Civic Innovation

Future Caucus legislators create bipartisan coalitions to advance innovative policy reforms that strengthen the cornerstones of a vibrant democracy.

Innovation Agenda

Despite the misconception that democracy reforms are a polarizing issue, most young lawmakers agree that there is room to modernize our institutions, create more efficiency and transparency, and encourage greater civic engagement. The numbers prove there’s an appetite for action: only 38 percent of Americans report having a great deal or fair amount of trust and confidence in the U.S. Congress. Americans are much more trusting in their state (57 percent) and local (67 percent) governments, although this is slightly lower than historical averages. In addition, only 9 percent of Americans have confidence that Democrats and Republicans can work together in Congress, down from 23 percent in 2008. Future Caucus and its legislators are committed to rebuilding trust in democratic institutions. Improved civic engagement and common-sense reforms to election and voting policies can create a more representative and accessible democracy.

2025-2026 Civic Innovation Fellows

Rooted in the understanding that political polarization presents new and unique obstacles to modern policymaking, the Innovation Fellowship cultivates the next generation of national leaders with the skills to build bipartisan coalitions and pass effective legislation.

2024 Strengthening Democracy Fellows

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Monique Priestley (D-VT)

Meet Monique
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-WA)

Meet Kristine
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Mike Rice (D-VT)

Meet Mike
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Del. Stuart Schmidt (R-MD)

Meet Stuart
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Michael Smith (R-DE)

Meet Michael
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Brandon Woodard (D-KS)

Meet Brandon
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY | FELLOW

Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone (D-VT)

Meet Mary-Katherine

Bipartisan opportunities for 2024

EFFECTIVE POLICYMAKING IN ACTION

Future’s Frontline

Strategic Foresight In Action: Highlights From The 2024 Futures thinking Forum

November 21, 2024

Strategic Foresight in Action: Highlights from the 2024 Futures <span class="dewidow">Thinking Forum</span>
Beyond the Bubble

Strengthening Democracy Innovation Fellows in Denver

October 1, 2024

Strengthening Democracy Innovation Fellows <span class="dewidow">in Denver</span>
Profiles of Effective LawmakersCongress

Building Civic Bridges With Rep. derek Kilmer

June 12, 2024

Building Civic Bridges with Rep. <span class="dewidow">Derek Kilmer</span>

2019 Democracy Reform Task Force

The Democracy Reform Task Force advanced a national conversation on reforming government and engaged members in peer-to-peer dialogues and expert-informed discussions.

MEMBER | GEORGIA

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R-GA)

Meet Michael
MEMBER | KANSAS

Rep. Stephanie Clayton (R-KS)

Meet Stephanie
MEMBER | OHIO

Sen. Frank LaRose (R-OH)

Meet Frank
MEMBER | ARKANSAS

Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-AR)

Meet Warwick
MEMBER | WISCONSIN

Rep. Amanda Stuck (D-WI)

Meet Amanda

Join lawmakers pursuing effective solutions for strengthening democracy.

Rep. Sara Jacobs

Join 1,800+ BIPARTISAN LEADERS NATIONWIDE

Be a part of a network of lawmakers committed to governing effectively, passing more representative public policy, and increasing public trust in democracy.