Focus Area
Democracy + Civic Engagement
We defend a fair, free, and equitable democracy for all, ensuring our system is free of violence and toxic polarization and thriving with robust civic engagement.
WHY IT MATTERS TO US
The strength of our democracy touches every part of our lives: our health, our educational institutions, and our financial security, among others.
When we work to support strong and healthy democratic systems, counter political violence, and ease toxic polarization, we’re not only protecting a system, we’re strengthening the fabric of our nation. A thriving democracy, rich with civic engagement, is how we help to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
WHAT WE BRING
Strategy, messaging, and campaign expertise for the funders, peacebuilders, and civic organizations working to support and strengthen American democracy — from national message frameworks to high-stakes strategies and collaborations that help to align efforts and support the advancement of pro-democracy efforts.
For an organization working to strengthen democracy, we can help:
Develop research-tested message frameworks that reach across differences, from community leaders to philanthropy and everyday consumers
Prepare leaders and their teams for high-stakes media and public moments
Convene funders and partners around a shared strategy and coordinated action
Develop and place high-impact thought leadership, op-eds, books, and national convenings that move ideas into the national conversation
Refresh brand and strategy for national civic organizations at pivotal moments
Build discussion guides, toolkits, and resources that turn big ideas into practical everyday actions
Additional Case Studies
-
Strategic communications transformation and brand refresh for a national policy leader, helped this group move from strategy on paper to strategy in action.
-
Imagine what it looks like when our nation embraces immigrant families as a value to the nation overall. We helped this organization grow and scale its global Welcoming Week movement to show what that vision can look like in action.
-
We helped concept and launch the #ResetPhilanthropy campaign, which positioned this break-the-mold grantmaking platform to move millions of dollars to frontline, pro-democracy efforts more equitably.
Related insights and resources from Mission Forward:
Is America Possible? On Audre Lorde, difference, and whether our differences really divide us.
How's Your Heart? Why asking a real question, and staying for the real answer, is a radical act of communication in a divided time.
A Good Hard Listen. Making listening, not talking, our greatest act of leadership, and how that builds the trust democracy depends on.
How to Restore Our Belief in One Another. A practical invitation to shift how we work, lead, and rebuild, with Rich Harwood.
How to Live Your Values When the Pressure Rises. How the France-Merrick Foundation launched a rapid-response fund for democracy, reimagining what philanthropy can do in a high pressure situation.
Featured Case Study
Dr. John Paul Lederach
Ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, as political violence and polarization became normalized, we guided renowned peacebuilder Dr. John Paul Lederach through the launch of his book, The Pocket Guide for Facing Down a Civil War. We built strategies to reach and convene community leaders, philanthropy, and everyday Americans; developed and placed an op-ed in The Washington Post that reached 50+ million readers; prepared Dr. Lederach for high-profile broadcast interviews; and created a book club discussion guide. We also convened 20+ foundation leaders who wished to learn how to recognize and de-escalate conflict in their own regions of the country. Dr. Lederach continued to advise several of those funders as a thought partner.