Democracy Notes’ Post

Is media and “news avoidance” deepening the social divide? And can it be fixed? (Let's discuss) I just finished reading the 2023 Polarization Index by Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University and Katie Langford Sonder. It's troubling. All of it. Especially, the section on "news avoiders." From the report: "As trust in the media has declined and concerns over fake news has risen, some Americans have started to avoid the news altogether. In 2022, 42% of Americans reported that they sometimes or often actively avoid the news. Democrats are most likely to do so because it brings down their mood while Republicans avoid the news because it’s untrustworthy or biased. A third of right- and left-leaners avoid news on national politics, a sign of fatigue among the electorate (Newman, 2022). Working in a major media company, and with a role focused on creating community and impact via the #ForbesImpactLab, I can't stop thinking about what can WE do? What is the role of a media outlet like Forbes to work towards countering these trends. How best can we partner with other organizations and philanthropies to ignite positive change? And how can we do it this year? As always, advice perspectives and advice are welcome. #journalism #philanthropy #civictech #media ----- Full report here: https://lnkd.in/eYv5TyNU

Happy New Year everyone! One of my #resolutions this year is to share my own news more widely. Here goes... I'm excited to announce that my father, John K.C. Liu, and I co-authored a piece for a new and important (and timely) book titled: Democracy as Creative Practice: Weaving a Culture of Civic Life, edited by two amazing colleagues, Tom Borrup, Ph.D. and Andrew Zitcer whom I know through my journey to combine art and cultures and community development. The book is an edited collection of essays that will be published in 2024 by Routledge Built Environment as part of their Community Development Research and Practice Series. From their announcement: "Perils facing democracies in the U.S. and many parts of the world urgently call for creative responses. The 34 contributing writers, who hail from seven different countries, describe their work as artists, activists, curators, and teachers applying creative and cultural practices in deliberate efforts to build democratic ways of working and interacting in their communities – practices desperately called for in the current political and social climate. As long-time champions and observers of community-based creative and cultural practices, Borrup and Zitcer hope to elucidate this work – work that not only responds to socio-political conditions, but advances the practice. They call on artists, funders, cultural organizations, community groups, educational institutions, government, and others to engage in and support this work that fosters a culture of democracy: ways of interacting, organizing, and working in communities to strengthen democracy at its roots." #communitydevelopment #democracticdesign #creativepractice #fatherson #democracymatters

What does the world need right now? See below.... My friend Jane Finette is offering something so necessary, a discussion and tools for constructive dialogue to foster civil discourse. I am here for it! If you, too, share urgency around this need or are curious, sign up for Jane's new substack.

But when the space for holding the mirror shrinks, when freedoms are trampled upon, what should the public policy professional do? There is a real risk that the pressures of relevance can, and indeed do, push researchers to blunt critique, to inadvertently perhaps, stop asking difficult questions and refrain from critical public engagement. Is there a need then to redefine our role, to question the narrow prism of relevance and impact that we judge ourselves by? Read this great thought provoking piece by Yamini Aiyar https://lnkd.in/gRq2YZY3

Check out our recorded webinar! We're breaking down the rule and exploring its impact on the fight for economic justice and racial equity. https://hubs.ly/Q02qBK180

“Deephak Bhargava and Stephanie Luce – professors at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies – emphasize that strategies can be taught to build successful movements. In their book, they detail seven tactics that have been successfully used to change the world: base-building, disruptive movements, narrative shift, electoral changes, inside-outside campaigns, momentum and collective care.” #movementbuilding

