CommonSense American

03/11/2025

Is there common-sense legislation that you’d like to see passed in 2025? Do you want to help shape the kinds of issues CommonSense American tackles this year? Are you interested in learning more about how CommonSense American is engaging with bipartisan policy in the new Congress? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should register today to attend our National Members’ Meeting on March 13th at 8 pm ET/5 pm ET! At this meeting, we’ll discuss some exciting new developments in our work. Our meetings with more than 30 congressional offices so far this year have moved us into the center of American policymaking, and we are eager to hear your guidance on how to make the most of these incredible opportunities.

Register at this link to join us on Thursday: https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/events/member-meeting-03mar2025/

03/04/2025

Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Tuesday, March 4th from 7-8:30pm EST.

Register for free tickets at https://tinyurl.com/KurtGray. More info is at https://villagesquare.us/event/outraged/
Why does it feel like those on the “other side” are not just different but dangerous?
According to our special guest UNC psychologist Kurt Gray in his new book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground the conflict lies in our human instinct to protect ourselves and the ones we love from harm.
Kurt — Director of the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding — discovered that while we may disagree on many issues, these conflicts stem from one shared instinct: the desire to prevent harm. Our evolutionary past has us wired to be on alert for threats, but people today disagree about what those threats are and which are most important. It’s these differing views that create moral outrage and fuel political conflict.
UNUM is presented in partnership with Florida Humanities. We are proud to be in our fourth year of “UNUM: Democracy Reignited” programming, made possible in partnerships with Florida Humanities with support from National Endowment for the Humanities. (Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.)

02/28/2025

As Black History Month comes to a close, all of us at CommonSense American are reflecting on the legacy of Black leaders who have challenged our nation to uphold its promises of liberty and justice for all. Their dedication to building a future where every American, regardless of skin color, has equal access to opportunity should be a powerful inspiration to us all. In their work as authors, activists, politicians, justices, and more, Black leaders have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to civility, even in the face of discrimination and hate. This month, and always, CSA honors the profound contributions of Black Americans to our nation.

02/28/2025

As Black History Month comes to a close, all of us at NICD are reflecting on the legacy of Black leaders who have challenged our nation to uphold its promises of liberty and justice for all. Their dedication to building a future where every American, regardless of skin color, has equal access to opportunity should be a powerful inspiration to us all. In their work as authors, activists, politicians, justices, and more, Black leaders have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to civility, even in the face of discrimination and hate. This month, and always, NICD honors the profound contributions of Black Americans to our nation.

02/17/2025

On Presidents’ Day, NICD celebrates the fundamental idea that citizens are the ones who make American democracy work. 

On this Presidents' Day, an interesting story featuring the president who the Library's original building is named for, Thomas Jefferson. It is brought to you by the scientists of the Library's Preservation Research and Testing Division.

Throughout the month of June 1776, Jefferson composed “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress assembled,” which we know as the Declaration of Independence. As he edited, he made careful strike outs. If the change wasn’t his own, he annotated the margin to state whose it was, e.g. “Dr. Franklin” or “Mr. Adams" (Benjamin Franklin and John Adams). However, in one area on page 2, there’s an obvious smudge rather than a neat cross out.

Upon closer examination under the microscope, it’s evident there is a word underneath, with “citizens” having been judiciously written atop. Spectral imaging reveals that Jefferson first wrote “our fellow subjects."

The change emphasizes the weight that words carry — "subjects" evoking the monarchy the founding fathers wanted to earn their liberation from, "citizens" indicating the forging of a new path — and Jefferson’s keen ability to incite emotion, inspiration, and motivation in his writing.

Read more about how the discovery was made: https://blogs.loc.gov/preservation/2022/07/founding-fathers-independence-day/?loclr=fbloc

02/10/2025

The NICD team is excited to announce that at the end of January, we officially moved into a brand new building! Our new offices are located near DC’s Union Station and are within walking distance of all the Senate and House buildings, making it even easier for us to meet face-to-face with members of Congress and their staff. Enjoy a few behind-the-scenes photos of our team hard at work moving into the new space!

01/30/2025

Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Thursday, January 30th from 7-8:30pm EST. UNUM events are FREE!
More info at: https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/brave
Register (free) at: https://tinyurl.com/UNUM-If-We-Are-Brave
We claim to be a nation founded on an idea. But, especially in these times of civic rupture, are we even all talking about the same idea?
Contributing Washington Post opinion writer Dr. Ted Johnson joins us again to discuss his beautiful, powerful new book “If We are Brave: Essays of Black Americana.” This program will be facilitated by Dr. Nashid Madyun, the Executive Director of Florida Humanities.
“Johnson reveals the subtle ways that racialized conceptions of the American identity and the imperfect culture of democracy have hindered our ability to connect with one another.”
This program is part of the UNUM: Democracy Reignited series in partnership with Florida Humanities, which explores the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests in our lives. Find the full series online at https://tlh.villagesquare.us/series/unum/
Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
About The Village Square: Founded 18 years ago in Tallahassee, The Village Square is building the town hall of the 21st century across societal divisions that are tearing communities apart

01/27/2025

As of today, over 4,000 CommonSense Americans have completed our Career-Connected Learning brief. We're proud to continue to bring the voices of everyday Americans across the ideological spectrum to Congress. If you'd like to share your opinions on Career-Connected Learning with Congress, you can fill out the brief to weigh in today: https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/membership/

01/20/2025

A statement from the National Institute for Civil Discourse’s Executive Director, Keith Allred:

The United States has inaugurated its 47th president. As polarization continues to swell, each transfer of power occurs under increasing strain. Still, our republic continues to demonstrate that it is stronger than the challenges. The choice of free people still prevails.

