Upcoming Events: The Commons in Conversation
Post-election America presents an opportunity to reverse the decades-long erosion of trust in institutions — nonprofits and grant makers among them. That’s the argument of GOP pollster and CNN contributor Kristen Soltis Anderson, whose research reveals unexpected unity that could help efforts to restore the country’s faith in once-respected organizations and professions. Anderson — whose surveys have suggested that philanthropy has an important role in closing America’s divides — visits The Commons in Conversation to share her findings and discuss how to seize this moment.
Join the conversation on Thursday, February 20, at 12:30 p.m. ET. The event is free with registration.
News and other noteworthy items:
- In the winter edition of the National Civic League’s National Civic Review, scholars Albert Dzur and Carolyn Hendriks examine self-organized citizens’ groups that address social problems such as food insecurity, elder care, substance recovery, and renewable energy. Other articles in the issue focus on the tech benefits of the influx of remote workers to rural and semirural areas; the role of art and innovation in the renewal of democracy; and the Civic League’s efforts to map the ecosystem of organizations, networks, coalitions, and funders that aim to strengthen democracy.
- A new study by Columbia University scholar Peter Coleman — an expert on conflict resolution and a go-to source for philanthropy and nonprofits — identifies what motivates Americans to engage in efforts to connect with people across political and racial divides. Among its findings: Activities focused on taking concrete actions together were more successful those centered on discussion and evaluation of differences.
- “If graduation rates are as low as they are, that’s going to have a severe impact on our democratic health,” Charles Ansell of the nonprofitComplete College America tellsChalkbeat. Ansell’s organization has published a new report linking college degrees to a healthier democracy. Those with higher-education credentials, Ansell says, are more likely to enjoy the economic stability needed to volunteer, get involved in civic matters, and even run for office.
