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In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Leshnower, Bridging & Democracy Advisor at AmeriCorps. Jennifer and I discuss the importance of bringing people together — and how relationship building through service, and looking outward from ourselves to see others, can help build meaningful relationships to tackle sticky problems and strengthen communities. To learn more, go to americorps.org.

We Win, They Lose, with Matthew Kroenig | GoodFellows Hoover Institution 8 Aug 2024 Is a regional war across the Middle East about to erupt? And what to make of a Venezuelan regime that doesn’t honor election results? Matthew Kroenig, Vice President and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and coauthor of the book We Win They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy and the New Cold War, joins Hoover senior fellows John Cochrane and H.R. McMaster to discuss lessons from deterrence (or a lack thereof) past, present, and future. Next, John explains how a market meltdown underscores a fragile world economy, followed by a discussion of two historical milestones: 50 years since Richard Nixon’s resignation (with public trust in government today significantly lower than in Watergate’s heyday); and Herbert Hoover’s 150th birthday (as to his humanitarian pursuits, where would our fellows be without Hoover’s namesake institution?).

#SundayInspiration - Hill Harper's powerful words at the Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala: "The future belongs to those who can blend passion, reason, and courage." Harper's message resonates deeply, reminding us that the challenges we face require not just energy and enthusiasm (passion), but also a clear understanding and strategic approach (reason). We must face our fears head-on with unwavering courage, drawing strength from our hearts. "Unity is not just a word. It has to be our weapon." Let's heed this call to action, recognizing that our collective power lies in our unity. We must actively work to bridge divides, fostering connections that transcend political affiliations and superficial differences. Only then can we create a future that reflects our shared values of love, fairness, and opportunity. Photos: Drayvon #HillHarper #Inspiration #Unity #Courage #Leadership #Back2Besa #SpokaneNAACP #BlackMediaMatters #WWConverge

Deep Dive returns! In this episode we bring back a number of contributors to our recently concluded limited series - After America - and ask if they have hope for American democracy, or if we already past the Rubicon. Can American democracy survive the storm of voter disenfranchisement, misinformation, and rising authoritarianism? This episode promises not just a look at the challenges, but also a glimmer of hope for our democratic future. We explore the perennial struggle to uphold the ideals of equality and the essential role of our political institutions. And, you'll hear insights into how the Republican Party's transformation and Donald Trump's influence pose unique threats to American democracy. Yet, amid these daunting challenges, we find reasons for cautious optimism in the resilience of U.S. institutions and the enduring power of foundational principles like equality and justice. What would another Trump presidency mean for the United States? Through poignant personal stories and global perspectives, we highlight the immediate and structural dangers we face. This episode isn't just a wake-up call; it’s a challenge to protect the future of American democracy. Featuring: Dr. Carol Graham, Dr. Kate Starbird, Dr. Edward Watts, Dr. Alice Marwick, Dr. Tara Grove, Dr. James Robinson, Dr. Sara Benesh, Dr. Benjamin Hett, Dr. Sheri Berman, Dr. Bernard Schlager, Jason van Tatenhove, Dr. Balint Magyar, Stephen Marche #democracy #Authoritarianism #AfterAmerica #Trump #gop #Republicans #MAGA #LiberalDemocracy #america #UnitedStates #Election2024 #vote #disinformation #ChristianNationalism #Militia #Insurrection #Jan6thInsurrection https://lnkd.in/g7t9p8fS

In this interview series, our Co-Founder and CEO, Todd Connor Interviews Nick Troiano. https://lnkd.in/gR_p9-CB In a divided America, the biggest solvable problem fueling political extremism and dysfunction is hiding in plain sight: party primaries. The Primary Solution shows how to fix them. Nick Troiano, founding Executive Director of Unite America, makes a bold proposal to abolish party primaries in our country. Doing so does not require a Constitutional amendment or an act of Congress. In fact, several states have already replaced party primaries with nonpartisan primaries that give all voters the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party. Nick Troiano is the founding executive director of Unite America, a philanthropic venture fund that invests in nonpartisan election reform to foster a more representative and functional government. Since 2019, Unite America has invested over $50 million to help win three major statewide ballot initiatives and over a dozen state legislative and municipal policy victories.

Matthew Kroenig and Dan Negrea's new book, "We Win, They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy and the New Cold War," is a phenomenal read and look at the future of Republican policy. Listen to The Vandenberg Coalition's discussion with Samuel Byers and the authors to learn more of the book's key takeaways. https://lnkd.in/eAdeUCbX

The Texas Tribune is convening a diverse group of Texans and experts in multiple fields for “We the Texans: A symposium on the state of democracy.” Join The Texas Tribune on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Houston or online for a day-long event examining the state of #democracy in Texas, what can be done to reinvigorate #trust and encourage #civic engagement, and how we can work together to solve local, regional, and statewide challenges. The symposium will start with a conversation about democracy at a national level and then turn to Texas-specific topics, including: • #voter turnout — and how to increase it • The local media landscape — and how it’s helping or hurting • How young Texans are making a difference — and changing the conversation • Governing Texas communities and the challenges that come with it — especially at the local level RSVP today: https://trib.it/HJX

If you are curious to see what kind of events we have check out our Upcoming Events page. We have everything from webinars to conferences that can help you learn more about economic development. 💼 📚 https://lnkd.in/dnPb3y2

DEMOCRACY Last week a colleague shared the following quote with me: "For a long while before the appointed time is at hand the election becomes the most important and the all-engrossing topic of discussion. The ardor of faction is redoubled; and all the artificial passions which the imagination can create in the bosom of a happy and peaceful land are agitated and brought to light … the citizens are divided into hostile camps, … As soon as the choice is determined, this ardor is dispelled; and as a calmer season returns.” Alexis de Tocqueville in Democracy in America (1835) Tocqueville studied American Democracy often wondering why it worked in the United States and often struggled in France. Although his quote is from 1835 it speaks of much of our experience today. What I wonder is whether we can make our way to that calmer season now? Some may feel that our divided nation will never come together. I believe otherwise. During my 28+ years in uniform, I served under five presidents and their administrations, both Democrat and Republican. In our military we do not get a choice in whom we serve. We vote of course as individual citizens. However, as a collective we are bound to serve by the oath of office we take. In our all-volunteer force, what is our choice is the oath we take to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. We do so as a special voluntary obligation. No one forces us. Perhaps we can all take a moment to think about how we serve; how we serve our country; how we serve in our communities; and how we might serve one another. Then maybe, just maybe, we can find our way to that calmer season. Fly high, Barbara Need help navigating your way through life’s turbulence? Connect with me at CaptainBarbaraBell.com. Of course, check out my book, Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life’s Turbulence and Learning to Fly High. #connection, #disconnection, #leadership, #highereducation, #culture, #relationships, #womenveterans, #veterans, #coaching, #mentoring Photo by Chris Robert on Unsplash