Institute for Southern Studies’ Post

In a new op-ed in RealClearPolitics, Atlas Network’s Dr. Lyall Swim and Gustavo Gobbi of Livres, an Atlas Network partner organization, explore the erosion of trust in U.S. democratic institutions, with a particular focus on the voting process. They argue that confidence in voting is essential for a strong democracy—and outline the key attributes needed to build a more transparent and trustworthy system. By looking at Brazil's voting model, they highlight practical steps the U.S. can consider to restore public trust. Brazil’s system is uniform, easy to use, transparent, and efficient, providing quick results that prevent doubts about election integrity. The Brazilian approach offers valuable insights for addressing the challenges facing American democracy today. Read the op-ed to learn more about how these reforms could help restore faith in one of our most fundamental rights. https://lnkd.in/eMi9vSaQ

Democracy isn’t perfect but a strong democracy is far better than autocracy. Read our new report from Michael Sozan discussing a common sense roadmap to building a modern democracy. https://lnkd.in/eHEWzTQg

The latest updates from the Center for Democracy Innovation, including "Ten Steps Toward a Better Democracy," thousands more organizations on the Healthy Democracy Map, a new format for public meetings, new joint publications with NLC and C&S, the upcoming Conference on Citizenship, the pending Building Civic Bridges Act, All-America City Award applications, and a funny cartoon from the World Forum on Democracy, are here!

For anyone interested in democratic reform, this is such an important initiative from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago's University of Chicago Center for Effective Government. CEG commissioned the world's leading scholars to write short, accessible primers laying out what the most rigorous theory and evidence tell us about the effects of institutional reforms--from term limits to compulsory voting to campaign finance reform--on democracy. Essential reading for anyone concerned about effective government and the state of democracy.

Feeling the power of people coming together in pursuit of a democracy worthy of participation this week. At Wide Eye we have had such a privilege to support organizations working every day towards common good and striving for bipartisanship at a time when many seek to divide us. Want to be inspired? Check out the brilliant work of Protect Democracy, an organization working every day to build more resilient democratic institutions, and protect our freedom, here: https://lnkd.in/e3um2KPB Or, the bipartisan efforts of young legislators at the Future Caucus, who believe the only path to a successful, thriving democracy is across the aisle. https://futurecaucus.org/ Learn more about the issues and support a democracy that works for all of us at the Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan policy institute and thought leader that has spent the last 20 years working towards a better future. https://lnkd.in/ezYPH93c Look for the helpers.

📢 New Report: Promoting Democracy among Young Europeans - A How-to Guide Young people are the future of European and national politics, but many feel disconnected from democracy. This report outlines key steps to change that, from lowering the voting age to increasing youth representation and using digital tools to engage them. Want to know how we can overcome barriers and empower the next generation of leaders? Read the full report by Katarína Schachtschneider (Stratena) for actionable insights on fostering youth political and civic engagement: https://bit.ly/3NAV3fl

Today is Democracy Day, a day when news organizations across the United States, including Barn Raiser, come together to highlight movements working to preserve democratic institutions and to bring awareness to all the ways democracy is under threat. Learn more at

Exploring the True Essence of Democracy ============================== Democracy is a beacon of hope, a system that places the will and welfare of the people at its heart. It's a celebration of diverse voices and a commitment to collective progress. However, democracy is not synonymous with dominance. It does not seek to impose one nation's will upon another, nor does it thrive on the subjugation of differing ideologies. As a global community, we have witnessed countless events, each a potential lesson in governance, empathy, and unity. Yet, it seems we have scarcely grasped the depth of these teachings. It is time for reflection, for nations to look beyond their borders and see the shared humanity that binds us all. Let us embrace the true spirit of democracy—where every voice is heard, every culture respected, and every nation is an equal partner in the quest for a better world. Together, we can learn, grow, and build a future that honors the very principles of freedom and equality that democracy promises. Let's start a global conversation about how we can embody these ideals in our daily lives and lead by example. Your thoughts and insights are not just welcome, they are essential. Thanks.

Curious about the work of the National Civic League's Center for Democracy Innovation? We've got you! Learn how The Center is making democracy more participatory, equitable, and productive: https://ow.ly/2QCC50RyAje

The future of democracy hinges on the restoration of trust in its institutions. As Yuval Noah Harari warns, the moment citizens perceive that power eclipses truth, we risk descending into a cycle of despair and authoritarianism. The antidote lies in our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.... https://lnkd.in/g2cG43nY