The Connective Tissue of Democracy

The connective tissue of American civil society—the associations, clubs, congregations, and other spaces where people gather and experience collective life—has deteriorated significantly in recent decades, diminishing community resilience and jeopardizing the health of our democracy. While the roots of this civic crisis are complex, remedial action is imperative. How can we revitalize the intermediary institutions that enable civic life to flourish?

This virtual event, co-hosted by Stanford University's Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) and the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy , will examine how policymakers, philanthropists, and civic leaders can contribute to this effort. Sam Pressler will present on the newly released Connective Tissue report—a policy framework for government's role in building connection in American communities—and a panel of experts will discuss the possibilities and challenges of civic renewal.?

The panel, moderated by Aaron Horvath, a Sociologist and Research Scholar at Stanford PACS, will include:?

? Pete Davis —Writer and filmmaker; Co-director of Join or Die, a documentary on Robert Putnam and the decline of American community?

?? Josh Fryday — California’s Chief Service Officer; Appointed by Governor Newsom to lead service, volunteer, and civic engagement efforts throughout California?

? Hollie Russon Gilman — Political Scientist; Senior Fellow at New America's Political Reform Program where she leads the Participatory Democracy Project?

The event will be held on Tuesday, October 29, from 4:00-5:30PM (ET) / 1:00-2:30PM (PT). See the Connective Tissue policy framework here: https://theconnectivetissue.us/framework The virtual event is on?Tuesday, October 29, from 4:00-5:30PM (ET) / 1:00-2:30PM (PT).

You can?register here ?for more info and a link to the zoom.