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During 2023, I laid out a plan for renovating American democracy. Our society groans under the strain of population growth and massively scaled-up institutions. Rising diversity brings magnificence but also challenges. We are frustrated by ever-increasing tech-induced opacity in our organizations and reigning practices. We resent an economy that appears to many of us to function like a spoils system for the few, while ruining the climate for all.

Our creaky institutions seem frozen in the face of these challenges. So, last year, I proposed a lot of big, institutional changes to unstick the gears. I expect they might feel overwhelming and out of reach. I suspect that many of you, reading my columns, have carried along the nagging question: This talk of big institutional change might be all well and good, but where in this grand scheme is the place for me?

We can make forceful arguments for all the structural solutions we want a bigger House of Representatives, abolishing party primaries, term limits for Supreme Court justices but there are still questions. How can any of us actually live out the spirit of democracy renovation? As we grimly stare at our upcoming presidential election, how can we keep a spark of hope alive? Can we even maintain our own immediate personal sense of connection to an ideal of constitutional democracy?

For me, the single bleakest data point about the health of our society concerns a difference across generations in that sense of attachment to democracy. As political scientists Yascha Mounk and Roberto Foa have reported in a few different guises, there has been significant generational decline in how people value democracy. In the starkest formulation, made in 2016, roughly 70 percent of Americans in the generation born before World War II consider it very essential, while not quite 30 percent of Americans who are now about 40 and younger do so. This finding occasioned controversy, but the points about decline of young peoples attachment to democracy are robust.

Of course, we cant have a democracy if citizens dont want one, which brings us to the fundamental point. We have to reverse this dynamic of disaffection.

The key lies in another important truth to be found in the data from Mounk and Foa. The high-water mark of the fullest attachment to our democracy was never about unanimity. The best we seem to have done was a supermajority over two-thirds of voters offering wholehearted support of constitutional democracy.

A supermajority for constitutional democracy. More than two-thirds of us committed to the basic norms and guardrails. That should be our goal.

Any supermajority at that scale is also going to be cross-ideological. But the real test of health for a democracy is not whether a large majority of us can agree on this or that policy, or this or that candidate, but whether it is possible to forge a cross-ideological supermajority in support of the core norms of constitutional democracy.

That is our single most important task, and every one of us can contribute simply by signing up.

What does that mean? It means to affirm a set of basic norms: a commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, full inclusion, nonviolence and respect for elections. Too many of our fellow citizens have been radicalized to reject one or another of these norms, including through the efforts of adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China. These countries have tapped into the power of social media to exacerbate divisions, vulnerabilities and paranoias organic to our culture and have accelerated this process of radicalization. We need the assistance of all the nongovernmental organizations that have worked on deradicalization in conflict zones around the world to help us here at home with similar work.

But even that is not enough. Among those of us who have not been radicalized, on both sides of the aisle, there is also the work to do to forge that cross-ideological supermajority.

First of all, people have to believe such a supermajority is possible.

Happily, the evidence abounds, especially in the results of state ballot initiatives. These are decided with cross-ideological supermajorities or near supermajorities voting in favor with surprising frequency. Here are some examples: Legalization of recreational marijuana (2020): New Jersey, 67 percent; legalization of recreational marijuana (2022): Maryland, 67 percent; legalization of medical marijuana (2020): Mississippi, 74 percent; restoring voting rights to those who have completed felony conviction (2018): Florida, 65 percent; new state flag without Confederate emblems (2020): Mississippi, 71 percent; right to repair in support of small auto shops (2020): Massachusetts, 75 percent.

Look at these decisions and youll see American supermajorities voting over and over again for fairness, inclusion and the person getting the short end of the stick. This is not only a cross-ideological supermajority in the making; its one with good, salt-of-the-earth values.

This potential American supermajority for constitutional democracy is what we need to forge. No democracy can be stable without a supermajority supporting the basic rules of the game. Inside the bounds of those rules, we can fight like the dickens over specific policy questions. But the rules themselves require supermajority support for stability.

