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More Perfect and the Karsh Institute of Democracy Join Forces

In a significant move to bolster local journalism and civic education, More Perfect, an American alliance dedicated to renewing democracy, has announced a new partnership with the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. This collaboration aims to enhance engagement and education on campuses across the country, particularly through the Promise of Democracy Fund.

As polarization rises and trust in institutions declines, the challenge of ensuring access to credible local news and preparing future civic leaders is more pressing than ever. The Karsh Institute was established in 2021, driven by the mission to congregate individuals to create ideas and solutions that foster a more robust democracy for all.

Melody Barnes, the Executive Director, noted, "The Promise of Democracy Fund strengthens our core capabilities, allowing us to push forward our mission across various programs, research, and public outreach initiatives." This initiative is set to deepen efforts in supporting local journalism and enhancing civic learning not just in Virginia, but across the United States.

Enhancing Local Journalism

One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to take local journalism to the next level. With collective research, the Karsh Institute aims to address the challenges that local news outlets face. The next phase of this initiative will build on the 2025 Virginia Local News Ecosystem Study, which was conducted with the support of More Perfect. This study focused on mapping local news services and identifying their needs.

Taking a step further, the collaboration will include a comprehensive statewide survey aimed at understanding how individuals in Virginia consume news, which will ultimately guide policymakers and media leaders on ways to improve local news ecosystems. By doing so, it seeks to offer a model that can be replicated across the nation, ensuring that local journalism thrives in every community.

John Bridgeland, the Founder and CEO of More Perfect, emphasized the significance of this effort: "Providing access to trustworthy news and fostering civic engagement among young people are essential elements of our mission at More Perfect. By collaborating with the Karsh Institute, we aspire to fortify local journalism and equip young leaders with the necessary tools to maintain a healthy democracy."

Civic Leadership through Fellowship Programs

Moreover, More Perfect's backing will expedite the nationwide rollout of the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, a program designed to cultivate civic leadership among college students. The support will enable the Fellowship to expand to more colleges and universities, create a digital hub with resources, and build a growing network of participants dedicated to civic engagement.

This initiative aligns with More Perfect's overarching Democracy Goals, particularly focusing on Universal Civic Learning and ensuring Access to Trusted News and Information. The partnership epitomizes a mutual commitment towards sustaining local journalism and fostering learning environments for all communities.

About More Perfect and the Karsh Institute of Democracy

More Perfect comprises an alliance of 44 Presidential Centers, the National Archives Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and over 100 organizations, all focused on advancing key democracy initiatives including civic education and service, trust-building, and accessible information.

Simultaneously, the Karsh Institute of Democracy serves as a bridge between research, education, and public engagement, committed to addressing contemporary democratic challenges. By fostering connections among scholars, students, and practitioners, it aims to enrich the democratic fabric of society.

This partnership marks a pivotal step towards empowering local journalism and enhancing civic engagement, ensuring that democracy is not just a concept but a practice that is taught, learned, and lived every day.