Barry Kendall
Progressive Leader
Cultural Commentator
Performing Artist
Schedule an appearance or interview with Barry Kendall:
speakers *at* commonwealinstitute.org
Dr. Barry Kendall, a cultural historian with degrees from Yale and Stanford, is an expert on theatrical modes of persuasion in American social change movements. He combines this expertise with the mission of the Commonweal Institute to help progressives communicate more effectively and to provide activists with idea-marketing resources to expand their scope and reach.
As the Executive Director of the Commonweal Institute, Barry Kendall provides leadership, vision, and intellectual guidance to the organization while serving as its principal spokesperson, fundraiser, and community representative. He has significant experience in non-profit management, along with a deep understanding of the role of religion in American culture and a history of engagement with progressive political causes. Dr. Kendall is also an accomplished stage actor and director, and a coach in public speaking and presentation techniques.
Dr. Kendall is Co-Chair of the Progressive Ideas Network, an alliance of 20 leading progressive think tanks and advocacy organizations. In January, 2009, the Network released Thinking Big: Progressive Ideas for a New Era, a collection of essays representing the ideas of some of the brightest thinkers working for social and economic justice today.
“Just what we hoped…very energetic and professional…no one wanted to go home!”
-- Emy Thurber, Democratic Century Club of Silicon Valley.
An Arkansas native, Dr. Kendall began his career working in the Atlanta arts community, including three seasons as Managing Director of 7 Stages, a professional theatre that builds partnerships with international artists and engages audiences in pressing social issues. During his tenure, he restored the organization to financial health and managed program expansion into China, France, and Mexico. He also worked for the Olympic Arts Festival, Alliance Theatre Company, and Emory University.
Dr. Kendall has worked in a variety of political roles, including field work for Bill Bradley 2000 and directing media and events for the 2006 Democratic campaign in San Mateo County, California. He is a popular presenter in political settings, where he speaks on techniques for talking persuasively about progressive ideas and values, and using the Internet as a forum for political persuasion.
“Very detailed presentation! I enjoyed seeing how to be more effective at encouraging and influencing people in a positive direction.”
-- New Leaders Council of San Francisco
Dr. Kendall's academic background includes a B.A. from Emory University, where he was a Bobby Jones Scholar and studied in Scotland, a Masters degree in religion from Yale University, and a doctorate in drama at Stanford University, where he focused on theatrical modes of persuasion in modern Protestant movements and cultures. His research report, "Changing American Minds: Performances of Evangelism in the Early Republic," examines the historical roots of this country's evangelical movement and its contributions to persistent values in our culture.
Suggested Topics:
Thinking Big: Progressive Ideas for a New Era
The Progressive Ideas Network
Bridging the Red-Blue divide in American politics
Talking about your values
Use of the Internet as a forum for political persuasion
Role of the performing arts in social change
The differing roles of political parties and social movements
The progressive movement as a force for social change
Role of religion in American culture
History of the American Evangelical movement
Public speaking techniques
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