Free Society Coalition · May 18, 2026
Students & Teachers: Join a Filmed Socratic Seminar on the Declaration of Independence
A live student seminar in Philadelphia — Monday, May 18 (morning program)
A select group of high school students (grades 10–12) will participate in a live, filmed Socratic seminar at the Union League of Philadelphia, engaging directly with the Declaration of Independence through thoughtful, text-centered dialogue.
Held in Philadelphia—the city where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted—this seminar invites students to engage the text in the place where its ideas first took public form.
Led in part by Marsha Enright (Reliance College), with support from Dan Isadore, this seminar will serve as a national model for educators, civic leaders, and partner organizations.
This is a weekday, school-supported opportunity, and we encourage teachers and students to coordinate student participation accordingly.
Event Details
Why this matters
At a time when many students encounter civic ideas secondhand, this seminar invites them to engage the text itself.
Students will read carefully, ask their own questions, and participate in a serious conversation with peers. Students will develop the habits of reasoning, listening, and independent judgment essential to a free society.
This is not a lecture or debate. It is a structured conversation rooted in the words and ideas of the Declaration of Independence.
Who this is for
Students (Grades 10–12)
- —Curious and willing to engage serious ideas
- —Comfortable participating in a small-group discussion
- —Interested in reading and thinking deeply about foundational texts
Teachers
- —Teaching history, civics, humanities, or related fields
- —Interested in discussion-based, text-centered learning
- —Able to coordinate weekday student participation
For Students
We are seeking a small, thoughtful group of 10–15 students to participate directly in the seminar. Students do not need prior expertise — they only require curiosity, seriousness, and a willingness to engage.
Participants will:
- —Engage directly with the Declaration of Independence
- —Practice careful reading and reasoning
- —Participate in a filmed seminar to be later shared nationally as a model
Participation Award
Students may receive a $500 educational participation award, which may be used toward future educational programs (including seminars such as those offered by Reliance College) or toward college-related expenses.
For Teachers
Teachers are invited to:
- —Recommend students
- —Attend as observers
- —Use this as a professional learning opportunity
This session is designed as a live model of Socratic, text-centered discussion, with the goal of equipping educators with a replicable approach.
Following the seminar, teachers may also contribute to discussions with Free Society Coalition attendees about how this method can be adapted for classroom and student programming.
Teacher Honorarium
Teachers who bring participating students may receive a modest thank-you honorarium (e.g., Amazon gift card).
What students will explore
The seminar will center on the Declaration of Independence, exploring themes such as:
- —Liberty and equality
- —Rights and responsibilities
- —Self-government
- —Human dignity
Students will not be asked to adopt a particular viewpoint. The goal is to engage the text directly, ask meaningful questions, and think independently.
For additional context, educators may review the Free Society Coalition's classroom resource:
Review the "Happy Birthday, Freedom!" BrochureImportant note on filming
This seminar will be recorded and shared as an educational model. Participating students will require parent/guardian permission and a signed video/photo release prior to the event. Additional details will be provided to selected participants, including a suggested dress code.
Express Interest
This is a small, curated seminar and space is limited. We encourage teachers and students to express interest soon. The Free Society Coalition will follow up with selected participants and coordinating teachers.