I would love to see a list of worthy recipients of political donations that is moderated by members of this group. Since the 2020 elections, I've kept my donations to a minimum and don't know to whose campaigns i shoukd donate. By giving to numerous candidates via ActBlue in 2020, I'm on everyone's begging list, and since I'm too busy to…
I would love to see a list of worthy recipients of political donations that is moderated by members of this group. Since the 2020 elections, I've kept my donations to a minimum and don't know to whose campaigns i shoukd donate. By giving to numerous candidates via ActBlue in 2020, I'm on everyone's begging list, and since I'm too busy to do research, I treat most of them as spam.
The groups endorsed within some of these comments are interesting, but I want a clearer view of the bigger picture.
In addition to identifying the most successful organizations getting out the youth vote in the USA, the following is equally important!
'Broadening Youth Voting'
'Voting is a fundamental act of civic participation through which young people contribute to democracy. While it’s just one of many ways to engage in civic life, it is a powerful way for young people to make their voices heard and to have an impact on issues that affect them.'
'Historically, young people have voted at lower rates than older adults. That's starting to change: recent elections have seen historically high youth voter turnout. But major inequities in voting rates by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, region, and age group remain—often the product of highly unequal access to information and opportunities to participate.'
'Our work is aimed at broadening youth voting for a more equitable electorate and a more robust and representative democracy.'
'50% vs. 20%'
'The education gap is one of the major inequities in youth voting, according to Census data, half of youth with a Bachelor's degree voted in 2022, compared to just 20% of youth whose highest educational attainment is a high school diploma.'
'76% vs. 40% vs. 23%'
'According to our 2022 survey, 3 in 4 youth say they have the power to change the country, but just 2 in 5 say they feel well-qualified to participate in politics. Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot. Youth aren't apathetic; we're failing to prepare and engage them. '
'About CIRCLE'
'CIRCLE, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, is a non-partisan, independent research organization focused on youth civic engagement in the United States. We conduct extensive research on youth participation, and we leverage that research to improve opportunities for all young people to acquire and use the skills and knowledge they need to meaningfully participate in civic life. In all of our work, we are especially concerned with understanding, addressing, and ultimately eliminating the systemic barriers that keep some young people marginalized from and underrepresented in civic life.'
'We are especially interested in the academic, social, professional, and economic benefits to young people and to their communities when they engage in civic life. We seek to understand and improve the contexts and conditions that shape youth engagement, which are too often inequitable, with special emphasis on K-12 civic education's role in preparing youth to participate in democracy. Our research informs policy and practice in order to drive substantive change–whether in the classroom, the county clerk's office, or the community organization–that promotes stronger youth development and a more inclusive society.'
CIRCLE was founded in 2001 at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. Since 2008, we have been based at Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. In 2021, we celebrated CIRCLE's 20th anniversary and produced CIRCLE at 20, a major report on our work and impact over the past two decades. (CIRCLE) See link below.
"Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot. Youth aren't apathetic; we're failing to prepare and engage them."
Fern, the quote you draw on says so much. We--at least the system--are failing to prepare and engage youth. We're also failing to set standards of personal character and conduct which I believe are especially important to them. I would like to see politicians and other "influencers" walk the talk. In addressing college students and other youth groups, the speakers could add a personal pledge similar to the conduct declaration: "I will not lie, cheat, or steal." Further, the speakers should emphasize that they're ready to resign and face suitable punishment if they don't honor their own stated commitments. Politicians lack credibility with students. They need to convince youth that they are devoted to the welfare of the nation and not devoted to personal financial enrichment through their position. Otherwise, students will just write off the speakers as political blowhards and hypocrites. We have to set a good example and live it.
Heydon, I think we all need to know Civics and share it with our children, while they are growing up and take a course or more about it as students in school. This quote echoes your thoughts:
“Our children should learn the general framework of their government, and then they should know where they come in contact with the government, where it touches their daily lives and where their influence is exerted on the government. It must not be a distant thing, someone else's business, but they must see how every cog in the wheel of a democracy is important and bears its share of responsibility for the smooth running of the entire machine.”
