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In 2024, will America hold together or fall apart?
The problem.
Regardless of our backgrounds and beliefs, we can all see that political divisions among regular Americans have reached dangerous levels. We are relentlessly pitted against each other by pundits seeking the limelight and politicians jockeying for position. Then social media amplifies the divide. Many feel we are now heading toward a society with unbridgeable cultural rifts and a government unable to function.
These dynamics will certainly ramp up in 2024, with media outlets and candidates deploying divisive rhetoric to drive up levels of fear, anger, and contempt. The money that pours into campaigns will be spent fueling America’s divisions, with an estimated $10B going into political ads warning us about the existential threat posed by “the other side.”
Against this fraught election-year backdrop, Civic Health Project has our work cut out for us. We need to step up our game, and we need to do it fast.
The opportunity.
Here’s the good news: we know how to push back against these dangerous forces of division. In 2024, Civic Health Project is investing in three game-changing, massively scalable initiatives to overcome the forces of division, with the potential to impact millions of Americans in a rapid timeframe.
- A cross-partisan campaign that reaches millions of Americans and features civic leaders and influencers "disagreeing better," from the highest political and cultural levels down into our local communities. In partnership with the National Governors Association and the Listen First Coalition, we are empowering all Americans to take action to demand that our leaders #DisagreeBetter. (WATCH Republican and Democratic governors "disagreeing better")
- An entertainment initiative that inspires America’s most powerful storytellers to tell “New American Stories of Us.” In partnership with Bridge Entertainment Labs, we are unlocking the power of popular entertainment to repair and transform America’s political and social divides, thereby strengthening our democracy. (REGISTER NOW for "The Transformative Promise of Documentary Storytelling" on Wed, Jan 31)
- A technology incubator that invests in AI and social media algorithms that can detoxify our online interactions and foster social cohesion at massive scale. In partnership with innovative technologists and researchers, we are harnessing emerging tech in ways that connect rather than further divide us. ( How do we build a pipeline of documentary content aimed at bridging divides? How do we ensure that these transformative stories of overcoming America's political and social divisions not only get told, but actually get seen?Join Bridge Entertainment Labs for this dynamic virtual event featuring celebrated filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders as they explore the unique potential of documentary storytelling to help Americans better understand and engage with each other across our political and social divides.Register for "The Transformative Promise of Documentary Storytelling" (Wed, Jan 31)
Feeling inspired? In 2024, please partner with us in unleashing massively scalable solutions to our dangerous political and social divisions. Together, we can empower all Americans to overcome the forces of division, so that our relationships, communities, and country can thrive.
Learn About #DisagreeBetterLearn About "New American Stories of Us"Learn About the Prosocial Ranking Challenge
On Jan 31, join Abigail Disney, Lance Kramer, and other celebrated filmmakers ...
Are you up to the Challenge?
Do you wish you could test what would happen if people saw different content on social media? Now you can! The Center for Human Compatible AI at UC Berkeley has just announced the Prosocial Ranking Challenge, which will award $60k in prizes for better social media algorithms.
Many people believe that what social media algorithms choose to show have effects on what people know, how they feel, and how they relate. This challenge will test ways to mitigate problems or harms, and can also demonstrate new ways to design these systems toward socially desirable ends.
To learn even more about the promise and potential of "bridging based ranking algorithms," download this thought-provoking report from Aviv Ovadya and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.Read the Prosocial Ranking Challenge Announcement
Can America's Leaders #DisagreeBetter?
(pretty please?)
On Mon, Jan 22, the George W. Bush Presidential Center hosted Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) for a lively conversation on the urgency of America's political leaders disagreeing better.
See an example of America's leaders disagreeing better ... or disagreeing badly? Repost with the hashtag #DisagreeBetter!
Watch Gov. Cox (R) and Gov. Kelly (D) "Disagree Better"Learn about the #DisagreeBetter Campaign
How Do We Build Trust in the 2024 Election?
Hot off the presses, Living Room Conversations has launched their Trust in Elections Resource Page.
We have a chance now to build trust in our elections and in each other ahead of the 2024 election. Check out the resource page, join the conversation, and host one in your school, church or community!
Help Build Trust in the 2024 Election
Feeling Terrified? Here's a Better Option.
Are you concerned about the future of our country? Do you feel the urgency to act before it’s too late? Then “Terrified Nation,” from Debilyn Molineaux, is the podcast for you. Every week, “Terrified Nation” confronts the challenges that seem insurmountable—from financial crises to societal divides—and discuss what we can do about them. It is more than a podcast; it’s a mission to turn the tide - listen here or on your favorite podcast app.Subscribe to Terrified Nation
In Memoriam:
Bruce Bond, Common Ground Committee
Common Ground Committee is based on an enduring principle and idea: respecting and listening to one another to understand other points of view is the basis for solving problems. The values of Common Ground Committee transcend individuals. They are based on a care for the country and a commitment to counter division by illuminating solutions and discovering common ground.
This spirit of Common Ground Committee’s work -- including critical resources like the Common Ground Scorecard and the Let's Find Common Ground Podcast -- will continue following the passing of Co-Founder Bruce Bond in late December.
The loss of Bruce to his family, community, Common Ground Committee, and the larger movement of bridging divides is significant. His tireless effort to successfully convene hundreds of elected officials, thought leaders, media representatives, and experts across the political spectrum produced abundant evidence that finding common ground is not only an extraordinary task but can be supremely natural if those discussing a polarizing issue do so with respect, facts, and a willingness to compromise without sacrificing personal values.
Bruce was principled, professional, and personable. He was an authoritative figure on the issues of polarization. More importantly, he was a guiding light on how it can and must be overcome. His optimism has been infectious. His intelligence has been influential. His love for his fellow citizens was clearly displayed. Bruce’s impact on how hundreds of thousands of people think about solving societal problems is lasting.
Individuals touched by Bruce’s kindness and leadership can donate to Common Ground Committee. Text your donation by texting the word CGC to 53-555, or visit www.commongroundcommittee.org.
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