May President Trump— and all of us—do our part to ensure that our nation not only endures, but thrives, through its 250th Anniversary and beyond.

01/20/2025

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

01/06/2025

NICD is proud to present the opportunity to register for the AAA-ICDR Foundation’s webinar “National Civil Discourse and Engagement” on January 15. Experts and Foundation grantees like Sarah Suggs, Matt Leighninger, and Keith Allred will share their work on promoting civil discourse and problem-solving across divides. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into fostering engagement and civic education in today’s society. Reserve your place today: https://bit.ly/3NEDFGk

01/01/2025

from the whole team at the National Institute for Civil Discourse!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas! Chanukah sameach! Heri za Kwanzaa!

Whatever tradition you celebrate, or none at all, we wish you well during these days of celebration, gathering, and reflection with family and friends.

12/03/2024

NICD is pleased to be working with our partners and Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) as he hosts former Governor Bill Owens (R) and Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics and co-founder of The Dignity Index, alongside a panel of Faith Leaders to discuss how we can with respect and build a greater sense of belonging as Americans.

Join us today at 4:30 PM MT/6:30 PM ET as we push back against disdain and contempt for others of different views and seek insights from our faith traditions that can help us bridge our political divides. Visit the link below to register and gain access to the livestream.

https://engagingdifferences.org/december-3rd-registration/

11/27/2024

Happy ! We wish you a happy and healthy day with friends and family, grateful for the gift of community.

11/15/2024

This week, NICD Executive Director Keith Allred had the opportunity to interview Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-6) about his efforts to fix Congress, the state of bipartisanship in the House, and what gives him hope for the future of the United States. The interview is part of a dynamic college course NICD is developing on American Institutions. University of Arizona students will be the first to learn from the wisdom of Congressman Kilmer and many other guest lecturers.

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks!

11/12/2024

We’re bringing back a trusted friend to consider how we might think and act anew in the days, weeks and years after the election.
Join us via Zoom or Facebook live on Tuesday, November 12 from 7-8:30pm EST.
Learn more at https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/one-step/
Register at https://monicaguzman.eventbrite.com/ - tickets are free!
As we contemplated who we might invite for this post-election UNUM gathering, we were (temporarily) flummoxed. A week after the election would we be in need of an expert in election law, a therapist or an exorcist? Could we just place all three on speed dial?
Then we realized that no matter what happens during – and after – the 2024 election, there will undoubtedly be some BIG feelings about it, so our task on November 12th is utterly clear even now: we’ll need to take one step closer to each other. That journey has a sherpa, and her name is Mónica Guzmán. Mónica is the friend you’ll want for that post-election drink, the one you can let your hair down with to just talk it all through. We also couldn’t think of a better election season read (or re-read) than her book “I Never Thought of it That Way” — check it out below.
You’re welcome. (Thank us by taking one step closer to someone you know — now. And then another step.)
This program is part of the UNUM: Democracy Reignited series in partnership with Florida Humanities, which explores the past, present and future of the American idea — as it exists on paper, in the hearts of our people, and as it manifests in our lives.
About The Village Square: Founded 18 years ago in Tallahassee, The Village Square is building the town hall of the 21st century across societal divisions that are tearing communities apart.

11/11/2024

Today, we honor and remember the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Your courage, resilience, and dedication inspire us and remain a testament to the strength and values we hold dear. We express our deepest gratitude for your service and your commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy. Let us reflect on the sacrifices these brave individuals and their families made, and let us strive to support and uplift them every day. Thank you to all who have served.

11/09/2024

We hope you'll make plans to hang out with Mónica Guzmán, author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," as we pick up all that post-election emotional baggage and send it packing! The Tuesday 11.12 (7pm ET program) is free and online, so if you’re still struggling (and possibly still wearing your election day PJ’s) it’s totally fine to come just as you are. Register here: https://monicaguzman.eventbrite.com and learn more here: https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/one-step/. Offered in partnership Humanities with support from Endowment for the Humanities, we hope you'll also check out the great work our streaming partners do: Center for the Political Future, , Room Conversations, Angels, Health Project, First Project, National Institute for Civil Discourse, The McCourtney Institute for Democracy , YOUnify, Bridgeusa Citizen Connect, UMiami Center for Humanities and for Responsible Public Policy.

11/05/2024

is the foundation of . We encourage you to today!

