Our Common Purpose offers recommendations to reignite Americans’ commitment to constitutional democracy. In our polarized times, achieving these changes can feel out of reach. But data indicates that Americans are ready for change. Recent research has documented support for core American values such as the right to vote or a free press, as well as support for OCP recommendations such as campaign finance reform or Supreme Court term limits. In 2024, we will compile evidence that illuminates American’s views on democracy. If your organization has collected public opinion data on Americans’ attitudes towards democracy or any of the Our Common Purpose recommendations, or is planning to conduct such polling this year, please contact us at [email protected]. 

A report by the Bipartisan Policy Center on election official turnover rates from 2000-2024 finds that turnover has steadily increased, peaking in 2022. The report offers reforms to address both the chronic and emerging roots of turnover. 

A report by Carnegie Corporation of New York highlights the need for state-level policies that expand K-12 civic learning and features examples of how coalition building has been used to advance more robust policies in a growing number of states. 

The Chronicle of Philanthropy launched the Commons, a new digital home that will shine a light on civic leaders who are finding innovative ways to strengthen civic engagement, build community, and bolster democracy.

A More Perfect Union developed a tailored menu of actions Jewish organizations can take to either begin or expand their election-related civic engagement in 2024. 

Village Square convened 120 residents and elected officials in Tallahassee, Florida for a “speed dating” event in which participants discussed issues of importance to the community.

Commission member Steven Olikara offers three important strategies to steer America clear from a second civil war.

Alumni of the American Exchange Project, an Our Common Purpose champion, spoke about how their experiences in the program enabled them to view parts of the U.S. differently.

A new Nebraska law will restore the voting rights of those convicted of felonies upon the completion of their sentences. Our Common Purpose calls for restoring voting rights to citizens with felony convictions upon their release. 

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 535, which will require high school students to complete a half-credit course in civic literacy to graduate and the Kentucky Board of Education to establish new academic standards for civic literacy. 

City Year, an AmeriCorps program, became the first service organization added to the Common App, the single online application form used by over 900 colleges and universities. 

The City of Cambridge announced the eight winning projects of its tenth participatory budgeting (PB) process. The projects will receive over $2 million to implement projects that benefit the public. Our Common Purpose recommends expanding participatory opportunities at municipal and state levels. 

Healthy Democracy, an Oregon-based nonpartisan nonprofit that designs and coordinates cutting-edge deliberative democracy programs across America, is seeking a new Program Director. Applications are due by April 30.

Join the next GETTING-Plurality Research Workshop with Glen Weyl as he discusses Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy, an open, git-based collaborative book project that aims to offer a vision for the future of technology focused around empowering and bridging social difference. 

DATE: May 2, 2024 | Register