News | The 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity and American Democracy /unity Months ago, 91ºÚÁÏÍø scholars began to explore how we could play a productive, active and meaningful role in helping heal our national fissures and seek a path towards a more united states. Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:20:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Student Advisory Board Overview /unity/2023/09/22/student-advisory-board-overview/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:20:47 +0000 /unity/?p=4089

About the Project

The 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.

Ìý

Student Advisory Board Mission

To better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.

Ìý

Duties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Index reveals Americans identify less with ideological extremes, even as Congress gets more polarized /unity/2023/05/10/vanderbilt-unity-index-reveals-americans-identify-less-with-ideological-extremes-even-as-congress-gets-more-polarized/ Wed, 10 May 2023 13:02:05 +0000 /unity/?p=4008 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> 91ºÚÁÏÍø senior claims top prize in second annual 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity and American Democracy poetry contest /unity/2023/04/24/vanderbilt-senior-claims-top-prize-in-second-annual-vanderbilt-project-on-unity-and-american-democracy-poetry-contest/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:44:46 +0000 /unity/?p=4003 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> First-ever 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Poll reveals 52% of MAGA Republicans believe Vladimir Putin is a better president than Joe Biden /unity/2023/04/07/first-ever-vanderbilt-unity-poll-reveals-52-of-maga-republicans-believe-vladimir-putin-is-a-better-president-than-joe-biden/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:40:32 +0000 /unity/?p=3983 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> America’s sense of unity is largely unchanged through the 2022 election season, 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Index indicates /unity/2023/02/03/americas-sense-of-unity-is-largely-unchanged-through-the-2022-election-season-vanderbilt-unity-index-indicates/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:45:40 +0000 /unity/?p=3939 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> ‘Unity Talks’ podcast now available to stream /unity/2022/12/12/unity-talks-podcast-now-available-to-stream/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:14:49 +0000 /unity/?p=3893
Unity Talks Podcast Graphic_3000x3000

Ìý

Unity Talks, produced by the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity and American Democracy, is a podcast featuring a series of conversations and interviews with its co-chairs—Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and 91ºÚÁÏÍø faculty member and entrepreneur Samar Ali—and renowned guests from the media, academia and government, focusing on the important issues facing and dividing America today.

These conversation aim to restore and reinvigorate the national discourse, supplanting reflexive partisanship with reflective citizenship, anchored upon facts and evidence.

]]> Americans’ sense of political unity stable in run-up to midterm elections, 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Index indicates /unity/2022/10/25/americans-sense-of-political-unity-stable-in-run-up-to-midterm-elections-vanderbilt-unity-index-indicates/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:00:49 +0000 /unity/?p=3852 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> Ask an Economist: Recap of Q&A with Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics /unity/2022/10/13/ask-an-economist-recap-of-qa-with-mark-zandi-of-moodys-analytics/ Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:10:09 +0000 /unity/?p=3827 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> Biden’s pledge to unify the nation is falling flat, some voters say https://www.npr.org/2022/09/14/1123024034/bidens-pledge-to-unify-the-nation-is-falling-flat-some-voters-say#new_tab Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:23:31 +0000 /unity/?p=3801 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]> As Political Violence Rises, Biden To Host Unity Conference https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1122751710#new_tab Tue, 13 Sep 2022 16:28:11 +0000 /unity/?p=3804 About the ProjectThe 91ºÚÁÏÍø Project on Unity & American Democracy (the Project) seeks to enhance Americans’ capacity for civic engagement by supporting the rule of law as we advocate for adjudicating disagreements through relevant facts and data. Evidence, as opposed to unfounded assertions, enriches the national conversation and serves as a foundation for open political discourse. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has been and will continue to be a leader on this front, helping to not only bridge America’s deepest differences but offer solutions to the nation’s pressing problems.Ìý Through accessible and nonpartisan (and bipartisan) programming aimed at both the university and broader community, the Project seeks to increase both Americans’ and students’ capacity for informed and meaningful engagement in the democratic process and demonstrate 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s leadership on this vital topic.ÌýStudent Advisory Board MissionTo better incorporate 91ºÚÁÏÍø student voices into the national conversation on democratic institutions and to ensure that the Project continues to develop enriching programming which speaks to student concerns, the Project is selecting up to eight undergraduates to serve on its Student Advisory Board. Chosen through a competitive application process and representing a wide variety of academic disciplines, the Student Advisory Board will reflect the diversity of opinion and experience inherent in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s undergraduate population. Student Advisory Board members will contribute their ideas and expertise to the Project’s research and programming while being afforded opportunities to engage with the Project’s co-chairs and speakers.ÌýDuties

  • Attend two in-person planning meetings per semester with the Project staff
  • Attend two in-person Unity events per semester
  • Work one in-person Unity event per semester
  • Assist in promoting events and recruiting attendees for in-person programs
  • Advance the Project’s mission by delivering at least one substantive research, writing or creative project per semester

Expectations

  • Maintain a posture of learning and growth
  • Strive to be an informed citizen, engaging with a variety of sources and topics and staying up-to-date on current political issues and events
  • Act and speak respectfully to other Student Advisory Board members, Project staff, co-chairs, partners and guests
  • Complete at least one substantive assignment per semester

Benefits of Participation

  • $2,500 annual stipend ($1,250 paid per semester)
  • Attend trainings offered as part of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Unity Lab
  • Opportunity to assist with research and special projects
  • Opportunity to engage with the Project staff, co-chairs, professional partners and guests
  • Exposure to new ideas, while being offered a space to cultivate and curate conversations with those who may hold differing views or beliefs
]]>