Narrative Competency

As we continue the collective work towards a just, inclusive and peaceful democracy, it is important to be able to understand and talk about the shared values and ideas that...

Good vs. Toxic Polarization

Polarization is generally considered a necessary and healthy aspect of democratic societies. In his writing on social change work, Quaker activist and trainer George Lakey compares polarization to “a blacksmith’s forge,” one...

Restorative Movement Building

What does it mean to challenge injustices and address societal harms in ways that strengthen social bonds and encourage longer-term healing? Restorative Movement Building is at the nexus of social...

The Global Far-Right Authoritarian Alliance Threatening US Democracy – And How to Weaken It

*This article was written by Chief Organizer Maria J. Stephan and was first published on Just Security. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban sparked widespread outrage a year ago with a speech to members of the...

THE PILLARS PROJECT: Veterans and Military Families

What is the connection between democracy and veterans and military families? Upon entering their military service, veterans swore an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United...

THE PILLARS PROJECT: Labor Unions

What is the connection between unions and democracy? Democratic backsliding in the United States is a particular threat to labor unions. The research is clear: democracy is good for labor. Democracies...

THE PILLARS PROJECT: The Faith Community

What is the connection between faith communities and democracy? A flourishing democracy is one of the strongest protections for the free exercise of religion. In turn, faith communities have a...

THE PILLARS PROJECT: The Business Community

What is the connection between business leaders and democracy? A strong, healthy, and dynamic democratic political environment is key to economic resilience in the United States. American industry, corporate America, and small businesses...

Exploring Narrative Practices for Broad-based Movements in Contexts of Democratic Decline

*This piece was originally published on March 1, 2023 on OpenGlobalRights by Chief Network Weaver Julia Roig and James Savage. Versión en Español The rise in authoritarianism and democratic decline around the...

How Can Funders Support Pro-democracy Movements?

*This article was written by Chief Network Weaver Julia Roig and was first published on Alliance Magazine. As the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day on 16 January, it...