Video
The Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation’s Making Democracy Interesting webinar brought together scholars, writers, and creators to explore how storytelling can make democratic life feel more accessible, human, and compelling.
Making Democracy Interesting brought together scholars, writers, and creators to explore how storytelling can make democratic life feel more accessible, human, and compelling. The panel was moderated by James Bryant Conant University Professor Danielle Allen and WIRED’s former editor-in-chief Gideon Lichfield, an Allen Lab Fellow, and featured:
Their discussion examined why traditional political language often fails to connect, especially with younger generations, and how parasocial relationships, narrative experimentation, and participatory media can enliven civic engagement. From real-world experiments in collective problem-solving to creator-led movements that mobilize millions, the discussion offered concrete examples of how democracy is lived and shared experiences and not just an abstract ideal. Watch the recording to hear how storytelling might help democracy find its audience again.
Media Release
Open Access Resource
With a majority of municipalities publishing their budgets as PDFs, Open Book offers a free alternative that towns own and run themselves.
Commentary
As cord-cutting erodes the funding that sustains local cable access channels, the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation offers recommendations for preserving vital sources of community information, government transparency, and civic participation.
