during election seasons.

In June 2026, KESQ recognized Becki as a Neighborhood Hero for her dedication to helping people participate in the democratic process.

Join Something Bigger Than Yourself

Imagine a community where… people listen before judging… neighbors know one another… young people believe their voices matter… differences become opportunities to learn… hope becomes contagious. That’s the community we’re building. One conversation. One act of kindness. One vote. One person at a time. And this is only the beginning.

Reserve Your Seat

Admission is free. Your registration helps us prepare seating, materials, and opportunities for meaningful conversations throughout the afternoon.

Reserve Your Seat Today

👉 REGISTER NOW

Event Information

The Power of Participation: Turn Up. Turn Out.

Sunday, September 13, 2026
2:00–3:00 PM - Mizell Center
1:30 PM Voter Registration
Hosted by Voices Reclaimed

Reclaiming Truth. Restoring Voices. Renewing Hope.

A Personal Invitation

Before you leave this page, we’d like to ask you one question. What kind of community do you hope the next generation will inherit? If your answer includes… more kindness… more understanding…more participation… more hope… then we’d love to meet you. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your questions. Bring your hope. Most of all—Bring yourself. Because every movement begins the same way. One person decides to show up.

Turn Up. Turn Out.