FEATURED MEDIA
Podcast: How We Can Put Civility Back into Civic Engagement
Katherina Rosqueta and Conor Carroll, from Penn’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy, and Harris Sokoloff, from Penn’s Graduate School of Education, discuss a new guide to strengthening democracy on a Wharton Business Radio podcast.
Our Guidance
We the People: A Philanthropic Guide to Strengthening Democracy
Multiple surveys over the past decade have revealed a trend of declining confidence in democracy among Americans. In this guide, CHIP presents a framework for anyone looking to strengthen the democratic system.
We the People: Nonprofits Making an Impact to Strengthen Democracy
For donors whoa re ready to act immediately, this supplement highlights nonprofits organizations and initiatives that are strengthening democracy.
Our Framework: Five Elements of a Strong Democracy
Empowered Citizens
The people are the principal actors in a democracy. Citizens are empowered when their rights are protected, they are informed, and fellow citizens and policymakers proactively engage them in the democratic process.
Fair Processes
As the mechanics of democracy, fair processes respect the principle of “one person, one vote” and hold policy- making institutions accountable through checks and balances.
Responsive Policy
As an output of democracy, responsive policy weighs all citizens’ interests and values equally, provides for the common good, and establishes institutions that empower individuals to protect their rights.
Information & Communication
These elements mediate the relationship between citizens, processes, and policy. Information and communication that are representative, accurate, and trusted ensure fair processes and enable citizens to hold policymakers accountable.
Social Cohesion
A shared sense of purpose and identity is implicit in the enduring phrase
“we the people.” A democratic society’s members recognize each other’s right to
a voice in the political process and are willing to collaborate for common ends.
Blogs
Ukraine Crisis: How Can I Help?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has produced the largest refugee crisis in Europe this century. In less than a week,…
Podcast: Democracy and Philanthropy on BYU Sirius XM
We’re seeing historic lows of American trust in the U.S. government, according to the Pew Research Center. Not only do very few people believe...
Podcast: How We Can Put Civility Back into Civic Engagement
Katherina Rosqueta and Conor Carroll, from Penn’s Center for High Impact Philanthropy, and Harris Sokoloff, from Penn’s Graduate School of Education, discuss a new...