This week's Democracy Notes
Hello again!
At Democracy Notes, we’re asking the important post-election questions:
A few of you told me that the Slack invite link had expired — apologies! Here’s a new one. (We’re just shy of 500 folks on the Slack, woo!)
The Slack is free to join, as is the newsletter. BUT, in the spirit of the holiday, I’d be extra thankful if you’d consider becoming a paid subscriber.
We’re a scrappy operation and every little bit helps!
Democracy stuff doesn’t have to be boring! Participating in civic life doesn’t have to be like eating your spinach!
We’re co-hosting (with Connective Tissue) our first-ever event: “The Role of Fun & Joy in Civic Life.” Register here!
P.S. I’ll be at the National Conference on Citizenship in DC on 12/10. Let me know if you’ll be there! (And tickets are here.)
Democracy Notes 11/27
What’s happening in philanthropy:
($$$)
The leaders of Democracy Fund, The JPB Foundation, and Open Society Foundations wrote a piece for Inside Philanthropy (paywall) calling on funders to be courageous and lean in to action in this uncertain moment.
Joe Goldman, Deepak Bhargava, and Laleh Ispahani outline three strategies:
Defending the safety, security and wellbeing of communities and organizations who will be most vulnerable to authoritarian attacks.
Defending against abuses of power that undermine democratic institutions and values.
Building the durable power of grassroots, pro-democracy organizations and broadening the coalition committed to an inclusive, multiracial democracy.
In this moment of uncertainty, we believe our core objective — our North Star — must be protecting the civic space in which the pro-democracy coalition can speak, operate and organize, and ensuring that the electoral process in future elections remains free and fair. These are the foundations of an inclusive, multiracial democracy, and we are committed to supporting organizations in this fight.
A model for joint fundraising for democracy orgs?
This Giving Tuesday a group of orgs that work on polarization (One America Movement, Braver Angels, Institute for Citizens and Scholars, and Future Caucus) are doing a joint fundraising campaign.
All revenue raised will be split equally between the four organizations, with OAM hosting the giving portal and managing revenue distribution.
On the back end, the orgs’ development and marketing teams developed topline messaging and are launching their own promotional campaigns.
Context on Omidyar Network’s recent strategy shift? (We covered that pivot in the 7/24 edition of Democracy Notes).
CEO Mike Kubzansky spoke to business leaders and investors about this important moment for governance of AI.
He’ll be interviewed for WIRED's "The Big Interview" on 12/3.
What to read:
(The big news)
There’s a new mapping tool on the block! The Civic Information Index.
Press Forward supported its development by Listening Post Collective and Brown Information Futures Lab.
The Index uses 21 indicators to assess civic health at the county level across the US.
Blocking authoritarianism ain’t all about protest! Maria Stephan’s latest in Waging Nonviolence on how successful anti-authoritarian campaigns work.
It’s policy agenda szn.
The day before the election Service Year Alliance released its policy agenda for using service years (think: AmeriCorps) to strengthen civic bonds.
Last week, iCivics released its State Policy Menu designed to streamline policymakers’ access to K–12 civic education policy recommendations.
Why is gender central to the antidemocratic playbook? Check out Saskia Brechenmacher’s latest here.
How did big tech fuel election disinformation? Check out Issue One’s tracker: Big Tech’s Broken Promises.
What to watch/listen to/attend:
(Events, podcasts, and more)
The Obama Foundation’s virtual 2024 Democracy Forum is coming up on 12/5.
The theme is pluralism and speakers include Layla Zaidane, Rachel Kleinfeld, Eboo Patel, and Manu Meel.
Are you a journalist, storyteller, or content creator? Join Citizen University’s webinar,“Your Next Beat: Civic Culture,” on 12/9 at 1pm ET.
Fabulous podcast on democratic renovation in Northern Ireland from More Equitable Democracy: The Future of Our Former Democracy .
Where to work:
(Jobs, jobs, jobs!)
Are you 18-30? Become a Civic Season Ambassador! (Civic Season is put on by Made By Us and runs from Juneteenth to July 4th.)
The Rockefeller Foundation Director, Residencies and Networks — NYC, $162K-$215K
Protect Democracy Communications Associate, Media Engagement — remote, $61K-$77K
Protect Democracy Communications Specialist, Editorial and Publications — remote, $71K-$83K
Democracy Fund Partnerships Coordinator — DC, $79K+
Porticus Learning Partner, Inclusion Fund (Jan 2025-June 2027) — €150K max budget
Institute for Nonprofit News Development Director, NewsMatch — remote, $110K-$125K
Democracy Fund RFP for website support — $30K-$60K for a 12-month contract
Emerson Collective Summer Internships — various cities, $25/hour
Freedom House Vice President of Development (CDO) — DC or NYC, $180K-$225K
Arca Foundation Grants and Operations Associate — DC, $75K-$85K
American Oversight (all remote, BIPOC folks are highly encouraged to apply):
Counsel — $117K-$125K
Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations — $135K-$150K
Paralegal Operations Manager (Hybrid) — $90K-$115K
Senior Advisor for Federal Oversight — $141K-$156K
Senior Counsel — $130K-$142K
Senior Press Manager — $85K-$110K
Lumina Foundation Director of Strategic Insights — Indianapolis, $152K-$180K
Indigov Project Manager — remote, $80K-$100K
Ameelio multiple roles (Account Manager, Director of Govt. Affairs, and more)
Equal Citizens Campaign Manager — remote, no $ listed
Transitions, transitions:
(Where the movers are moving and the shakers are shaking)
New America has appointed Kimberlyn Leary as Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor, Political Reform and Civic Engagement, effective January 11, 2025.
She is currently the Urban Institute’s Executive Vice President. Congrats!
Submit your job transitions here!
Can’t get enough of Democracy Notes? Join the Slack community!
Take care,
Gabe