This week's Democracy Notes
Democracy jobs, articles, and more.
Welcome back!
Hello again! Welcome back to Democracy Notes. For those joining for the first time, I’m Gabe Lerner. This is where I share the best jobs and funding opportunities that I find — and the articles worth your scarce reading time.
Email me at gabe@democracy-notes.org (or reply to this email) with any and all recs.
Democracy Notes 1/30
What to read:
(Articles/reports)
It’s Already Happening: Unpacking the Authoritarian Threat to U.S. Philanthropy Not just relevant for a funder audience! This piece, by Mike Berkowitz and Peter Teague, talks about the scary scenario that we’re already in — would-be autocrats attacking the democracy ecosystem and shrinking civic space.
A review and provocation: On polarization and platforms A journal article, oh my! UNC professors Daniel Kreiss and Shannon McGregor’s withering takedown of the “polarization is the problem” school of thought.
What to watch/listen to/attend:
(Events, podcasts, and more)
If you’re more of an audio person (like me), check out this episode of the Is This Democracy podcast which features Shannon talking about her and Daniel’s piece (the journal article linked above).
The episode is titled “‘Polarization’ is Not the Problem. It Obscures the Problem.” ~Provocative~
Pro-democracy conservatives! The Principles First Summit is in DC Feb 23-25.
For nonpartisan electoral reformers (RCV, open primaries, etc.), the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers Summit is in Denver Feb 12-14.
Where to work:
(Jobs, jobs, jobs!)
Protect Democracy is hiring:
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director — remote, $58,916 - $81,261
Arizona and Nevada State Policy Advocates, in-state preference but open to remote $103,828 - $151,340
Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative (a non-partisan research initiative that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States):
State Lead - Wisconsin — WI-based, no salary range, 5-7+ years of experience
State Lead Coordinator (WI, OH, or FL) — multiple hires, based in-state, no salary range, 3-5+ years of experience
Voting Rights Lab Senior Writer and Editor — remote, $91,000 - $120,000
Where to find funding:
($$$)
Camelback Ventures Camelback Fellowship. This fellowship comes with $40K in funding. It’s for early-stage entrepreneurs of color, women, and non-binary founders working in either education or conscious technology.
Info session tomorrow (1/31) at 4pm CT.
Thanks, as always, for your attention. Send me an email at gabe@democracy-notes.org if you find things that I should feature here.