Learn

Wherever you are, we'll meet you there.

Does it seem like the system is built for insiders? We know the feeling, and we’re here to help you on your path to more active citizenship, from Town Council to Congress. That’s why we created Genius Guides – built-for-anyone roadmaps to understanding our government and what citizens can do to make a difference. Dig into the issues you care about, learn who has the power to change things, and get the tools you need to use your voice effectively. Plus, take a quiz and check out our blog anytime you need a civic pick-me-up.

Filter by Category

Blog Categories
  • Genius Guides
  • Quizzes
  • Common Ground
  • Blog

Having Better Arguments with Seth Henderson

May 25, 2022

Do we need fewer arguments, or just fewer stupid arguments? That’s a question Seth Henderson of the Aspen Institute invokes when talking about how to…

Learn More

It’s Your America 2022 Orange County Wrap-Up

May 20, 2022

What happens when people team up for an experiment in better government? We found out in Orange County, California, where folks participated in It’s Your…

Learn More

Helping Your Voice to Be Heard in Congress

May 12, 2022

Our executive director, Jillian Youngblood, recently joined a group of colleagues for a roundtable discussion with the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress…

Learn More

Elizabeth Williamson on Disinformation

May 3, 2022

Elizabeth Williamson is a feature writer for The New York Times and author of Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth. Her book investigates the hurricane…

Learn More

David Bornstein on Solutions Journalism

April 25, 2022

David Bornstein is co-founder and CEO of the Solutions Journalism Network. He’s a journalist and author who focuses on social innovation, and his books include…

Learn More

Common Ground in Maryland

April 12, 2022

Should the federal government help workers transition out of the coal industry? Should it offer tax incentives for clean energy technology? The University of Maryland’s…

Learn More

The ConnectEffect with Riaz Patel: Part 1

April 5, 2022

Riaz Patel is an award-winning executive producer/director whose shows have been distributed worldwide by A&E, MTV, Hulu, and Netflix. He focuses on transformative, perspective-shifting projects,…

Learn More

Energy & the Environment: Where We Agree

March 31, 2022

Should the federal government provide tax credits for clean energy technology? Should it require better fuel efficiency for cars and trucks? The University of Maryland’s…

Learn More

Misinformation, Hate & Accountability with Lauren Krapf

March 29, 2022

The Anti-Defamation League has a long history of countering hate, bias, and harmful misinformation, which is to say the organization has some strong opinions about…

Learn More

Sign Up

Democracy only works when we do – so let’s get started. Sign up to get tools, news, and invitations to special events that will help us all build a stronger future.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.