Podcast
What now? Post-Election Day Special with Archon Fung and Stephen Richer
On this week of the Terms of Engagement podcast we have a special Post-Election Day Discussion with co-hosts Professor Archon Fung and Stephen Richer.
Policy Brief
Celebrities Strengthening Our Culture of Democracy
This study provides an analysis and evaluation of how celebrity engagement impacts civic participation in the United States. When and why do celebrities decide to use their influence to encourage civic engagement? What difference do their actions make?
A healthy democracy can be measured in many ways, with a core marker being the level of engagement in the process of electing public representatives. Unfortunately, despite record-breaking voter participation levels in recent elections, the United States still ranks 31st out of 50 developed nations in terms of eligible voter participation. Lagging voter engagement and rising distrust of political institutions weaken our democracy.
Today, many celebrities are involved in efforts to help boost civic interest, engagement, and participation while building goodwill with their fans. Celebrities, defined broadly as famous people, are distinctively positioned to tackle this critical issue because of their ability to garner media coverage, attract large crowds, reach their fans, and influence society.
This study focuses specifically on what celebrities are doing and can do, to promote voter participation, including voter education and mobilization efforts. However imperfectly, the impact of these efforts can be measured by examining whether they lead people to take actions related to voting, such as registering to vote, requesting a ballot, and casting a ballot.
Related Resources
The fans who helped build women’s sports may be the fans most threatened by their success
Liz B. Delia, Ph.D., an Ash Sports, Democracy and Civic Health contributor, explains that as bigger crowds and brighter spotlights are on women’s sports, longtime supporters may find that success also changes their sense of belonging.
Podcast
Midterm Special: Key Races, Election Predictions and What Comes Next
On this week’s episode of the Terms of Engagement podcast, co-hosts Professor Archon Fung and Stephen Richer will discuss everything related to the midterm elections.
Policy Brief
Why Collective Behavior Change Requires a Civic Culture Approach
A new policy brief explores how civic culture can reshape social norms, encourage collective action, and drive lasting behavioral change.
Additional Resource
From Questions to Evidence
Policy Brief
Labor Unions and Civic Participation: How Unions Can Increase Member Engagement
A new policy brief explores how unions help members become more engaged in civic and political life.