So thats it. Thats where each and every one of us comes in. We can join the cross-ideological supermajority for democracy that is coming into existence. Take a look at those core norms again: a commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, full inclusion, nonviolence and respect for elections.

Can you commit to all of them? Are you willing to speak up in their defense when others express skepticism of them?

Even harder, are you willing to reach out to one of the friends, relations or acquaintances youve lost in recent years and ask them to join you in forging a cross-ideological coalition for democracy? Democrats, are you willing to stop hating Republicans? Republicans, are you willing to stop hating Democrats? This is what is asked of us, if we are to have the constitutional democracy we desire.

When I say things like this, people often tell me Im crazy that Im not seeing the realities of the fierce fight in which we find ourselves now.

Its not that I dont see the fighting. Its that I also see a deeper current below the surface. I see a people hungry to reconnect. Also, I am seeing people act on that hunger in positive ways all over this country. Those coalitions that formed to support the ballot initiatives I named above are just one example. So, in 2024, as we all navigate what appears to be a maddening presidential election year in the making, my goal for my column is to bring you one after another example of people who are working together across ideological divides to get something done for their community and for their country.

Because I want you to believe again that this is possible. Because this is what we need if we want to end the processes of radicalization that are devouring us.

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Opinion | Will you join the supermajority for constitutional democracy? - The Washington Post

Indiana University South Bend is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) non-partisan American Democracy Project by recommitting to the initiatives guiding principles of civic and democratic engagement.

IU South Bend is one of more than 250 campuses nationwide participating in this national initiative, which has equipped college students and the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed and engaged citizens and to participate actively in representative democracy.

ADP works to:

We continue to lead by example and advocate for the kind of electoral engagement and civic mindedness the program embodies, said Elizabeth Bennion, IU South Bends ADP Director. From encouraging voting and promoting community dialogues to developing the civic skills that stimulate critical thinking and action, IU South Bend is committed to preparing our students to lead for future generations.

Relying on the work of student Democracy Fellows from diverse partisan and ideological backgrounds, the IU South Bend American Democracy Project partners with other campus and community organizations to promote civic and political engagement initiatives. The group welcomes involvement and ideas from community leaders, local political officials, and non-partisan civic organizations.

College and university leaders are committed to advancing thoughtful and constructive dialogue rather than polarized debate, said Cathy Copeland, American Democracy Project director.

ADP at IU South Bend hosts a wide range of voter education events including candidate debates and forums for local, state, and national offices. Candidates are also encouraged to participate in the ONLINE VOTER GUIDE (vote411.org) co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area.

Improving the lives of the people and economic vitality of Indiana and beyond through timely education, research, innovation, economic development, community service and engagement.

See our full 2030 plan here

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Indiana University South Bend joins American Democracy Project in celebrating 20 years of advancing democratic ... - IU Newsroom

When democracy works and the values of all people are reflected in decisions, water, wildlife, and landscapes are safeguarded. When a narrower group of wealthy interests are the only ones with a seat at the table, these values are degraded. Oregon Wild believes in a functioning and healthy representative democracy for all; one in which people power matters more than the power of money. Oregonians deserve fair elections and leaders who listen to them before listening to big donors.

That's why we're excited to welcome Tribal Democracy Project to learn about their vital work to engage in civics education in Tribal Communities, address issues of Native vote disenfranchisement, promote electoral reforms rooted in racial equity, and uplift Native candidates for public office. Though a relatively new organization, they're already making a positive impact.

In this webcast, co-founders Brian and Jaylyn talk about the mission, vision, and scope of their organization, Tribal Democracy Project, and their top priorities for this year and beyond. Their presentation includes Tribal Democracy Project's philosophy on electoral reforms, including redistricting and ranked-choice voting efforts, a discussion of ceded lands, Tribal treaty rights and land acknowledgments, and an overview of their upcoming Warm Springs Civics workshop series.

