This week's Democracy Notes
Howdy!
Last week’s poll results are in:
Okay, makes sense, this is a LinkedIn-heavy bunch. Hopefully that’ll make you all feel better about yesterday’s piece in Democracy Takes.
We heard from Issue One’s Alix Fraser and Jamie Neikrie (who help run their Council for Responsible Social Media) on a bill they helped pass through the Senate.
What does the bill do? Well, 60% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 agree with four or more conspiracy statements (including anti-vax stuff and the Great Replacement Theory). Yikes!
The bill helps with that.
As always, if Democracy Notes is useful to you, share it with a democracy friend or colleague.
And if you simply can’t get enough, check out Democracy Notes Encore.
Democracy Notes 8/28
What’s happening in philanthropy:
($$$)
How should democracy funders (individuals and foundations alike) pick their “lane” in the funding ecosystem? Daniel Stid, former head of the Hewlett Foundation’s democracy program came up with an excellent framework.
Inside Philanthropy interviewed Omidyar Network CEO Mike Kubzansky on their strategy refresh. Not a ton relevant to their democracy giving with the exception of this quote, referencing their Building Cultures of Belonging program:
“Our underlying interest in belonging will remain,” Kubzansky said. “It will show up differently in this strategy because it will be done through a tech lens. Part of the focus will be on building the diverse, unexpected coalitions, new voices and civic infrastructure we need for the digital age.”
Democracy Notes coverage of their pivot in the 7/25/24 issue.
A very thorough piece in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on how MacKenzie Scott has been conducting her grantmaking. Nothing democracy-space specific.
Want to use your own philanthropic muscle to cover the cost of my Inside Philanthropy and Chronicle of Philanthropy subscriptions? You can here!
Laura Arnold, philanthropist and co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures, will discuss efforts to reduce partisanship ahead of the 2024 elections with Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer.
Wednesday September 4, at 2pm ET. Register.
What to read:
(The big news)
Really interesting poll of Republicans who think Trump won the 2020 election out from the SNF Agora Institute (Liliana Mason + Scott Warren’s work) and YouGov.
Key finding: “election deniers” expect a more chaotic and violent election cycle than others.
“A new political philosophy has entered the chat,” opens this CoinDesk piece on the new book — Plurality — by Audrey Tang (former Taiwan Digital Minister) and Glen Weyl (Microsoft Economist).
I’ve been fascinated by Taiwan’s democracy for a long time, in particular its cutting-edge adoption of digital tools to enhance citizen engagement.
New report out from Lee Drutman and Rob Oldham from New America on how multiparty governance might work in the House.
Curious about the history of the term “social cohesion” and its use in global development work? Check out this World Bank research paper.
What to watch/listen to/attend:
(Events, podcasts, and more)
Are you going to any democracy conferences this fall/winter? Add them to this collaborative spreadsheet or share them via the Slack!
Does Jesus care how you vote? What a QUESTION! For more, register for an evening with David French and Curtis Chang in person in NYC on 9/9.
Launch event (9/4, 12-1pm ET) for the new SNF Agora Institute Report by Daniel Stid: “Taking Democracy for Granted: Philanthropy, Polarization, and the Need for Responsible Pluralism.”
The event will feature Keseb CEO Yordanos Eyoel and Duke professor Kristin Goss as respondents.
Right of center folks in the DMV! Join Principles First DMV for a dinner with former MD Governor (and non-Trumpy Republican) Larry Hogan on 9/4 at UMD.
Michiganders for Civic Resilience and Keep Our Republic are on tour this week across northern Michigan having conversations about election integrity. Dates and times below and on their website:
Traverse City on at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27
Marquette at noon on Wednesday, August 28
Escanaba at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28
Cheboygan at noon on Thursday, August 29
Alpena at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 29
The Federation for Innovation in Democracy - North America is partnering with the National Civic League to host Fall School on Citizens' Assemblies 10/22-24 in Phoenix.
All-day event on 9/6 in NYC at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies on organizing strategies to defend democracy.
Where to work:
(Jobs, jobs, jobs!)
Institute for Nonprofit News Institutional Giving Manager — remote, $65K-$80K
Integrity Institute Elections Resident Fellow (contract, 3-6 months) — remote, $100K (prorated)
Wisconsin Watch Associate Director of Philanthropy — Madison, WI, $60K+
Report for America Training Manager — remote, $81K-$85K
Campus Compact Director of People and Culture — remote, $90K-$100K
iCivics Regional State Policy Lead, Upper Midwest — Upper Midwest, $90K
German Marshall Fund of the United States Program Coordinator, Alliance for Securing Democracy — DC, $43K-$54K
FairVote Graphic Designer — remote, $68K-$75K
Journalism Funding Partners Director of Operations and Finance — remote, $70K-$85K
Emory University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Political Science (American Politics role) — Atlanta, no $ info
Foundation for Social Connection Network and Partnerships Program Associate — DC (flexible), no $ info
Transitions, transitions:
(Where are the movers moving and the shakers shaking?)
Elizabeth Grossman just started as Executive Director of Common Cause, Illinois! She was most recently Deputy Policy Director at State Voices.
Frances Kraft is the new Program Director for Research and Practice at the Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC)! She joins from Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.
Maricopa County (AZ) supervisor Bill Gates will lead the new Mechanics of Democracy Lab at ASU, which will train students, offer resources to various stakeholders in democratic process.
Submit your job transitions here!
As always, thanks so much for your attention.
Take care,
Gabe