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.
Commentary
Allen Lab Fellow Tyler Fisher examines the untapped potential of city charters as a vehicle for deliberative democracy, arguing that advocates should work to embed tools like citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, and town meetings directly into the governing architecture of cities, institutionalizing deliberative democracy one municipality at a time.
Additional Resource
As public officials increasingly turn to digital tools, this guide helps Massachusetts municipal leaders navigate Open Meeting Law and their everyday digital practice while safeguarding transparency.
Policy Brief
As technology reshapes how public officials communicate with their communities, this policy brief offers recommendations for modernizing Massachusetts Open Meeting Law to protect transparency and accountability while enabling the tools that expand access to government.