Well said, Fern. Eleanor Roosevelt was intelligent and powerful in approach. Beyond her quote above, I believe it was Eleanor who brought Harry Hopkins to FDR's attention, where Harry became one of, if not the most important of, FDR's advisors. Harry worked previously with Frances Perkins who made her mark as well. Those people were giants.
"and bears its share of responsibility for the smooth running of the entire machine.”
My personal impression of most public service announcements encouraging voting emphasize the "let your voice be heard" theme. Yet outcomes of voting can easily be personally disappointing, and the younger people I have contact with at present seem convinced that they are NOT being heard; so it's easy to become cynical. Frankly my personal impression is that, at least since JFK, the Democratic Party has been remiss in actively interacting with young voters in a credible way. The Biden Administration seems to be moving toward correcting this.
Key for me is the notion of "government of the people, by the people, for the people" as the proven means to deliver (so far as possible) "liberty and justice for all". We either govern and enjoy the outcomes of wise governance collectively, or it just doesn't happen. Yes, we use a representative model for delivering the consent of the governed, but if that consent is ill informed, we are almost certain to run off the rails sooner or later. "Only I can fix it" is just a con if it is we who are setting the agenda. Channel surfing is not really democracy; by definition it is DIY.
Thus, just as most of us wear two hats, as worker/consumers, we also rightly hold a share of two civic roles, as both clients and managers of our own society. There are many promising to manage everything for us, but the ultimate responsibility is ours, and not just for our personal outcomes, but for our whole society. The argument that it makes "no difference" whether or not I vote, or whether I vote for this candidate or that, or this party or that is folly, because even if none satisfy me, my choice or lack of it impacts others; even generations to come, and usually it is those who already suffer most take the biggest hit when our choices and outcomes are foolish.
I agree Fern, but we are a small sampling of the Nation. We cannot depend on other parents to do the right thing. Too many parents view parenting as turning on the TV cartoons and attending their children's sporting events.
Fay, the importance of Civics has been mentioned many times here and elsewhere, and I have edited this reply to be more clear and a bit more comprehensive about the subject. We don't know how many adult Americans know Civics. My guess is that it is necessary for Americans of all ages. I would suggest that our government fund quality Civics courses to be available free of charge. This is an American issue., which touches on important aspects of our Society, including daily life, our elections, and, of course, education and democracy. As democracies have been failing, the importance of Civics is not limited to the US.
I agree, Fern, although I taught physical science in school I certainly took time to assure my own children and grandchildren were well versed in Civics. I attended school in Canada (I didn't become an American citizen until 1967) civics were not taught in Canadian schools in the 1930's or 1940's. In fact I knew more about English history than Canadian. I studied American and World History in college in California before switching majors to science. I have been a political animal since age 6.
Fay, as an aside, I imagine you lived in Canada when Sir Harold Alexander (formerly Field Marshall) was Governor General of Canada. He was the last GG appointed by the British Crown, and I understand that he was very popular in that role.
My father worked closely with General Alexander during WWII, being part of Alexander's staff across all of North Africa, Sicily, and all the way up Italy. My father was so impressed with General Alexander's soldier and leadership abilities, honesty, humility, and overall sense of character. More than once, I've pondered how fortunate we'd be in the U.S. to have Alexander as President. General Eisenhower was in awe of Alexander and said he would gladly serve under him in the war.
Right. The pols won't want any part of that proposal, to have them take a vow of honesty and dedication to serving the American people. They've become too accustomed to the American people serving the pols' needs as opposed to the pols. serving the American peoples' interests.
True for too many politicians. There are a few who still believe in service to their Nation and their Constituents. I am fortunate to have on of the few, Congressman Ami Bera M.D. I worked for his campaign in 2010, which he lost 2012, which he won, and he has been in Congress ever since. That last campaign on which I actively worked, after that I worked on the East Coast and the mid-west. He always answers my emails, even when we disagree, he explains his position - amazing, right?
Thanks. I'll be interested in hearing how an apparently honest representative responds to this. It could end up as a popular platform which in turn propels Dr. Bera to a higher role in government, perhaps the WH though I believe big money at this point would not be receptive to congressional honesty.
