On May 16, the American Academy will host A Radical Old Idea: Expanding the U.S. House of Representatives, a virtual event featuring Danielle Allen, Norm Ornstein, Yuval Levin, and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). The speakers will discuss why increasing the number of representatives in the House is crucial to the health of American Democracy. Congress is meant to be the branch of the federal government closest to the people. But today, each member of the House represents on average 760,000 people. As a result, many Americans feel disconnected from their representatives. To fix this, a growing body of experts and policymakers, inspired by Our Common Purpose, are working to expand the House of Representatives. 

Danielle Allen discussed this reform in a recent appearance on MSNBC’s Velshi. You can watch that interview here. 

DATE: May 16, 2023 | 2:00-3:00 PM EST | Register here  

In a fascinating appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, Danielle Allen explains that co-participation and co-ownership of public spaces and public life are vital components of our constitutional democracy. Danielle calls particular attention to Strategy 3 of the Our Common Purpose report, which centers on ensuring the responsiveness of political institutions. 

Listen to the full conversation here. 

A new report released by the nonprofit Protect Democracy, Towards Proportional Representation for the U.S. House, makes the case for proportional, multi-member House districts. Recommendation 1.3 in Our Common Purpose calls for the adoption of multi-member districts and a non-winner-take-all election model. 

Read the report here. Learn more about multi-member House districts here. 

On March 29-30, President Biden co-hosted the second Summit for Democracy. The Biden administration used the virtual summit to announce up to $690 million in new funding for the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, which includes proposals to support democratic reformers, strengthen independent media, counter corruption, defend democratic elections, and expand technology for democracy. 

Read highlights from the Summit for Democracy here. 

In an op-ed published by Governing Magazine, Carl Smith explained how policymakers, civil society, and the public increasingly view civics education as essential to repairing American democracy. Recommendation 6.5 of Our Common Purpose calls for investments in civic educators and civic education. 

Read the article here. 

On April 27 and 28, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) will host a virtual summit featuring experts who will discuss vital questions about how we should commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Recommendation 6.2 of Our Common Purpose calls for creating a Telling Our Nation’s Story initiative to engage communities in conversations about the complex and always evolving American story. 

DATE: April 27 and 28, 2023 | 12:00 – 4:30 PM EST | Register here  

In an effort to bridge across difference, the Listen First Project hosted a National Week of Conversation to facilitate conversations among Americans about public life. Strategy 4 and Strategy 6 of Our Common Purpose focus on expanding bridging opportunities and inspiring a culture of commitment to American democracy and one another.

The Educating for American Democracy (EAD) initiative announced a new request for proposals to support high quality history and civic education for students in grades K-5. EAD will award successful applicants up to $600,000 to implement projects focused on K-5 students. Learn more about this opportunity here. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023. 

The Jewish Partnership for Democracy released a brand new toolkit this month that introduces new strategic priorities and concrete tactics to help institutions contribute to protecting and strengthening American democracy and civic culture. Learn more about the network and check out the new toolkit here.