We have included some resources for further reading and learning. You can alsofind more resources on our Oregon Wildlandacknowledgmentpage.

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Webcast: Strengthening Our Democracy: Insights from Tribal Democracy Project - Oregon WildBlog

Sometimes it feels like we keep hearing the same gloomy news. Study after study shows signs of declining support for democracy in Latin America as its citizens find themselves wooed by populists, frustrated with their economic prospects, and worn out by crime and violence. Just 41 percent of Latin Americans are satisfied with democracy, down 16 points from a little over a decade ago, according to the 2023 AmericasBarometer study.

When it comes to the regions younger voters, the findings appear even more dire. Latin Americans under 36 are more likely to tolerate military coups and less likely to trust elections than older citizens. Thats set off alarm bells about the regions long-term commitment to democracy.

But there may be reasons for hope. It actually turns out that today's young generation is a little bit more committed to democracy than the youth of 20, 25, 30 years ago were when they were the same age, says Associate Director of Vanderbilt Universitys LAPOP Lab and Associate Professor of Political Science Noam Lupu. He is also editor of the 2023 AmericasBarometer report. While research often compares views of younger voters to those of older ones, the AmericasBarometer survey has been conducted biannually for nearly 20 years, allowingn for a comparison of young citizens views over time. The latest edition also finds that 18 to 25 years-olds are second only to respondents 66 and over when it comes to being satisfied with democracy.

In the case of Mexico, young voters are about to play a major role in charting the political future of their country, where there will be more than 20,000 seats up for grabs in June 2 elections. Campaigns officially kick off on March 1, and there are close to 48 million voters under 40, meaning nearly half of the countrys electorate. Thats more people than the entire population of any of the other five Latin American countries slated to hold presidential elections this year.

But they need to vote if they want to have an impact. Me Veo, an organization focused on getting out the vote in this election, is seeking to do just that. Alexandra Zapata, Me Veos director, told AS/COA Onlines Carin Zissis that one obstacle to getting younger generations to participate is that candidates target messaging to the older voters they think will show up. I think what would be extraordinaryand the way we can increase voter participation in June of 2024is if campaigns turn and look at young voters and what they're concerned about, says Zapata.

This is the second episode in our special series focused on 2024 elections in Latin America. The first explored El Salvadors expat votes and Nayib Bukeles global reach.

Share and subscribe at Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts to catch future episodes. Is there a topic youd like to see us cover? Send us feedback at latamfocus@as-coa.org.

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LatAm in Focus: As Mexico's Election Fires Up, a Look at Youth and Democracy - AS/COA Online

c/o Rose Chen, News Editor

The University hosted the Democracy in ActionConveningon Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17. The conventionwhichfeatured perspectives from students, faculty, and others on the connections between activism, media, and education in shaping democracy todaywas a workinprogressfor a long time, with the University promoting it through emails, posters, and social media campaigns. Events included workshops, panels, and a dinner reception.

In the early afternoon on Friday, students took part in a media literacy workshop led by Associate Professor of Government Logan Dancey, who teaches courses on data-forward approaches to political science and polarization in America.

It was very hands-on, Nicole Allina 24 said. We actually took three different claims [that were] put on Twitter and analyzed them, which I thought was an interesting way to put ideals into practice.

The workshop was followed by the Civic Action Fair, which showcased political and social activism on campus. Community members, students, faculty, and staff alike could be seen floating between tables staffed by studentgroups in the lobby of Exley Science Center.Participating organizations includedthe Wesleyan Center for Prison Education, Wesleyan Democratic Socialists of America, the Environmental Solidarity Network, and Cultivating Justice,whichis hosting the Growing Power 2024 workshop series on Saturday, Feb. 24. Also in attendance were representatives from theJewett Center for Community Partnerships, whopromoted voter registration andfacilitated the event.

Zoe Hecht26 explained that the fair allowed civic groups on campus to connect with oneanother, as well as to find potential new members and collaborators.

