As we approach Veterans Day, our thoughts naturally turn to the diverse and nuanced experiences of veterans, a reality close to my own heart. This is a time not only for gratitude but also for deeper understanding. Our partners at Veterans for All Voters remind us to extend our recognition beyond a simple “thank you.”

I encourage you to read the Veterans Day Message from Navy veterans Todd Connor and Eric Bronner of Veterans for All Voters. Their words resonate deeply and underscore the importance of active, meaningful engagement. Please join us in amplifying their vital message.

Our collective focus on active engagement is echoed in our community-driven initiatives. Bridge Alliance partners recognize that while national issues demand our attention, transformative change often begins at the local level. It's with this perspective that we spotlight our partners at The National Civic League and their 2024 All-America City Award.

Applications are now open for this prestigious recognition, an initiative dating back to 1949. The 2024 theme, "Strengthening Democracy through Local Action and Innovation," is particularly resonant. They seek to honor communities that are fortifying democratic processes and encouraging civic participation, be it through voter accessibility, community engagement, or leadership opportunities.

Key dates to remember are December 14, 2023, for optional letters of intent, and February 13, 2024, for final applications. They will announce the top 20 finalists in March 2024, who will then present their achievements at the All-America City Award event in Denver, CO, from June 7-9, 2024.

For details on the application process and award criteria, we invite you to view this informational webinar and reviewing the 2023 application guide.

In this season of reflection, let’s honor our veterans' sacrifices and rededicate ourselves to empowering our communities through active and thoughtful engagement.

Featured Content

AllSides (Blog) November 7th: Misinformation Watch: Unpacking Paul Pelosi False Flag Theories

American Academy of Arts and Sciences (Report) October 25th: The Case for Supreme Court Term Limits

American Promise (Article) November 6th: ABA Task Force Submission: A Constitutional Amendment to Revive Self-Government in America

Divided We Fall (Article) November 8th: Is the Republican Party Better or Worse Today?

Interactivity Foundation (Article) November 2nd: Just Imagine…A Lesson on Social Transformation

Independent Voter Project (IVN) November 8th: Ranked Choice Voting Sweeps Again on Election Day

IssueOne (Event Recap) November 3rd: Launch of the Safe Tech, Safe Kids Campaign

Issue Voter (Blog) October 6th: The Current Standing of Abortion Laws in Every U.S. State

National Civic League (Video): So You Want to be a 2024 All-America City?

Veterans for All Voters (Article) November 9th: Honoring Veterans Day

Podcasts

DaviesContent (How Do We Fix It?) November 2nd: Polarization Series: The Soul of Civility

The Democracy Group (The Great Battlefield) November 8th: Engaging High School Students in Politics

The McCourtney Institute for Democracy (Democracy Works) November 6th: When populism and democracy collide

The Village Square (God Squad) November 9th:  Shut Up and (Don't) Sing

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (The Bully Pulpit) November 3rd: Presidential Race 2024

Citizen Connect Featured Events

R Street (November 14th @ 11:30 am EST) Farm Facts and Fairy Tales: Are Today’s Agricultural Policies Aligned with the Real World? 

Essential Partners (November 14th @ 3 pm CST) Intergenerational Dialogue Event

Parents Forum (November 14th @ 4 pm CST) Communications Skills Workshops

Living Room Conversations (November 16th @ 10 am PST) Introduction to Living Room Conversations

Civic Synergy (November 16th @ 5:30 pm CST) Civic Synergy Presents: Empower Youth In Power

Featured Fulcrum Articles

Ross Sherman (Unite America) November 9th: The U.S. House of Representatives has a governing problem: Alaska has some answers

John Opdycke (Open Primaries) November 9th: What if neither party can govern?

Staff, November 8th: The Bridge Building Showcase

Debilyn Molineaux, November 6th American Future: Preparing to meet you

David L. Nevins, November 2nd:  Politics, celebrity, and Taylor Swift