I emailed Congressman Ami Bera and asked if he and other members of the Democratic Caucus and even some non-MAGA Republicans would make the pledge not to steal, cheat, or lie while in their role as members of the House of Representatives.. I limited it to that role because most of us tell little meaningless lies, like why we can't go to lunch with a coworker, which is different from saying the Election was fraudulent and Trump really won.
Ellie’s right. TheStates Project IDs likely winners in several states and pours resources into those. I don’t think TN is one of their target states yet.
Think climate change: Senator Jon Tester, as far as I know, the only farmer in Congress, Democrat in a Trump Republican state, needs out-of-state support. And we need farmers in Congress. Food is important to everyone and a new farm bill should have lots of individual farmer input. Price of eggs: think chicken food, which has to be nutritious if we want nutritious eggs.
I would call her worthy, and she is taking on one of the worst do-nothing senators ever. Marsha aligned herself with tfg from the beginning. She holds no constituent meetings. She was deliberately rude to Ketanji Brown Jackson. She has to go.
Also check out Force Multiplier. https://www.forcemultiplierus.org/ They do research focusing on how likely a candidate’s chances are of winning. To qualify for a recommendation, a candidate’s odds must be not too good and not too small, as well as not extremely well financed and not hopelessly broke. In other words, they look for viable candidates who would most benefit from a shot in the arm from donors.
So much of the fund-raising mail (of one sort or another) feels fundamentally gimmicky and not informative. So much as pure sales pitch that seems to treat me as an abstract, algorithmic target rather than a person. Not enough reason to not support a good cause, but I wonder if it is not self-defeating in the end? It seems to me to be a useful courtesy to speak from the heart. I speculate that this abstract algorithmization is part of why people become so alienated they start to believe utter crap.
I couldn't agree more! I appreciate your post and the responses. I think even small dollar donations are helpful. (Which is all I am able to afford at the moment.)
I would love to see a list of worthy recipients of political donations that is moderated by members of this group. Since the 2020 elections, I've kept my donations to a minimum and don't know to whose campaigns i shoukd donate. By giving to numerous candidates via ActBlue in 2020, I'm on everyone's begging list, and since I'm too busy to do research, I treat most of them as spam.
The groups endorsed within some of these comments are interesting, but I want a clearer view of the bigger picture.
Len does the research for us:
https://lenspoliticalnotes.com
The States Project researches state legislature candidates where our donor dollars will be most effective to flip or keep Dem majority.
Tending to Democracy is an HCR inspired States Project Giving Circle.
In addition to identifying the most successful organizations getting out the youth vote in the USA, the following is equally important!
'Broadening Youth Voting'
'Voting is a fundamental act of civic participation through which young people contribute to democracy. While it’s just one of many ways to engage in civic life, it is a powerful way for young people to make their voices heard and to have an impact on issues that affect them.'
'Historically, young people have voted at lower rates than older adults. That's starting to change: recent elections have seen historically high youth voter turnout. But major inequities in voting rates by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, region, and age group remain—often the product of highly unequal access to information and opportunities to participate.'
'Our work is aimed at broadening youth voting for a more equitable electorate and a more robust and representative democracy.'
'50% vs. 20%'
'The education gap is one of the major inequities in youth voting, according to Census data, half of youth with a Bachelor's degree voted in 2022, compared to just 20% of youth whose highest educational attainment is a high school diploma.'
'76% vs. 40% vs. 23%'
'According to our 2022 survey, 3 in 4 youth say they have the power to change the country, but just 2 in 5 say they feel well-qualified to participate in politics. Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot. Youth aren't apathetic; we're failing to prepare and engage them. '
'About CIRCLE'
'CIRCLE, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, is a non-partisan, independent research organization focused on youth civic engagement in the United States. We conduct extensive research on youth participation, and we leverage that research to improve opportunities for all young people to acquire and use the skills and knowledge they need to meaningfully participate in civic life. In all of our work, we are especially concerned with understanding, addressing, and ultimately eliminating the systemic barriers that keep some young people marginalized from and underrepresented in civic life.'
