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April 11, 2023 Public Agenda, a non-partisan research to action organization, today announced the appointment of Michael Itzkowitz as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow, joining its roster of talented researchers and policy experts. With more than 10 years of experience in federal education policy, his work focuses on developing accountability metrics … Read more
March 27, 2023 Through our “No Silver Bullet to Community Engagement” blog series, we’ve shared our learning about how to incorporate equity in your work, how to center relationships in community engagement practices, and how to create transformation by shifting power. The final entry in our series focuses on designing … Read more
March 6, 2023 48% of alumni of online for-profit colleges say they were very satisfied, while 70% of alumni of online nonprofit colleges were very satisfied Just 39% of for-profit online alumni believe that getting their degree was worth it, compared to 57% of nonprofit online alumni Half of for-profit … Read more
February 23, 2023 In the third blog post of our “There is No Silver Bullet to Community Engagement” series, we will discuss and unpack the role that power plays in designing transformative community engagement practices. We’ll also pay particular attention as it relates to shifting policy and pitching policy that … Read more
February 2, 2023 Our previous blog post challenged the request for quick fixes to community engagement challenges that practitioners in this industry often receive. This entry into the series will dive into the importance of designing transformative engagement processes through building upon what exists and through deep relationship building. The … Read more
January 31, 2023 Half of for-profit alumni believe their college prioritized profits over students, while only 38% believe their degree was worth the cost A significant fraction of for-profit alumni and non-completers say their schools fell short on making tutors available, providing internships and work experience, career services, or job … Read more
December 21, 2022 Through the Community Voices for Health (CVH) initiative, we at Public Agenda, a research-to-action nonprofit organization, and our partner Altarum, a nonprofit that helps federal and state health agencies and foundations improve health equity and outcomes through better systems of care, are working closely with community-based organizations … Read more
December 15, 2022 Public Agenda, a research-to-action non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening democracy, announced today that Mizell Stewart III has joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Stewart, who brings decades of experience in journalism and leadership, is an esteemed ally of Public Agenda’s crucial work of bridging the gap between … Read more
December 6, 2022 There’s skepticism among Americans about mixing religion with politics, despite saying their beliefs influence political views and voting choices A declining share of Americans overall believe it is very important to reduce divisiveness, but Americans who are both religious and spiritual are more eager to connect across … Read more
October 27, 2022 Nearly one-third of the country is politically alienated Despite frustrations, 71% of politically alienated Americans are planning to vote in the upcoming midterms Half of all Americans think our democracy is in crisis, a 14% increase from 2021 Nearly half of Independents see extremism as a serious … Read more
Finding Common Ground (WNYC – The Brian Lehrer Show, May 19, 2021)
#ListenFirst: New virtual event kicks off annual National Week of Conversation (USA TODAY, May 18, 2021)
America Talks: Toxic polarization threatens our nation’s future. Here’s how we can save it. (USA TODAY, May 18, 2021)
Why it's bad for America if President Biden gives up on bipartisanship (USA TODAY, May 17, 2021)
America Is Optimistic. Can Biden Make the Feeling Last? (The New York Times, May 3, 2021)
In Patients We Trust: Why Clinicians Need To Believe And Respect Patients (Health Affairs, April 29, 2021)
Strengthening democracy starts with better monitoring of our civic health (The Fulcrum, April 27, 2021)
We disagree on a lot but overwhelmingly agree that we need to find common ground. Let's start together, here (USA TODAY, April 27, 2021)
Hidden Common Ground: Why Americans aren't as divided on issues as we appear to be (USA TODAY, April 27, 2021)
Hidden Common Ground poll: Americans want compromise, but think political gridlock will worsen (USA TODAY, April 27, 2021)
The search for unity: 4 ways Americans can bridge our racial and political divisions (USA TODAY, April 27, 2021)
Giving teachers more decision-making power would bring democracy to life at school (The Fulcrum, March 24, 2021)
Police trials as benchmarks for racial justice (The Christian Science Monitor, March 8, 2021)
Time to apply ample lessons from abroad to improve democracy here (The Fulcrum, February 24, 2021)
How Do Patients Feel About Social Risk Screening? (Healthcare Innovation, February 22, 2021)
Universal Child Care: A Bad Deal for Kids? (Institute for Family Studies, February 1, 2021)
