Kristen Cambell is the ever-curious and inquisitive CEO of PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement), one of the largest communities of philanthropists (120+ foundations!) seeking to maximize their impact on democracy and civic life in America. In this sometimes-punchy and sometimes-meaty podcast, Kristen wrestles with some of the flashpoint news and enduring questions facing democracy and philanthropy in America today, and she's never afraid to bring a fascinating guest into the mix.
How Trust for Civic Life is Funding Civic Entrepreneurs Ft. Charlie Brown
In this episode, Kristen Cambell interviews Charlie Brown, Executive Director at Trust for Civic Life. They discuss the Trust's new civic entrepreneur grant cycle -- an initiative sure to push the field forward -- and how the Trust is uniquely doing "pre-politics" work. If you're curious about the cutting edge of philanthropic investment in civic life, this episode is for you.
22 Jan 2025
How Parks Can Save Our Democracy Ft. Cary Simmons
In this episode, Kristen Cambell interviews Cary Simmons, Director of Community Strategies at Trust for Public Land. They discuss how parks are uniquely positioned to promote a democracy larger than politics and reduce polarization.
22 Jan 2025
RECAP: Is Democracy Larger than Politics in Philanthropy?
PACE's overarching theme in 2024 was 'Democracy is Larger than Politics.' Across 12 salon gatherings and hundreds of funder participants, Amy McIsaac is here to share our biggest learnings and still-lingering questions. If you're looking for a 50,000 foot, meta-analysis of how foundations are navigating the tension between strenghtening democracy and engaging in politics heading into 2025, you'll want to listen to this episode.
19 Nov 2024
A Jolt of Post-Election Optimism
In this insightful episode, Kristen Cambell engages Nichole Argo of TogetherUp Institute and Scott Hutcheson of E Pluribus Unum in a thought-provoking discussion about the needed work of fostering belonging and building inclusive communities. They explore the power of relationships, norms, and local action in creating lasting change. This conversation offers valuable perspectives and encouragement for democracy defenders grappling with the 2024 election results, emphasizing the importance of bridging divides and empowering individuals to shape a more inclusive society.
4 Nov 2024
Faith First: Putting Politics in Perspective During Election Time (Ft. More in Common)
This election season has been so turbulent and divisive, it's easy to forget that we are more than just our votes. In this episode, Kristen interviews Jason Mangone, US Executive Director of More in Common. They discuss the (often underappreciated) role of religious faith in US politics, including its role in informing our political engagement. You'll walk away from the episode with a more holistic view of your neighbors, and why their multifacated identities cannot be reduced to their ballot.
29 Oct 2024
How this Foundation and its Grantees are Improving the Youth Vote
In this episode, PACE's Siri Erickson interviews Deborah Schachter, Director of Public Policy at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation along with two reps from the Foundation's grantees, Laura Brill of the Civics Center and Olivia Zink of Open Democracy. Together, they discuss their collaborative (and highly successful) efforts to improve the number of young voters in New Hampshire -- including what's working and the challenges they're facing.
24 Oct 2024
The Leaders Philanthropy Needs Right Now
In this episode, Kristen sits down with Mariah Levinson and Robert Fersh, authors of the new book, "From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems" (Wiley, 2024). Among a number of topics and stories, they discuss the kind of philanthropic and non-profit leaders our divided country needs -- when few seem willing to come together across deep differences to solve big problems.
12 Aug 2024
Conservative Voices for Democracy: A New Agenda
This episode explores a collaborative project aimed at fostering a pro-democracy agenda among conservatives. Guests Scott Warren and Matt Germer share insights on their efforts to engage right-leaning individuals in meaningful conversations about election trust and democratic principles, highlighting the importance of intra-partisan dialogue in strengthening democracy across the US.
10 Jul 2024
Democracy Futures Project: Helping Funders Resist the "Doom Loop"
In this episode, Kristen introduces the Democracy Futures Project, a new initiative from PACE launching in Fall 2024. Given the threats to democracy in 2024, why is PACE launching a project to address democracy in 2050? Hear the answer in this episode.
1 Jul 2024
Can Libraries Save Democracy?
In this episode, Kristen talks to Sanobar Chagani, Democracy Projects Coordinator at EveryLibrary, about the crucial role of libraries in democracy with a focus on promoting civic engagement, preventing political violence, and combating misinformation. The discussion highlights the importance of librarians in election administration, civic education, and identifying and combating misinformation, with a particular focus on their role in underrepresented communities.
10 Jun 2024
Promoting Democracy in Higher Education
Kristen talks to Rajiv Vinnakota (President, Institute for Citizens & Scholars) and Jeremy Haefner (Chanceller, University of Denver) about the challenges colleges face when they try to take on civic preparation in a major way. They also discuss the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness initiative, which has grown to 72 Presidents.
6 Jun 2024
The Power of Faith in Bridging Divides (Ft. Nicholas Ma)
Nicholas Ma, renowned writer, director, and producer, shares details about his upcoming documentary, Leap of Faith. This compelling film takes viewers on a transformative ride alongside 12 Christian pastors from diverse backgrounds. Together, they confront personal contradictions and societal divisions within their faith, exploring the power of shared values to foster unity in the face of adversity. In conversation with Kristen Cambell, Executive Director of PACE, Ma explains the documentary’s purpose and the profound impact of embracing common ground to bridge divides.
21 May 2024
Why Gen Z Isn't Listening To You
Why doesn't Gen Z resonate with the same civic terms that older generations do? We explore this question and more with Siri Erickson, Program Support Lead on PACE's Civic Language Perceptions Project. You'll learn which terms they like and don't like, why they're skeptical of "patriotism," and which terms motivate them to action.
15 May 2024
How Do Americans Feel About "Patriotism"?
Siri Erickson, Program Support Lead at PACE, discusses new PACE research on civic language with special focus on how American voters respond to the term "patriotism." Americans are divided on the term, and listeners will find out where the divisions are -- as well as how the term could be rejuvenated in 2024.
2 May 2024
How Philanthropy Stokes Division
In this episode, Kristen discusses the main ideas behind her new OpEd at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, "Righteous Attitudes, Ideological Purity Tests, Zero-Sum Thinking: How Philanthropy Stokes Division."
25 Apr 2024
Can "The Commons" Bring Philanthropy Together? Ft. Drew Lindsay
In this episode, Kristen interviews Drew Lindsay of the Chronicle of Philanthropy about the launch of a new vertical at the Chronicle called the Commons, which aims to explore the country's fault lines and philanthropy's response to them. The interview includes an explanation of what the Commons is, why it was launched, and Drew's hopes for its achievements.
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