'We are especially interested in the academic, social, professional, and economic benefits to young people and to their communities when they engage in civic life. We seek to understand and improve the contexts and conditions that shape youth engagement, which are too often inequitable, with special emphasis on K-12 civic education's role in preparing youth to participate in democracy. Our research informs policy and practice in order to drive substantive change–whether in the classroom, the county clerk's office, or the community organization–that promotes stronger youth development and a more inclusive society.'
CIRCLE was founded in 2001 at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. Since 2008, we have been based at Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. In 2021, we celebrated CIRCLE's 20th anniversary and produced CIRCLE at 20, a major report on our work and impact over the past two decades. (CIRCLE) See link below.
https://circle.tufts.edu/our-research/broadening-youth-voting
"Just under 1 in 4 cast a ballot. Youth aren't apathetic; we're failing to prepare and engage them."
Fern, the quote you draw on says so much. We--at least the system--are failing to prepare and engage youth. We're also failing to set standards of personal character and conduct which I believe are especially important to them. I would like to see politicians and other "influencers" walk the talk. In addressing college students and other youth groups, the speakers could add a personal pledge similar to the conduct declaration: "I will not lie, cheat, or steal." Further, the speakers should emphasize that they're ready to resign and face suitable punishment if they don't honor their own stated commitments. Politicians lack credibility with students. They need to convince youth that they are devoted to the welfare of the nation and not devoted to personal financial enrichment through their position. Otherwise, students will just write off the speakers as political blowhards and hypocrites. We have to set a good example and live it.
Heydon, I think we all need to know Civics and share it with our children, while they are growing up and take a course or more about it as students in school. This quote echoes your thoughts:
“Our children should learn the general framework of their government, and then they should know where they come in contact with the government, where it touches their daily lives and where their influence is exerted on the government. It must not be a distant thing, someone else's business, but they must see how every cog in the wheel of a democracy is important and bears its share of responsibility for the smooth running of the entire machine.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Well said, Fern. Eleanor Roosevelt was intelligent and powerful in approach. Beyond her quote above, I believe it was Eleanor who brought Harry Hopkins to FDR's attention, where Harry became one of, if not the most important of, FDR's advisors. Harry worked previously with Frances Perkins who made her mark as well. Those people were giants.
"and bears its share of responsibility for the smooth running of the entire machine.”
My personal impression of most public service announcements encouraging voting emphasize the "let your voice be heard" theme. Yet outcomes of voting can easily be personally disappointing, and the younger people I have contact with at present seem convinced that they are NOT being heard; so it's easy to become cynical. Frankly my personal impression is that, at least since JFK, the Democratic Party has been remiss in actively interacting with young voters in a credible way. The Biden Administration seems to be moving toward correcting this.
Key for me is the notion of "government of the people, by the people, for the people" as the proven means to deliver (so far as possible) "liberty and justice for all". We either govern and enjoy the outcomes of wise governance collectively, or it just doesn't happen. Yes, we use a representative model for delivering the consent of the governed, but if that consent is ill informed, we are almost certain to run off the rails sooner or later. "Only I can fix it" is just a con if it is we who are setting the agenda. Channel surfing is not really democracy; by definition it is DIY.
Thus, just as most of us wear two hats, as worker/consumers, we also rightly hold a share of two civic roles, as both clients and managers of our own society. There are many promising to manage everything for us, but the ultimate responsibility is ours, and not just for our personal outcomes, but for our whole society. The argument that it makes "no difference" whether or not I vote, or whether I vote for this candidate or that, or this party or that is folly, because even if none satisfy me, my choice or lack of it impacts others; even generations to come, and usually it is those who already suffer most take the biggest hit when our choices and outcomes are foolish.
I agree Fern, but we are a small sampling of the Nation. We cannot depend on other parents to do the right thing. Too many parents view parenting as turning on the TV cartoons and attending their children's sporting events.
Fay, the importance of Civics has been mentioned many times here and elsewhere, and I have edited this reply to be more clear and a bit more comprehensive about the subject. We don't know how many adult Americans know Civics. My guess is that it is necessary for Americans of all ages. I would suggest that our government fund quality Civics courses to be available free of charge. This is an American issue., which touches on important aspects of our Society, including daily life, our elections, and, of course, education and democracy. As democracies have been failing, the importance of Civics is not limited to the US.
