Announcing FIRE’s Virtual Summer Series: Join FIRE next week for four days of First Amendment festivities!

The dog days of summer are rapidly approaching. And as the days get hotter, I often find myself searching for ways to pass the time indoors. I’ve binged numerous Netflix series and even started to cook, but what I miss most during these tenuous, pandemic-ridden times is human interaction. And while FIRE obviously can’t resolve the pandemic, we can try to ease mid-summer boredom! To that end, FIRE is thrilled to announce that our first Virtual Summer Series will take place next week. And we hope that you’ll join us!

FIRE’s President and CEO, Greg Lukianoff, will kick off the series by leading a discussion about “The Sudden Victory of Freedom FROM Speech & What We Can Do About It.” Attendees from across the country will engage with each other and this year’s FIRE Summer Interns as we discuss the state of free speech in America, share stories, and play First Amendment Jeopardy. Personally, I’m looking forward to FIRE’s movie night, where attendees will watch a documentary about the collision between comedy and outrage culture.  After the movie screening of “Can We Take a Joke?”, attendees will interact with the film’s director during a live Q&A. And to add to the festivities, student attendees will even be eligible for prizes. So the more events you attend, the bigger the reward!

For those interested in becoming First Amendment advocates on their college campuses, applying for FIRE’s 2021 Summer Internship Program, or just meeting peers from across America, FIRE’s week of virtual festivities will be a great way to evade summer boredom and engage with new people — all from the comfort of your home! So grab your favorite drink, find a comfy spot, and join us at FIRE’s first Virtual Summer Series. We hope to see you there!

Virtual Summer Series Schedule

• Monday, July 27 - 3–4 p.m. ET - The Sudden Victory of Freedom FROM Speech & What We Can Do About It

Greg Lukianoff, FIRE President and CEO 

Join us on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89706211501?pwd=K0JNT29WY0dPcGF5YlN0c3E3OE9jUT09 

• Tuesday, July 28 - 6–6:45 p.m. ET  - Trial By FIRE: Get to know your fellow First Amendment activists! 

Hosted by FIRE’s Undergraduate Interns

Join us on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81063305226?pwd=Tk5qM2xnRnpxeHVLY1NFbGpNM3pKQT09

• Wednesday, July 29 - 7–8:30 p.m. ET  - Movie Screening: “Can We Take a Joke?” and Q&A with film director Ted Balaker

Join us on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82411054295?pwd=eC9JUW02UEZOSGl2bEtFMGJiTWJ1QT09 

• Thursday, July 30 - 6–6:45 p.m. ET - First Amendment Jeopardy!

Hosted by FIRE’s Summer Interns

Join us on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85257484157?pwd=dXdqeFVRVEpxaWNadi84YzBpRVpadz09

The Prizes

Current students at U.S. colleges and universities (including incoming freshmen and graduate students) are eligible to win prizes for attending FIRE’s Virtual Summer Series. To enter, please complete the entry form by Thursday, July 30 at 6:45 p.m. ET.

• Students who attend two events will be eligible to receive: FIRE laptop sticker, socks, keychain
• Students who attend three events will be eligible to receive the aforementioned prizes, plus: FIRE water bottle, T-shirt, copy of Unlearning Liberty
• And students who attend all four events will be eligible to receive the prizes above, plus: Full travel reimbursement for a future FIRE conference, if accepted to attend, and entry in a drawing to win a FIRE backpack and a $50 Amazon gift card. Winner will be notified on Friday, July 31, via email.

If you’re interested in receiving event reminders, join our Virtual Summer Series list. We look forward to seeing you next week!