McDonald's CEO: Chain will do 'just fine' with higher wages (Restaurant Dive, January 29, 2021)
Survey: Parents and Teachers Grapple with In-Person Learning (WOSU Public Media, January 28, 2021)
As support for $15 minimum wage gains momentum, Main Street fears it's not the right time (CNBC, January 25, 2021)
Democrats Hope Biz Tax Incentives Can Sell Wage Increase (Law360, November 17, 2020)
Bernie Sanders aceptaría integrarse a gabinete de Biden y apoya aumento de $15 dólares la hora a nivel nacional (El Diario, November 16, 2020)
Bernie Sanders claims majority of Americans support a ‘far-left agenda’ that includes raising minimum wage to $15 as he says he’d accept a position in President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet (Daily Mail, November 16, 2020)
Even a divided America agrees on raising the minimum wage (Brookings, November 13, 2020)
Irv Randolph: The growing demand for police reform (The Philadelphia Tribune, November 13, 2020)
As a deeply divided nation processes the election results, what DO we actually agree on? More than you’d think (MarketWatch, November 6, 2020)
Ways Republicans and Democrats have found common ground during contentious 2020 election (MSN, October 26, 2020)
Hidden Common Ground: We found that Americans are more united than it appears (USA TODAY, October 20, 2020)
Queens' 14 council districts may lose participatory budgeting for second year in a row (Queens Daily Eagle, October 19, 2020)
How Do Social Determinants of Health Affect Patient Wellness? (PatientEngagementHIT, October 9, 2020)
Poll: More Americans on both sides of the political spectrum want a higher minimum wage (WITF, September 30, 2020)
COVID-19 has narrowed the divide between GOP, Democratic voters on ways to support workers from pay to child care (USA TODAY, September 24, 2020)
David Bange: Turn climate anxiety into climate action (La Crosse Tribune, September 20, 2020)
Americans Share Common Ground, Misperceptions About Immigration, Poll Finds (KUNR Public Radio, August 14, 2020)
Americans’ confidence in police falls to historic low, Gallup poll shows (USA TODAY, August 12, 2020)
Poll shows growing disconnect over Trump's hard-line immigration policies (USA TODAY, August 12, 2020)
A 'huge moment' for police reform that could reshape Black communities for generations (USA TODAY, July 18, 2020)
There's Still More To Do But Black Lives Matter Protests Have Resulted In These Major Police Reforms (mitú, July 2, 2020)
USA TODAY poll: Americans want major police reform, more focus on serious crime (USA TODAY, June 29, 2020)
Broad Support for Most Police Reforms in New Survey (The Crime Report, June 29, 2020)
Breaking News - USA TODAY poll: Americans want major police reform, more focus on serious crime (US Latest News, June 29, 2020)
The Cost of Being a College Dropout (Coastline College Blog, June 20, 2020)
Will Americans follow social distancing measures? (Medium, June 5, 2020)
One Thing About Reopening That Most Democrats and Republicans Agree On (MSN, June 4, 2020)
Smart Talk Tuesday: Lancaster protests; Philadelphia reporter arrested at protest; Poll shows public supports COVID-19 response; Counties want mental health funding (WITF, June 2, 2020)
Coronavirus live updates: Health a bigger worry than finances, poll finds; SCOTUS won't rush church reopenings; United announces cuts (Oshkosh Northwestern, May 30, 2020)
Partisan divide over economy grows, but Americans more worried about their health: Exclusive poll (Detroit Free Press, May 29, 2020)
Think Americans Are Polarized Over Reopening, Face Masks? Survey Says Think Again (WOSU Public Media, May 29, 2020)
Health outweighs economy in poll (USA TODAY, May 29, 2020)
Monthly Civic Tech must-reads #6 (CitizenLab, April 27, 2020)
How to give back to your community during the pandemic (Rice University News and Media Relations, April 24, 2020)
New Vision Council Report Reveals Consumer Attitudes and Industry Insights About COVID-19 Crisis (Vision Monday, April 20, 2020)
Faced with a pandemic, good public health requires stronger democracy (The Hill, April 18, 2020)
Bloomington Health Foundation, CJAM receive $600,000 for Community Voices in Health project (Hoosier Times, April 15, 2020)
Colorado groups to receive health advocacy grant (Colorado Politics, April 15, 2020)
The coronavirus on Smart Talk Monday: End of life decisions and survey finds Americans on 'common ground' (WITF, April 13, 2020)
Like Jesus on Easter, we too will rise. After we beat the coronavirus. (USA TODAY Opinion, April 10, 2020)
Surveys on Coronavirus Impact Underscore Near-Term Challenges (SGB Media, April 7, 2020)
Bishops can do more to provide sacraments despite coronavirus fears, open letter claims (Catholic News Agency, April 7, 2020)
COVID-19 Bringing Communities Together (The 21st Show, April 6, 2020)
Survey: COVID-19 Brings U.S. Communities Together (Iowa Public Radio, April 6, 2020)
Poll: Americans choose saving lives over saving US economy (Rolla Daily News, April 4, 2020)
Coronavirus poll: Americans support drastic efforts to stop coronavirus, expect crisis to last for months in Public Agenda/USA TODAY/Ipsos poll (USA TODAY, April 3, 2020)
Despite Hardships, Americans See COVID-19 Bringing Communities Together, Survey Shows (Side Effects, April 3, 2020)
