Democracy's Good News to highlight the everyday people shaping democracy

A common narrative about the 2024 election is that “democracy is on the ballot” and that American democracy could be in very dire shape if the election doesn’t go a particular way. At The Democracy Group, we understand those risks and take them seriously. But we also know that many other media outlets will be covering the election through this lens.

At the same time, we are fortunate to see the work that individuals and groups across the country are doing to strengthen democracy in a variety of ways: bridging political divides, increasing student voting, strengthening civics education, and pushing for political reforms to make America more democratic. From community-led initiatives to larger-scale campaigns, there is a momentum driving positive change in our democracy.We’re going to bring you some of those stories this election season, starting next week with two civics teachers who are bringing civic engagement and civil discourse to their classrooms in Florida and Ohio. Look for the launch email in your inbox on Super Tuesday! If you have ideas for people or stories we should feature as part of this series, please contact us with your suggestions!

Future Hindsight: Identify as a Voter: Anat Shenker-Osorio

"It's 2024 and the future of America is in your hands."
Campaign advisor and guest Anat Shenker-Osorio talks about how voters in 2024's most important election feel despondent when it comes to selecting America's next leader. From inflation in the housing economy to critical race theory, everything is on the ballot. This episode reiterates the importance of pro-democracy voter turnout on Election Day and the winning messages for 2024.

‍

This is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!

How Do We Fix It?: Polarization Series: Is Social Media to Blame? Professor Chris Bail

Has the prevalence of social media contributed to America's political polarization? Are consumers as much to blame as the platforms themselves?
This episode proposes a change to the social media landscape before the divide is set in stone. If you use any social media platforms, give this one a listen!

Politics Is Everything: ‘Huge Election, Huge Stakes’: Trump’s Trials and Political Implications ft. Darren Samuelsohn

From the Iowa Republican caucus to the South Carolina GOP Primary, Trump swept several of his party's stages with one win after another despite ongoing investigations. With less than 10 months until Election Day, this voting season emphasizes how America's future could go in a lot of directions. And this episode shows you what some of those directions look like!

Democracy in Danger: Living Memory

This episode is a great historical snippet of one of the most powerful economies in the world and how China's experience is still influential despite often being sidelined in the Western hemisphere. A great discussion on how "history is always about the present," from China's domestic censorship to the country's position in World War II, this episode shows listeners just how major of a player China has been.

FEATURED EXPERTS

Let's Find Common Ground: Mónica Guzmán on How Curiosity Can Bridge Dangerous Divides

Mónica Guzmán is a journalist, author, podcast host, and CEO and founder of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world. Her book I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times was the finalist for the 2023 Washington State Book Awards and U.S. News' "10 Books to Read Before College" pick. Guzmán's work has been featured in The New York Times, the Glenn Beck Podcast, Reader's Digest, BookTV, and EconTalk.

Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other: Curtis Chang on Toward Better Christian Politics

‍Curtis Chang is consulting professor in innovation and organization at Duke Divinity School and an instructor in strategic planning at the American University School of International Service. Chang founded Redeeming Babel, a Christian organization that addresses three underlying theological problems driving the chaos and confusion of our current world: interior, institutional, and societal. Chang has won an Obama White House award for social innovation as the founder and head of Consulting Within Reach, a firm serving nonprofits and government.