I was able to talk directly to other Wes students and faculty about Cultivating Justice and the upcoming Growing Power workshop series, Hecht said.

Michael Eric Dysonan academic, author, and activist who has written and edited over 25 booksdelivered the keynote address. His work covers topics from hip hop to civil rights, buthis speechfocused on the connection between higher educationand democratic values.

As bad as that is, the deep roots of anti-democracy in our nation[are] what we have to confront, Dyson said.How we got where we are [is an] unresolved tensionat the heart of the American project.

The day concluded with a dinner reception in Beckham Hall, at which event attendees and speakers mingled andengaged in topical conversations.

Saturdays session featured panels on civic education, art and activism, and media and democracy.The day started with a civic education panel moderated by Assistant Professor of Education Studies Alisha Butler.

c/o Rose Chen, News Editor

The following civic engagement panel featured Clinical Practice Department Chair and Curriculum Designer at Relay Graduate School of Education Challa Flemming 02; Presidential Professor for Education Policy and Politics and Co-Director of the Civic Engagement Research Group at the University of California, Riverside Joseph Kahne 86; Chair of Urban Studies and Professor of Political Science at the City University of New York Celina Su 99; and President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars Rajiv Vinnakota.

The panelists stressed the importance of engagement at both the local and national levels, a topic that Vinnakota has special access tothrough his work at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, an organization that promotes a network of ideologically diverse changemakers across the country.

Once you recognize that citizen development is much more than just voting, or just being able to pass a test on the immigration or naturalization test for someone, or so forth, [one] very quickly recognizes that it is a community responsibility, Vinnakota said.

All panelists reaffirmed the importance of civic engagement in combating threats to free speech. Flemmingwho has done research in both academic and professional contexts onteaching practices, and who wrote a dissertation exploring antiracist teacher preparationemphasized thatwe must understand our systems in orderto changethem.

We need to understand the historical underpinnings of democracy and the ability to think critically and engage with multiple sources and make sense of [them], and there are very real forces that are trying to prevent those things from happening, Flemming said in response to recent attacks on intellectual freedoms in higher education.

The art and activism panel featured a screening hosted by Associate Professor of Film Studies and Co-Director of the Wesleyan Documentary Project Tracy Heather Strain, who teaches courses on documentary storytelling and the history of documentary filmmaking at Wesleyan. The panel considered the relationship between visual art and student change-making.

Later in the day, the media and democracypanel brought together Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University Khalilah Brown-Dean,Executive Director at the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg Tracie Potts, and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the podcast Fast Politics With Molly Jong-Fast.

The panel stressed the need for local voices to be heard. According to her Quinnipiac website, Brown-Dean is a sought-after commentatorwhose work appears in over 400 major media outlets. She spoke from her experience on how the loss of non-national outlets has caused conversations to become stratified and depersonalized.

That loss of local media, local journalism, really creates disincentives for people to engage, because its easier to be in the echo chamber, Brown-Dean said. Its easier to saythe border crisis is happening far away, without thinking about the immigrant families who are right here in Middletown, who often become targeted just because of who they are, and are totally disconnected from the discourse but feel that impact.

The day was brought to a closewith a final conversation between Anand Giridharadas, who is an author and former New York Times columnist, andWesleyan President Michael Roth 78. They both stressed the importance of free inquiry and productive debate within higher education.

If we give up on the idea of persuasion, those people who dont want vaccines will never want vaccines, Giridharadas said. That kind of civic fatalism is essentially the end of American democracy.

Students who attended the event said that they valued the opportunity for current students and alumni to come together. The events alsoallowed the University to break in the newly renovated Frank Center for Public Affairs, where most of the events took place. Julia Armeli25 presented at the media literacy workshop and commented on the experience of participating in the Democracy in Action Convening.

It was fun to see so many people engaged and interested at the event, Armeli said.

Miles Craven can be reached at mcraven@wesleyan.edu.

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Democracy in Action Convening Blends Student Involvement With Academic Perspectives - Wesleyan Argus