“Down the Road is Coming Much Sooner Than You Think”—Stephanie Bell on the rise of AI and Civil Society’s Response
It is a challenge to make sense of what AI portends for our lives, our work, our communities, and society writ large. What role should civil society groups operating outside of the constraints facing the public and private sectors play in guiding AI’s path in constructive–or at least non-destructive–ways? Stephanie Bell, Senior Research Scientist at the Partnership on AI, is uniquely positioned to answer this question.
“Democracy Is So Much Larger Than Politics”
In this interview, Kristen Cambell, CEO of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, shares how her organization is working to shore up “civil society—the parts of democracy, leadership, and active citizenship that may not involve government (or even institutions), but compel us toward a full spirit and vision of what it means to live in a self-governing society. Systems, processes, and institutions will only ever be as strong as the civic values, democratic culture, and social norms that surround them.”
The Price of Union Hasn’t Changed
It is unsettling to realize the fate of our democracy will depend on people we disagree with politically granting us forbearance. It may be even more unsettling to realize we are obliged to do the same for them.
Can Social Media Be Saved?
Not too long ago, many of us thought the Internet and the social media it enabled would be a boon for democracy and civil society. Recent years have left that vision in tatters. But maybe it is too soon to give up hope.
Post-9/11 Veterans Are Helping Mend Our Social Fabric
In our divided society, the patriotism, servant leadership ethic, and diversity of America’s veterans are force multipliers.
Labor Day Reflections on “The Working Hypothesis”
Oren Cass and American Compass are reorienting public policy to focus on the needs of American workers, their families, and communities. Civil society and our democracy stand to benefit also.
How MomsRising Is Working to Repair Our Democracy
MomsRising exec Donna Norton believes “there is a solidarity in motherhood.” Her organization is using it to combine national advocacy and grassroots civic engagement in powerful new ways.
The Presidency and Civil Society: Will We Revert to the Mean?
The 2020 presidential election will have a profound impact on civil society. The American people select their presidents—and then in turn are shaped by them.
What Good Is Christianity in a Diverse Society?
Michael Wear and Amy Black explore promising new territory in their recent report, “Christianity, Pluralism, and Public Life in the United States: Insights from Christian Leaders.”
The Civic Space vs. The Battle Space
Since George Floyd was killed by the police in Minneapolis, we have witnessed – and many of us have participated in – a contest between divergent views of civil society and its relationship to government.