Seeing Parliaments as Spaces and Places
This month’s Modern Parliament highlights global innovations in citizen engagement—from AI ministers and virtual parliaments to the new "Parliament as a Space and Place" guide, cookbooks, and more.
FedManager: Platform Gives Departing Feds a Voice on Bottlenecks Between Congress, Agencies
POPVOX Foundation launched a platform called “Departure Dialogues” to hear from former federal employees about the frustrations they’ve seen through their years of service, and take that knowledge to better implement policies and make government work better.
The Promise of Politics in the Age of AI
At the Global Gathering in Portugal, voices from 144 countries explored AI accountability, digital democracy, and community-driven innovation as part of a renewed vision for politics in the age of AI.
What Citizens’ Assemblies Can Teach Legislatures
As democracies grapple with declining trust, Marjan H. Ehsassi highlights the promise and pitfalls of citizens’ assemblies. Ahead of the Athens Democracy Forum, she explores how well-designed assemblies can amplify citizen voice, build social cohesion, and give legislatures political cover to tackle tough issues.
Federal News Network: When feds leave, a new project makes sure their wisdom doesn’t walk out the door with them
POPVOX Foundation Managing Director Anne Meeker appeared on The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton to discuss the launch of Departure Dialogues.
Announcing the Departure Dialogues Project
POPVOX Foundation, the Niskanen Center, Civil Service Strong, the Partnership for Public Service, and the Foundation for American Innovation invite departing federal employees to share your insights to help inform future Congressional action to strengthen federal programs.
POPVOX Foundation Launches “Departure Dialogues” to Give Former Federal Employees Nonpartisan Platform for Sharing Recommendations to Congress on Fixing Federal Services
Using oral history technology and AI analysis, Departure Dialogues captures departing civil servants’ experiences and turns them into actionable intelligence for lawmakers, oversight bodies, and reformers. In partnership with several civic organizations, Departure Dialogues aims to close the feedback loop between those who implement federal programs and those who make the laws that shape them.
5th Circuit Clears the Path for Congressional Emergency Planning
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has clarified that Congress’ quorum requirement does not demand physical presence, upholding proxy voting and affirming Congress’ constitutional flexibility to operate during emergencies. The decision paves the way for stronger continuity planning and modern remote participation systems to ensure legislative function in future crises.
Political Violence Threatens the Continuity of Congress
For Congressional staffers, security is an ongoing concern. The issue hit especially close to home following a politically motivated and deadly attack against two Minnesota House Members and their families. These conversations also speak to a larger issue for the Legislative branch, highlighting the real need for better continuity planning in the event of an emergency.
Public Witness Testimony on Strengthen Congressional Capacity and Constituent Service to House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch for FY26
POPVOX Foundation's Advisor for Congressional Initiatives Danielle Stewart submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch for FY26 requesting the subcommittee's consideration of three initiatives to improve Congressional capacity.
What is Congressional Proxy Voting and Why is it Important Now?
To make Congress more family-friendly and reflective of a modern workforce, allowing for a limited proxy voting option would ensure all Members could fully participate in the legislative process.
POPVOX Foundation Creates Children’s Book for New Members with Kids
To support Congressional families as they approach this big life change together, POPVOX Foundation created “Welcome to Washington,” a children’s book designed to enhance their experience in Washington, DC.
Opinion: House Republicans Have the Opportunity to Make the 119th Congress the Most Modern and Pro-Family in Recent History
By modernizing its voting procedures to include a proxy voting option when it adopts new Rules, the House of Representatives would ensure near-universal participation and better prepare Congress to respond to future emergencies, whether they be individual or national in scope.
Report: Where Will They All Sit?
A new report from POPVOX Foundation and Protect Democracy explores the idea of expanding not only the US Capitol campus’ physical footprint, but also the chamber’s membership.
Nonpartisan POPVOX Foundation Launches “Gavel In” Podcast to Support the Orientation of Members Elect and Their Staff
POPVOX Foundation is announcing “Gavel In,” a limited-run, explainer podcast series about how Congress works, created especially for freshmen Members of the 119th Congress, their staff, and spouses. Gavel In supplements the House’s official New Member Orientation onboarding so new Members and staff are extra set up for success as they set up their new offices on Capitol Hill and in their districts.
POPVOX Foundation Encourages the House to Create a Chief Data Officer, A Joint Committee on Continuity, and Simpler House Schedule When Adopting Rules for the 119th Congress
POPVOX Foundation’s report provides several proposals that emphasize technological and operational advancements for House lawmakers to consider to help redefine the House’s capabilities to serve constituents and fulfill its Article One mandate.
Staying Safe as A Congressional Staffer – Best Practices
For the district work period, POPVOX Foundation has compiled some best practices informed by current Congressional staff to ensure the safety and security of Congressional teams.
Congress of the Future: Better District Office Leasing
Investing in responsive, high-functioning district operations enables Congress as an institution to better serve the American people. The GSA is well-positioned to provide improved consistency, security, and cost savings when it comes to district offices.
New Member Orientation: Successful Onboarding for a Modern Legislature
A robust, effective onboarding program is essential for newly elected Members to be impactful out of the gate in representing their constituents and to operate effectively within an increasingly complex institution. This report provides an overview of how traditional NMOs have been organized, structured, and hosted, and proposes creative alternatives for how this onboarding experience can be improved.