Activities

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Jefferson Center

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
Join Our #DemocracyChat!
Want to share your ideas about how democracy is working today, and the steps individuals, journalists, and companies can take to strengthen it? Join our Twitter chat on Monday, September 10 at 11:00 am CT with the hashtag #DemocracyChat! Add to Google Calendar, Outlook, or iCal here. We’ll discuss topics including… Diagnosing Democracy: is democracy… […]
Annie Pottorff
Creative New Jersey Kickstarts Community Collaboration & Trust
Image credit: Creative New Jersey This is the fourth 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… […]
Annie Pottorff
We’re bringing the Citizens Jury to Athens
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the New York Times for the annual New York Times Athens Democracy Forum! As an official Knowledge Partner, we’ve been collaborating with New York Times team to bring our Citizens Jury method of deliberation to Athens in September. At this year’s conference, themed ”Democracy in Danger: Solutions for… […]
Annie Pottorff