A recent article by Melissa Eddy in The New York Times discusses the role that business is playing and can play in civic education.
Recent events have served as an urgent reminder of this connection—the strength of our democracy is directly tied to the health of our businesses and communities. Eddy's article highlights the challenges we face amid rising political polarization. Simge Krüger, a Turkish citizen living in Hamburg, experienced the harsh realities of polarization when her LinkedIn post calling for peace during global conflicts received hostile reactions. This incident is not isolated, with individuals and businesses from Germany to the United States grappling with misinformation and polarization.
Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares, as discussed in the article, asserts that understanding democracy is more than an intellectual exercise—it is a safeguard against the instability that threatens our economic and political landscapes. She emphasizes, “If you see a disruption in democracy in a major economy, it’s going to be a big deal,” highlighting the connection between stable democratic institutions and the health of business operations.
Krüger's participation in an eight-week company-sponsored workshop provided her with tools to understand and counteract digital discord. By investing in such workshops, companies are equipping their employees with the skills necessary to debunk misinformation, handle diversity, and engage civically. These workshops aim to educate and empower employees on the importance of actions ranging from civil engagement to get-out-the-vote efforts, all conducted in a nonpartisan manner.
The experiences of these business leaders and employees underscore the broader implications of our digital discourse and its effects on work environments and democracy. It's a testament to the need for a stable democracy, which, when disrupted, could present significant challenges to business continuity and growth.
Read the full article, “A New Place to Learn Civics: The Workplace,” for more information, or learn how to implement civic engagement and other pro-democracy efforts in your company by utilizing the resources in our Corporate Civic Action Plan.
