Mathematical communities as democratic spaces

Speaker: Ben Blum Smith (Johns Hopkins University) Abstract: In this talk we explore ideas for nurturing healthy mathematical communities that are inspired by democratic ideals. In particular, we present ideas for using notions of equality, rights, and shared authority in communities of young people doing mathematics to support effective collaboration, mathematical joy, and making space for individuals to be valued for diverse kinds of contributions. Talk at the AMS Special Session on "Compassion as a Mathematical Practice" at the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings in Washington, DC. Browse the rest of the videos from this session in the following playlist:    • AMS Special Session on "Compassion as a Ma...