This week's Democracy Notes
Democracy funding, jobs, and more.
Welcome back!
For those joining for the first time, I’m Gabe Lerner. My goal is to be a thoughtful curator of your attention — your most valuable resource. (While sharing the best jobs, funder intel, and articles that I find.)
Usually the poll is at the bottom. Today, the poll is at the top. Because I’m extra curious! (BTW, I only see aggregated poll responses, not who clicked what.)
(For example: applying for a job, conference, or funding opportunity; reaching out to an org mentioned in the newsletter, etc.)
Finally, if Democracy Notes is useful to you, share it with someone else!
Democracy Notes 4/10
What’s happening in philanthropy:
($$$)
This morning Press Forward announced that their pooled fund applications for local newsrooms will open on 4/30. (This page has more deets on their priorities.)
Do you work on countering mis/disinformation online? The Internet Society Foundation is offering research grants of $500K for organizations. One of their four focus areas is “A Trustworthy Internet.”
Rural news outlet The Daily Yonder covers the Trust for Civic Life, its roots in the Our Common Purpose report, and their August open call for applications focused on individuals and civic innovators ($25K max grant).
If you’re a funder and have ~$2K to drop on an event ticket…congratulations, life is good! Just kidding. Attend The Council on Foundations’ pluralism-focused conference: Building Together.
Funders only, May 6-9 in Chicago.
For the rest of us, check out the panels — I found it interesting to see who was highlighted and how the sessions were framed.
What to read:
(The big news)
My absolute favorite way to bring Americans together across difference is through national service.
Through AmeriCorps programs, Americans of all ages and backgrounds come together to solve problems for local communities (not just talking, but doing!).
They leave more likely to volunteer, vote, work in nonprofits, and more connected to one another.
Beyond the recent Service Year Alliance + AmeriCorps partnership focused on bridging, AmeriCorps also has a Bridging Fellow, Jennifer O. Leshnower.
Here are a couple of resources that Jennifer shared:
Speaking of national service, CoGenerate, which helps younger and older Americans partner via national service, just put out an incredibly rich report.
It asks: what do young leaders want (and not want) from older allies? (Factiod: 76% of Gen Z wish they had more opportunities to work across generations.)
(Check out this 1-min video asking folks what they learned about working with other generations.)
What to watch/listen to/attend:
(Events, podcasts, and more)
Who doesn’t like a party? Or, The After Party, an awesome initiative from Redeeming Babel.
They’re building a better Christian politics for pastors and people who know there's a better way to do it.
They’re hosting a live, all-day event in DC (with an evening concert!) on 4/19.
On a faith-adjacent theme: an excellent 6-min video conversation with Citizen University’s Eric Liu and Bowling Alone author Robert Putnam. They look to the “social gospel” era for answers to today’s division.
Are you a faith leader or do you know a faith leader? Particularly one who cares about trust in elections? Check out Interfaith in America’s virtual event tomorrow 2-3pm ET.
It has an all star cast from Protect Democracy, MWEG, and more.
Where to work:
(Jobs, jobs, jobs!)
CLYDE democracy practice:
Associate Vice President, Public Affairs — preference for DC, remote possible, $88K-$127K
Democracy Account Executive — preference for DC, remote possible, $56K-$76K
Are you a longform local journalist? Apply for the second class of New America Us@250 Fellows! ($10K stipend)
American Oversight Deputy Executive Director — DC, $220K-$245K
SO many jobs either at the American Journalism Project or at their portfolio newsrooms, all listed here.
Sustained Dialogue Institute Program and Operations Fellow (summer intern)— remote, $512/week
States United Democracy Center Special Assistant to the CEO — remote, $63K-$70K
Campaign Legal Center VP of Development — DC, $210K-$230K
Healthy Democracy Program Director — remote, $56K
Neat conference/fellowship opportunity for government employees, veterans, military families, folks who did national service, etc:
+ More Perfect Union Fellowship — Missoula, Montana, June 20-24. Deadline 4/13!
100 Days in Appalachia Democracy Reporter — Appalachia, no $ listed
Higher Heights for America (electing black women) National Program and Political Director — NYC or DC, $90K-$110K
Also hiring for four internships and a Data Manager.
Resetting the Table Program Operations Assistant — remote, $45K-$57K
Thanks, as always, for your attention. If you found this valuable, please forward it to a democracy friend or colleague!