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.
Research & Resources
Through our books, case studies, journal articles, papers, and surveys, the Ash Center is home to some of the world’s most advanced research and publications on issues related to democratic governance and self-governance.
To explore all research authored by Ash Center faculty, please visit the Harvard Kennedy School website. You can view the Ash Center’s open access policy here.
Newest
Policy Brief
Positioning Postsecondary Education as Statewide Civic Infrastructure
This policy brief examines how states can strengthen partnerships between postsecondary institutions and state election officials to build sustainable civic infrastructure.
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.
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.
Video
VIDEO—Democracy 250: The Impact of Sports on the History of Civil Rights in America
A recent event explored how sports have shaped movements for racial justice, gender equality, religious freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and broader inclusion in the United States.
Additional Resource
From Questions to Evidence
Additional Resource
How A.I. Can Be Good For Democracy
In a recent guest essay for The New York Times, Allen Lab Democracy Stack Fellow Beth Noveck argues for putting A.I. behind every public servant.
Paper
Improving the Pipeline of Election Officials
Members of the Ash Center’s Executive Session on Elections and Election Administration present a comprehensive strategy to recruit, support, and retain election administrators by reducing barriers to entry, strengthening professional networks, improving workplace support, and utilizing workforce data address burnout and prevent attrition.
Additional Resource
How Americans Navigate Voting Information Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections
The Shorenstein Center’s 2026 Voting Information Trends project—developed in collaboration with the National Internet Observatory at Northeastern University, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation’s Program on Democracy and the Informed Public, and The Civic Health and Institutions Project—provides new insights into the voter information landscape in the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Among the resources, an interactive dashboard maps where Americans are finding voting information and learning about key aspects of the voting process—from sourcing polling locations to voter registration. Also included are a series of trends reports gauging perceptions of voting in the lead up to the 2026 midterm elections.
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.