Activities

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Jefferson Center

Meet our new Program & Research Associate Katherine Sims
As we start 2019, we’re thrilled to welcome our research analyst intern, Katherine Sims, to the team as a full-time Program & Research Associate! Katherine graduated from Hamline University in December with bachelor degrees in Political Science and Economics. I wholeheartedly believe, like the rest of the team at the Jefferson Center, that dialogue is… […]
Annie Pottorff
Thank You to Retiring Board Member Judy Healey
After almost 25 years on the Jefferson Center board, talented author and foundation consultant Judy Healey is retiring. Throughout her time here, she’s seen the organization grow, change, and go dormant for a few years, only to come back with more innovation and enthusiasm than before. While our employees, offices, and board members have shifted,… […]
Annie Pottorff
Citizens Juries: Empowering (and Re-empowering) the Public
Last Fall, we hosted the 3 weekend long Willmar Community Assembly, where a group of 32 citizens learned about the ins and outs of local government and discussed how the city could better reflect their priorities. At the end of last day, participants drafted a shared statement about what they were taking away from the… […]
Annie Pottorff
Across Ohio, community assets are also community needs
This story was written by Doug Oplinger, former managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, who now leads our Your Voice Ohio media collaborative. Ohio’s gubernatorial candidates – Mike DeWine and Richard Cordray — have plans for improving life in Ohio. How do those plans square with what Ohioans say they need? The candidates, campaigns and… […]
Annie Pottorff
It’s Time to Initiate Democracy Across the United States
This is the sixth post in our blog series exploring democracy around the world, submitted by a diverse group of people interested in using deliberation, participation, and civic tech to solve challenges we face today. The following does not necessarily represent the views of the Jefferson Center or Jefferson Center staff. John Hakes is a… […]
Annie Pottorff
From A Window on the Bus – Democracy in Full View
This is the fifth post in our blog series exploring democracy around the world, submitted by a diverse group of people interested in using deliberation, participation, and civic tech to solve challenges we face today. The following does not necessarily represent the views of the Jefferson Center or Jefferson Center staff. David McCann is an… […]
Annie Pottorff
The business of business in a democracy
How should businesses operate in a democratic society? With the rise of social media, many companies are interacting with citizens directly and pledging to give back to communities while promoting social responsibility and their commitment to the environment. We’re also witnessing the growth of certified B Corporations and social enterprises, which often use commercial strategies… […]
Annie Pottorff
Citizenship in the age of data collection
When using an app and scrolling the web, how often are you bombarded with a pop-up vaguely describing language how your personal data will be collected and used? Rather than thinking through the possible implications of what we’re agreeing to, we often quickly and reflexively hit “I accept” in order to continue shopping, reading, chatting,… […]
Annie Pottorff
How can technology strengthen democracy?
From the good (using social media to increase political engagement) to the bad (bots sharing fake news and false information), technology is changing the way democracy operates. At the upcoming New York Times Athens Forum on Democracy, we’re working with journalists, international business leaders, policy makers, and attendees from across the globe to address today’s… […]
Annie Pottorff
How do we know democracy is working?
Not many organizations today can trace the core of their work back to 507 BCE. That’s when the first democracy was established in the city-state of Athens, with the goal of putting “ordinary citizens” at the heart of decision-making. Athenian democracy randomly-selected individuals to fill the few existing government, administrative, and judicial offices, to make… […]
Annie Pottorff