I agree, Fern, although I taught physical science in school I certainly took time to assure my own children and grandchildren were well versed in Civics. I attended school in Canada (I didn't become an American citizen until 1967) civics were not taught in Canadian schools in the 1930's or 1940's. In fact I knew more about English history than Canadian. I studied American and World History in college in California before switching majors to science. I have been a political animal since age 6.
Fay, as an aside, I imagine you lived in Canada when Sir Harold Alexander (formerly Field Marshall) was Governor General of Canada. He was the last GG appointed by the British Crown, and I understand that he was very popular in that role.
My father worked closely with General Alexander during WWII, being part of Alexander's staff across all of North Africa, Sicily, and all the way up Italy. My father was so impressed with General Alexander's soldier and leadership abilities, honesty, humility, and overall sense of character. More than once, I've pondered how fortunate we'd be in the U.S. to have Alexander as President. General Eisenhower was in awe of Alexander and said he would gladly serve under him in the war.
Yes, Heydon, General Alexander was the Governor General of Canada and well liked. A real war hero for us.
Great idea, but good luck with finding many politicians willing to take that oath, at least without crossing their fingers.
Right. The pols won't want any part of that proposal, to have them take a vow of honesty and dedication to serving the American people. They've become too accustomed to the American people serving the pols' needs as opposed to the pols. serving the American peoples' interests.
True for too many politicians. There are a few who still believe in service to their Nation and their Constituents. I am fortunate to have on of the few, Congressman Ami Bera M.D. I worked for his campaign in 2010, which he lost 2012, which he won, and he has been in Congress ever since. That last campaign on which I actively worked, after that I worked on the East Coast and the mid-west. He always answers my emails, even when we disagree, he explains his position - amazing, right?
Yes, it is amazing. Dr. Bera might be the right person to initiate some "Oath of Honor" in Congress.
I'll suggest that to him!
Thanks. I'll be interested in hearing how an apparently honest representative responds to this. It could end up as a popular platform which in turn propels Dr. Bera to a higher role in government, perhaps the WH though I believe big money at this point would not be receptive to congressional honesty.
I emailed Congressman Ami Bera and asked if he and other members of the Democratic Caucus and even some non-MAGA Republicans would make the pledge not to steal, cheat, or lie while in their role as members of the House of Representatives.. I limited it to that role because most of us tell little meaningless lies, like why we can't go to lunch with a coworker, which is different from saying the Election was fraudulent and Trump really won.
Thank you!
Ellie’s right. TheStates Project IDs likely winners in several states and pours resources into those. I don’t think TN is one of their target states yet.
Think climate change: Senator Jon Tester, as far as I know, the only farmer in Congress, Democrat in a Trump Republican state, needs out-of-state support. And we need farmers in Congress. Food is important to everyone and a new farm bill should have lots of individual farmer input. Price of eggs: think chicken food, which has to be nutritious if we want nutritious eggs.
I would call her worthy, and she is taking on one of the worst do-nothing senators ever. Marsha aligned herself with tfg from the beginning. She holds no constituent meetings. She was deliberately rude to Ketanji Brown Jackson. She has to go.
Also check out Force Multiplier. https://www.forcemultiplierus.org/ They do research focusing on how likely a candidate’s chances are of winning. To qualify for a recommendation, a candidate’s odds must be not too good and not too small, as well as not extremely well financed and not hopelessly broke. In other words, they look for viable candidates who would most benefit from a shot in the arm from donors.
"I'm on everyone's begging list"
So much of the fund-raising mail (of one sort or another) feels fundamentally gimmicky and not informative. So much as pure sales pitch that seems to treat me as an abstract, algorithmic target rather than a person. Not enough reason to not support a good cause, but I wonder if it is not self-defeating in the end? It seems to me to be a useful courtesy to speak from the heart. I speculate that this abstract algorithmization is part of why people become so alienated they start to believe utter crap.
🙌 Jerry ....ME TOO!
I couldn't agree more! I appreciate your post and the responses. I think even small dollar donations are helpful. (Which is all I am able to afford at the moment.)