gears of democracy

We Need Better Arguments, Now More Than Ever

A lack of meaningful engagement among Americans representing opposing views has created and sustained polarization.

Civil Rights Violations in the Face of Technological Change

Today, communities of color face a battle to uphold civil rights that have been abridged through online platforms. The opportunity, well-being, and liberty of Black and Brown Americans is intensified or denied as emerging technologies transform our society.

“To Build A Pluralistic, Democratic America, Faith Must Be On The Agenda”: A Conversation With Zeenat Rahman

All of this is about making sure that we’re bringing people with us on this journey towards achieving equity and making sure that it’s pragmatic and that it’s relevant and useful.

Aspen Ideas: Show Up Part 1

Hear from athletes moving the bar on social justice. Restoring trust in the institutions that have let us down. A tribal elder shares her experiences fighting for civil rights. America’s goalie won’t give up on equal pay. Plus, trail breakers and a special performance.

How to Cover Election Day and Beyond

Elections in a democracy are just as much about convincing the loser that he or she actually lost—and that the process was free, fair, and secure enough that the loser can accept the result as legitimate.

American Democracy Needs a Tune-up

There is hope in a malfunctioning gear. Its constant creaking alerts us to a problem and helps pinpoint the source.

The Case for National Service

National service would offer life-shaping experiences to promote understanding among young Americans of all backgrounds.

For Gen Z, Climate Change is a Clear and Present Danger to our Planet

The solutions to climate change that we learn about as young people have been inadequate or nonexistent.

Religious freedom means standing up for another person’s beliefs

Today is National Religious Freedom Day, the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, a statute written by Thomas Jefferson disestablishing the Church of England in Virginia, and an important precursor to the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment.

How to Protect Elections and the Digital Landscape

Affordable technology and the rise of social media have radically altered how society communicates and consumes information.

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