Poll: Halting Virus Is Bigger Priority Than Saving Economy (Newsmax, April 3, 2020)
Most believe stopping virus is larger priority than saving economy: poll (The Hill, April 3, 2020)
Poll: Americans Choose Saving Lives Over US Economy (Media Confidential, April 3, 2020)
Democratic, Republican voters actually agree on how to juice the economy. What's in the way? Politics. (USA TODAY, March 6, 2020)
4 science-based strategies to tame angry political debate and encourage tolerance (The Conversation, February 27, 2020)
How Social Determinants of Health Impact Pediatric No-Show Rates (Patient Engagement Hit, February 25, 2020)
Philanthropy's Role in Scaling Sounder Public Judgement (Medium, February 24, 2020)
Red and Blue America see eye-to-eye on one issue: the nation's health care system needs fixing (USA TODAY, February 7, 2020)
Americans Agree Health Care System Needs Fixing, New Survey Funds (WBUR, February 13, 2020)
Survey: Americans Agree Health Care System Needs Fixing (Side Effects, February 6, 2020)
Where Are All The Iowa Polls This Year? (FiveThirtyEight, January 31st, 2020)
Commentary: How to help New Yorkers compare health care options (New Canaan Advertiser, January 28th, 2020)
Republican and Democratic voters actually agree on many climate change fixes. So why no action? (USA TODAY, January 24, 2020)
Five myths about bipartisanship (The Washington Post, January 17, 2020)
Will Friedman: There is more common ground in America than you think (NewsRadio KTRH 740 AM, December 9, 2019)
Divided we fall? Americans see our angry political debate as 'a big problem' (USA TODAY, December 9, 2019)
Op-Ed: A Challenge to College Presidents (NJ Spotlight, November 19th, 2019)
Ethical College Admissions: Counseling vs. Coaching (Inside Higher Ed, November 11th, 2019)
USA TODAY NETWORK and Public Agenda to Explore the ‘Hidden Common Ground’ Among Citizens Leading to the 2020 Election (Yahoo!, November 11th, 2019)
Solving Higher Education’s Crisis Of Governance Means Changing How We Choose Governors (Forbes, November 15th, 2019)
Americans are ready for more meaningful democracy (Jefferson Center, August 26th, 2019)
The case for using polling data more regularly (The Grade, August 7th, 2019)
3 Provider Communication Strategies for Creating Patient Trust (Patient Engagement HIT, August 6th, 2019)
Patient Trust, Relationships Key in Pediatric SDOH Screenings (Patient Engagement HIT, August 5th, 2019)
Pediatric social determinants screening (Drivers of Health, August 5th, 2019)
Screening For Social Needs: What Do Parents Think? (Health Affairs, July 30th, 2019)
Residents Test Their Knowledge At Jamaica Bay Jeopardy (Canarsie Courier, July 30th, 2019)
Parents Talk About Social Needs Screening:Identify Trust as a Major Issue (Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, July 24th, 2019)
President Issues Executive Order Calling for Health Care Price Transparency (Society for Human Resource Management, June 26th, 2019)
Democrats' views on charters diverge by race as 2020 elections loom (Brookings, May 21st, 2019)
Quick Fix - Housing Affordability Panel (Politico, May 14th, 2019)
The Week Ahead in New York Politics, May 13 (Gotham Gazette, May 13th, 2019)
Price transparency is key to a functional health-care market (The Hill, April 17th, 2019)
New Visions: Subconscious tech vs conscious engagement; benefit apps that talk back; Zuck's conversion; and more. (Civic Hall, March 7th, 2019)
A human rights approach to the health implications of food and nutrition insecurity (Thrive Global, January 22nd, 2019)
A human rights approach to the health implications of food and nutrition insecurity (Thrive Global, January 22nd, 2019)
Why are so many college students returning home? (GreatSchools.org, January 9th, 2019)
How providers, patients could benefit from CMS' newly instated price transparency rule (Fierce Healthcare, January 4th, 2019)
Friedman: Is polling good for democracy? (Statesman News Network, September 4, 2016)
Public Agenda, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to strengthening democracy, released a new report in partnership with USA TODAY, “Putting Partisan Animosity in Perspective.” The report features findings from a representative survey of Americans on their views on partisan animosity, the ways in which it impacts their lives and the nation, … Read more
New Initiative to Explore Students’ Experiences with For-Profit Colleges and Online Degree Programs Public Agenda is excited to announce a new research initiative supported by Arnold Ventures that includes two higher education projects. The first will study the experiences of students, alumni and people who started but did not complete … Read more
Across the political spectrum, Americans think our democracy is in trouble, expect the government to guarantee both secure and accessible voting, and want “ordinary people” to have more of a voice in policy. Differences persist along partisan lines on racism’s impact on democracy and the need for systemic change to … Read more
Seligsohn’s leadership in civic engagement, higher education to advance Public Agenda’s mission to strengthen democracy and expand opportunity for all Americans.
