The Weekly Update Newsletter
“What’s Next U.S.?” Join An Eye-Opening Conversation THIS Weekend
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on November 16, 2018
Election Season is over! That means an end to the myriad of campaign ads that reduce candidates for public office to good/evil caricatures, as well as a few that are...something else.
Unfortunately, the stereotypes and misunderstandings promoted by these ads are more persistent. Everybody is stuffed into a box marked “Republican,” “Democrat,” or “Independent,” each of which is clearly defined and designed to foster loyalty and discourage friendly discussion with “the other side.” As you know, this kind of hyper-partisanship is toxic and polarizing.
But there’s another (better) way!
Read moreAnti-Corruption Forces Enjoy Banner Election Day
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on November 09, 2018
As the Republican and Democratic parties traded victories on election day, anti-corruption forces showed that the American people -- when given the chance -- overwhelmingly support accountability and fairness in the electoral system. Bridge Alliance member Represent.Us tracked 16 anti-corruption measures that were on various states’ ballots on Tuesday; 14(!) of these measures were voted into law, with 1 more ahead as of Wednesday.
The successful measures touched on a variety of issues, including:
Read moreA Report on the Members’ Summit….from our newest intern Shakira
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on November 02, 2018
Last week we told you about the Civvy awards -- where organizations were honored and celebrated for their collaborative work that elevates democratic practices and civic engagement in America. If you missed it, you can read that update here and read the winners’ stories here (<-- highly recommended!).
The day before the Civvys, a number of Bridge Alliance members, journalists, academics, and foundation leaders gathered in the same space for the Bridge Alliance Members Summit (presented by the BAEF).
Read moreAnd The Civvy Goes To……
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on October 25, 2018
This past Thursday, six organizations / initiatives were honored as winners of the 2018 American Civic Collaboration Awards, presented by the NCoC, Big Tent Nation, and the Bridge Alliance Education Fund at the Annual Conference on Citizenship. The six winners (listed below) exemplify collaborative work that elevates democratic practices and civic engagement, thereby helping to revitalize our nation:
Read moreThe B1G Challenge is Underway. Also, the Bridge Alliance Welcomes a New Intern!
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on October 18, 2018
As a Michigan alum, there are few things I like more than beating Ohio State and Michigan State. It doesn’t matter whether it’s football or donating blood, I want my school to win. I know many Big Ten students and alumni feel the same way, which is why it gives me great pleasure to announce the First Ever Big Ten Voting Challenge (check out their awesome announcement video here). The challenge is a competition between all 14 Big Ten schools to see who can register and turn out the most student voters. Titles will be given to the schools with the “Greatest Overall Turnout” and the “Greatest Increase in Voting Rates.
Read moreIt’s Time For The National Week Of Conversation! Also A Follow Up Call For Volunteers
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on October 05, 2018
We are excited to let you know that the Bridge Alliance’s newest member, the National Conversation Project, is hosting the National Week of Conversation (NWOC) this week!
Before we get to the details, though, we wanted to let you know that the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is still looking for volunteers for the Annual Conference on Citizenship (October 17th and 18th). This is an incredible opportunity to hear from leaders of the democracy revitalization movement for free. For more information contact Angela Holden at [email protected] (Note: we gave the wrong email address last time, so if your email bounced back before, try again with this address).
Read moreNCoC Volunteer Opportunity and a Participatory Budgeting Victory in NYC
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on September 21, 2018
As you may know, the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is hosting its Annual Conference on Citizenship on October 17th and 18th in Washington, D.C. What you probably don’t know is that the NCoC needs you to make sure the event is a success. Specifically, the NCoC is looking for volunteers for the conference. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our democratic systems and support an organization that is dedicated to strengthening civic life in America. For more information please contact Angela Holden at [email protected].
Read moreOur Democratic Institutions Need Your Help! Also, “Hi!” from the Bridge Alliance Education Fund!
Posted by Bridge Alliance Education Fund on September 14, 2018
About a month ago, we told you that the Bridge Alliance Education Fund (BAEF) would soon be taking over the Weekly Update. That day has finally arrived. The BAEF’s mission is to inform you -- the Bridge Alliance’s supporters -- about the latest happenings in the democracy revitalization movement, so the Weekly Update fits neatly within our mission. With that said, it’s time for the Update!
The Fair Elections Center (the parent organization of Bridge Alliance member Campus Vote Project) has teamed up with Development Seed on a pilot project called Work Elections to recruit poll workers for 8 states in 2018 -- Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Poll workers are vital to make sure that election rules are explained clearly and uniformly applied, but becoming a poll worker is not always easy. Work Elections simplifies the process, so if you live in one of these states, go to that website and sign up!
Read moreCelebrating Leaders in Congress while Taking Control of the Future
Posted by Bridge Alliance on September 05, 2018
Each and every day, members of Congress serve their constituents in countless ways that simply don’t get headlines. The Bridge Alliance teamed up with the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) to recognize the most exceptional of these public servants with the Democracy Awards. You can watch the full award ceremony on C-SPAN here, and if you think your representative has done outstanding non-legislative work, call their office and encourage them to submit a nomination for the next round of Democracy Awards.
Meanwhile, Unite America is leading a movement to elect new, independent leadership to offices nationwide. Their success was on full display two weeks ago in Denver, where independent candidates, elected officials, and reformers gathered for the first ever Unite Summit. You can see a video recap of the Summit here and you can watch one of their “Indy Talks” (TED Talk-esque) here.
Read more