11/05/2024

Happy Election Day! 🗳️ Today is your chance to make your voice heard and be a part of shaping the future of your community, state, and country. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to participate in democracy. Whether it’s for local leaders, state representatives, or national offices, each vote contributes to the bigger picture of what we want our society to look like.

Remember, every vote counts—especially in close races where just a handful of votes can make a huge difference. If you’re registered, head to your polling place, bring a friend or family member along, and exercise your right to vote! Let's make sure our voices are represented. Happy voting! 🎉

Not sure where to go or what time? Visit the link below!
https://all.votinginfotool.org/

10/02/2024

CommonSense American just briefed over half of all Congressional offices on the results of our Career-Connected Learning brief. This is a five-fold increase to our usual Congressional engagement and has only been possible due to the time and effort of thousands of CommonSense Americans, including our fantastic volunteer state ambassadors! Thank you to everyone who has made their voices heard through our brief!

09/24/2024

We're excited to announce that earlier this month, CommonSense American surpassed 80,000 members! This milestone is a clear indicator that Americans are eager to see more common-sense, bipartisan solutions passed into law.

If you want to see more common sense in Washington, join the now more than 80,000 of us who are 3-for-3 in Congress.

https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/

09/16/2024

CommonSense American A Program of the National Institute for Civil Discourse 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20004

09/13/2024

We’re excited to announce that as of September 2024, our team at CommonSense American (CSA) has held over 250 briefings on Workforce Pell and Career-Connected Learning with congressional offices. This number represents a five-fold increase in congressional engagement from past years. Our incredible growth in outreach would not have been possible without the hard work of our CSA State Ambassadors. The State Ambassadors are a network of dedicated volunteers who brief their state’s members of Congress and staff on our results. In these briefings, Ambassadors speak directly to their state’s representatives about how Workforce Pell could affect their fellow citizens. The State Ambassadors have been critical in expanding our impact, and we’re glad to work alongside them to bring common sense to Congress.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll start sharing individual spotlights of our Ambassadors to give our members greater insight into the talents and experience that each Ambassador brings to CSA’S s advocacy. We’re still looking for more Ambassadors to join our team! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer State Ambassador, click the link below for more information!
https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/job-opportunities/state-ambassador/

08/26/2024

Check out the data Congressional offices are talking about: https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/2023-take-action/career-learning-pb-2023-1/results/

08/22/2024

to our April 9th conversation with Senator Kaine's office who we have work closely with. Our team engaged in an insightful meeting about the path of Workforce Pell making sure to highlight the data from our members on initiatives for technical education. Looking forward to continued collaboration!

What your opinion to be represent when we meet with Congressional staff? Weigh in on the brief today: https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/2023-take-action/career-learning-pb-2023-1/

08/20/2024

Want to be represented in the data? Weigh in on the Workforce Pell/Career-Connected Learning brief!
https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/2023-take-action/career-learning-pb-2023-1/

08/15/2024

On March 1st, our team had a productive briefing with Representative Pete Stauber's office. We focused on the results of Workforce Pell polls and the importance of expanding Pell Grant eligibility for vocational and technical education students. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on these crucial issues.

08/13/2024

Here's what congressional offices are saying about our briefing data. Want your opinion to be represented? Weigh in on the Workforce Pell/Career-Connected Learning brief today!
https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/2023-take-action/career-learning-pb-2023-1/

08/08/2024

On February 2nd, we met with Representative Burgess Owens' office for a briefing on Workforce Pell and Career Connected Learning. We shared insights from recent polls and discussed the significance of these initiatives for enhancing educational access and workforce development.

08/06/2024

Brandon is a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania majoring in International Relations and Law and Society. On campus, he is part of Penn’s Model United Nations Conference and the Marketing Undergraduate Student Establishment Club. He is from Orange County, California, and enjoys going to the beach, seafood, exploring different cultures, and reality TV. This summer, Brandon is part of the North and South team at CSA reaching out to Congressional offices, recruiting state ambassadors, and working on a policy project about Social Security reform. We are excited he is part of our team!

07/30/2024

Meet Owen, one of our six interns this summer! From Vienna, Virginia, Owen is an incoming second year Master of Public Policy student at William & Mary. He previously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Government & History from William & Mary in 2023! On campus Owen is President of the Graduate Council and he has served as Chair of the Student Advisory Committee to Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education for the past two years. Owen has been a helpful asset around the office as he can name every U.S. Senator and Governor from memory! This summer, Owen is part of the Far West and Midwest teams at CSA, focusing on congressional engagement, public policy and bipartisan immigration policy for his summer project. We’re thrilled to have him on board!

07/25/2024

In December, our team briefed the House Education Committee Majority about Workforce Pell and Career Connected Learning. We discussed the importance of these initiatives in enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness. Excited about the potential impact of our collaborative efforts.

07/25/2024

Thank you Patrick for taking the time to add your voice to the discussion.

Would you like to add your opinion? Record your message here: https://www.commonsenseamerican.org/betterthanthis/