The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of our system of government. By any measure, the riot that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 was unacceptable. Using violence and intimidation to achieve political goals is abhorrent and illegal. Through our votes, we choose the leaders whose … Read more
Public Agenda, a non-partisan research and public engagement organization based in New York City, has received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for “Healthier Democracies,” an initiative that will explore practical lessons from other countries that could help Americans improve their democratic systems and restore trust in government. … Read more
This January marks my tenth year as president of Public Agenda, an organization I’ve had the privilege of serving and growing with for a quarter of a century. Along that journey, Public Agenda has offered me countless opportunities, and I’m deeply grateful for them all.
Like so many Americans, recent events have battered the Public Agenda team with anger, sadness and anxiety and we are asking ourselves how to respond. We are thinking about a phrase we use to convey the spirit of our work: Let’s build a democracy that works for everyone. By this … Read more
New research from the inaugural Public Agenda/USA TODAY/Ipsos Hidden Common GroundTM survey reveals a significant number of Republicans and Democrats would consider crossing party lines for a more unifying candidate
First phase of Public Agenda/USA Today’s Election-Year Hidden Common Ground Initiative™ to explore America’s collaborative divide and how it can be bridged New York City – A self-defeating narrative is taking hold in America of a people who are so profoundly divided that we cannot possibly understand each other, let … Read more
Participatory budgeting (PB) often funds infrastructure projects. For local officials and community leaders using or considering PB, Vallejo offers a model for funding programs and services. In most cities, participatory budgeting, or PB, is limited to capital funds: longer-term infrastructure projects such as schools, parks, streetlights and street repaving. Vallejo, … Read more
What would it take for HSAs to be more equitable, effective and efficient? One of the health care policies that President-Elect Trump has advocated is an expansion of Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. Research suggests that HSAs, as they currently exist, primarily benefit wealthier and healthier individuals. What would it … Read more
At Public Agenda, we’re a bunch of optimists. We believe that democracy CAN work for everyone, and that better models of public engagement are key to this mission. Americans are frustrated by the state of our democracy. Meanwhile, the relationship between leaders and the public continues to erode. This dynamic … Read more
New year, new public engagement skills. Get the training needed to connect in meaningful and lasting ways. The new year is seen as a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. In that spirit of self-improvement, we’re on a mission to improve public engagement efforts … Read more
This fall, two pieces of conventional wisdom regarding higher education were turned on their heads by the American public. The 2016 presidential election cemented a long-perceived trend: our great country is becoming increasingly divisive. Moreover, election results indicate that ideological divisions are largely linked to educational attainment. Meanwhile, this fall, … Read more
Voting every four years and then checking out is a recipe for a weak democracy. People need authentic and satisfying avenues of engagement between elections. During a panel discussion two weeks ago, we explored a number of questions: Can the public have a real voice in American politics? Is too much democracy … Read more
Given the tenor of public dialogue around the presidential transition, we’re likely to see even more division and emotion emerge around the already controversial topic of charter schools. That’s where we come in. With the announcement of Betsy DeVos as President-Elect Trump’s Secretary of Education, charter schools look to be … Read more
Public engagement experts and practitioners acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead for their field, but are optimistic about the future of democracy. Watch a video of the discussion here. This year’s election surfaced many divisions and frustrations, provoking questions, conversations and think pieces about the public’s appropriate role in politics. … Read more
While details remain hazy, President-Elect Trump has given a few indications on his transition website and during rallies regarding what he’d pursue. With Donald Trump’s win last week, I found myself uncertain about what the results of the presidential election mean for higher education. I share this feeling with many … Read more
As a communications hub for our work, we hope our new website will advance our goals by elevating a diversity of voices, enabling common ground, improving dialogue and collaboration, and ultimately contributing to progress on critical issues. Welcome to Public Agenda’s new website! We invite you to take some time … Read more
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