The National Conference on Citizenship’s 2024 Annual Conference brought together leaders, innovators, and advocates from across the democracy space for a day of rich discussion and connection at Washington DC’s Planet Word Museum. The event highlighted both challenges and opportunities in strengthening America’s civic health through media, youth engagement, climate resilience, and technological innovation.
The day opened with an enlightening discussion on civic media’s role in democracy featuring NPR CEO Katherine Maher and C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist. The conversation, moderated by National Conference on Citizenship Board Chair Katie Harbath, explored how these vital institutions are adapting their missions for the digital age while maintaining their commitment to informed citizenship.
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A major highlight was a preview of the release of the 100th Civic Health Index by Jeff Coates, Research and Evaluation Director at NCoC. The preview of the report provided crucial insights into America’s civic well-being and sparked discussions throughout the day about how we can better measure civic health.
The afternoon featured a powerful session on census data with an all-star panel including Democracy’s Data author Dan Bouk, Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, and Meghan Maury, moderated by Cara Brumfield. The discussion illuminated how the census shapes our understanding of civic participation and drives resource allocation in communities nationwide.
WATCH: Democracy’s Data: How the Census Strengthens Civic Health
One of the day’s most compelling moments came during the closing session, where former Representatives Val Demings and Rodney Davis engaged in a candid bipartisan discussion about public service in today’s polarized landscape. Moderated by Mo Elleithee of Georgetown’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, the conversation offered both sobering reflections and hope for the future of public service.
WATCH: Navigating Service in a Polarized Landscape

Throughout the day, breakout sessions tackled crucial topics like climate resilience in Southern cities, youth civic innovation, and the intersection of public health and civic engagement. The “Democratic Innovations” session, led by Marjan Ehsassi and Amy Lee, had participants actively designing citizen assemblies and deliberative town halls, while Renée DiResta’s book talk on Invisible Rulers provided timely insights into modern propaganda and its impact on democratic discourse.
The conference concluded with the 2024 Citizenship Awards Ceremony, honoring Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Governor Wes Moore, and the Institute for Citizens and Scholars Youth Civic Solutions Award winners for their contributions to strengthening American democracy.

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