Engagement - News

Democracy Matters - Episode 96: Can Hard Conversations Save Democracy?

Can Hard Conversations Save Democracy?

Breathing new life into an old machine

JMU engineering students help revive a manufacturing machine that had been lost to time.

Democracy Matters - Episode 94: Fighting Political Gridlock Starts with States

How can states help solve political gridlock & strengthen democracy?

Democracy Matters - Episode 93: Advocating Democracy in Africa

What can be done to support pro-democracy efforts in Africa?

Virginia elects a Duke as top cop

Jason Miyares ('98) makes history as the commonwealth’s first Latino attorney general.

Democracy Matters - Episode 92: Political Voices of GenZ

What has contributed to the rise of political engagement among young adults?

Dancing for the day care

The annual Dancing With the Stars of the 'Burg supports a community day care center as it looks to serve more families.

Democracy Matters - Episode 91: Climate Action Now

What are the most impactful solutions to climate change?

Democracy Matters - Episode 90: Saving Democracy

Democracy is like a car driving on all four rims. Can it be saved?

'Ms. Madison' goes to Richmond

Emily Baker (’21) spent part of last summer learning firsthand the inner workings of Virginia’s executive branch during a fellowship in the Governor’s Office.

Democracy Matters - Episode 89: Democracy's Struggle Against Itself featuring Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora

Can Democracy Survive Itself?

Democracy Matters - Episode 85: Connecting Afghanistan's Past and Present

How does Afghanistan’s history inform the current situation?

Democracy Matters - Episode 84: Vibrant Inclusive Public Spaces to Strengthen Social Ties

How do vibrant public spaces strengthen social ties?

Democracy Matters - Episode 79: The 26th Amendment at 50: Racial Justice and Youth Political Power

The 26th Amendment at 50: Racial Justice and Youth Political Power

Tasting success

Tassie Pippert ('11, '13M) has built a successful career as a chef, wine specialist, educator and TV personality.

Democracy Matters - Episode 73: Making Sense of Collective Mass Trauma: Lessons from the 9/11 Commission

What can we learn from the 9/11 Commission?

Democracy Matters - Episode 71: Can We Make Elections Fair?

Can we make elections fair?

Democracy Matters - Episode 64: Divergent Access and the Future of Voting Rights

What is the future of voting rights and access in the wake of SCOTUS ruling?

Democracy Matters - Episode 63: Durable Policy Solutions to the Humanitarian Crisis in Central America

Can we find durable policy solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Central America?

Democracy Matters - Episode 62: Moving Beyond the ‘Band Aid on Wound’ Approach to Refugees

What do you know about refugees, the challenges they face and the contributions they make?

Democracy Matters - Episode 61: Pulling Democracy Back from the Brink

What it will take to secure voting rights for every American and restore confidence in elections and government?

Democracy Matters - Episode 60: Free the Press

What is the role of a free press in democracy?

Democracy Matters - Episode 59: Can transparency, oversight, ethics and accountability save American democracy?

Can transparency, oversight, ethics and accountability save American democracy?

Democracy Matters - Episode 58: Is Big Government Back?

What are the economic policy priorities of the Biden administration and how will they impact various sectors of the American economy and society?

Democracy Matters - Episode 57: Can We Stop Climate Destruction?

Earth Day 2021: Can we stop climate destruction?

Democracy Matters - Episode 56: How Can Women Realize Their Full Political Potential?

How are women breaking political barriers?

Rewriting Virginia's Constitution

A.E. Dick Howard and retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth A. McClanahan discuss the 1971 rewriting of the Virginia Constitution.

Democracy Matters - Episode 55: Ungoverned and Out of Sight

What can be done to address the national homelessness crisis?