Hello friends! 🙋♀️ Since stepping down as the executive director of The Women's Impact Alliance last fall, I've been contemplating where I can be most useful. After much reflection, I've realized that the world urgently needs a revival of civil discourse. 🌍💬 To bring civil discourse back to life, we must bring it out of the academic realm, which can be inaccessible to many. We must extract it from the divisive realm of politics and remove it from the outrage-driven mainstream media. In short, for civil discourse to prevail, it must once again find its place around our kitchen tables. That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of my new newsletter, "Common Ground"! Each week, I'll share insights on what's holding civil discourse back and provide practical tools for constructive dialogue. It's a small start, but I'm hoping that this tiny acorn will find sunlight and fertile soil to sprout. 🌱 My first post landed on Substack today, I'd be glad if you'd take a read about my reasonings and plans for starting "Common Ground" - https://lnkd.in/gKAWqG7W Would you like to get involved? 1. Please sign up for "Common Ground"! I'd be thrilled to have your support. ❤️ 2. Share the newsletter with your friends and family who might be interested. I'm eager to engage with diverse perspectives, I think we all need to work harder to break out of our own echo chambers. The big question I want to answer is: Can we return to a respectful exchange of ideas to improve society? I intend to try, and I encourage you to join me. 🙌 Let's find common ground together! Jane P.S. To sign up for the newsletter, just go here: https://lnkd.in/gSCr8F96 #civildiscourse #keeptalking #diversity #commonground #commongood #polarization #society #culture Tiffany Vora Athena Katsaros Tia Kansara Ph.D. Hon FRIBA Tara Robertson, CPCC, ACC Aaron Hurst Pascal Finette Jeffrey Rogers Maria Fernanda Saldarriaga Pedro Mejia Monica Phillips Ryan Merkley Daniel Epstein Wingee Sin Catherine Berman Rachel Schall Thomas Carey Baker Skylar Gieseke Amber Smith Elise Falcone Rankin Charlie Friesen

Applications open until 2/24 for National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP)’s Strengthening Democracy Learning & Action Network for family foundation trustees and senior staff decision-makers. This series with Dr. Sayu Bhojwani is one you won’t want to miss! NCFP Learning and Action Cohorts are ongoing peer cohorts dedicated to deep and shared learning about a specific concept in family philanthropy, with an expectation of a commitment to defined action(s) after the completion of the program. Who: Family foundation trustees, board members, and senior staff. What: An exploration of topics like representative democracy, voting rights, structural and institutional reform, community media and journalism, power building, and movement organizing. The cohort will equip participants with the tools to invest beyond election cycle funding and spur new, increased, and sustained giving to strengthen democracy. When: Applications are due February 27, 2024. Program begins in April. https://lnkd.in/eAaFqUnU

In 2018, Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year was 'Justice', a term that has echoed through every facet of our national debate. From racial to social, and particularly economic justice, this concept has become a cornerstone in discussions across the United States. But why has 'Justice' struck such a chord? The answer is rooted in a collective pursuit for economic fairness - an issue that many feel is not being adequately addressed. 🚀 Introducing "The Power To Get Justice" 🚀 The Reach For Me Network recognizes the critical need for effective resolution strategies in these challenging times. Our latest resource, "The Power To Get Justice", is more than just a book. It's a comprehensive guide, offering a proven, step-by-step process designed to empower individuals in achieving resolutions to their concerns – faster, with less hassle and expense. This toolset is especially vital for those in difficult situations requiring urgency, leverage, and action. It encapsulates the essence of caregiver-oriented advocacy, a much-needed approach in today’s fast-paced and often impersonal world. 📘 Special Offer for LinkedIn Community 📘 We are pleased to offer the first two chapters of "The Power To Get Justice" as a complimentary download to our LinkedIn community. This sneak peek provides valuable insights into how our methodologies can substantially aid you or your organization in navigating the complexities of economic justice. 👉 Click https://lnkd.in/gz97cMKg  to navigate to the website where you can download the first 2 chapters for free and learn how to navigate the path to resolution effectively! Let’s engage in a meaningful dialogue on how we can collectively foster a more just and equitable society. #Justice2018 #EconomicFairness #Advocacy #ProfessionalDevelopment #FreeResource #ThePowerToGetJustice #ResolutionStrategies #LinkedInLearning #ReachForMeNetwork

Interesting read.