“In democratic countries the science of association is the mother science; the progress of all the others depends on the progress of that one.…In order that men remain civilized or become so, the art of associating must be developed and perfected among them.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
Welcome friends!
The Art of Association is a fortnightly newsletter on philanthropy, civil society, and democracy in America. Following Tocqueville, the newsletter presumes that the health of democracy depends far more than we realize on our ability to associate with each other in constructive ways. Doing this helps us solve problems we face together and, at the same time, become citizens who are more capable of self-government.
Why subscribe?
The newsletter is completely free to all readers. My goal is to inform and inspire nonprofit leaders, advocates, researchers, policymakers, philanthropists, their advisors, and everyday citizens working for civic renewal. If that sounds like you, please subscribe to get full access to future updates and the archive.
I bring several perspectives to bear in the newsletter. They include:
The experience, insights, and cross-partisan network I developed as the inaugural director of the Hewlett Foundation’s U.S. democracy program from 2013-2022.
20+ years (and counting) as an advisor to social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, government and business leaders at BCG, Bridgespan, and now as a solopreneur.
My ongoing research and writing as a political scientist focused on the challenges of leadership, partisanship, philanthropy, and civil society in the U.S.
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Practice the Art of Association
Consider this a virtual community of people who share your interest in the art and science of association. Please support our common work with a free subscription, share the newsletter with others in your networks, and join in the comments section.
You can also reply via email to any of my updates to let me know when something I have written resonates with you and / or when it does not. Everyone here has something to offer and something to learn — myself included!
More soon,
