The National Civic League has been invited to join a major new national effort to strengthen democracy through shared, evidence-based narrative strategies. Led by Metropolitan Group in partnership with PACE and global research institutions, the Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook Initiative launches publicly on December 8 and will provide free, open-source tools to help communities communicate effectively about democratic values and civic space.
The initiative is the result of a 30-month, $5 million global research project that mapped democracy narratives across 19+ countries, analyzed how authoritarian narratives spread, and developed proactive, values-driven messaging frameworks to help rebuild trust in democratic principles. According to the project’s concept note, the Playbook will offer an integrated set of resources, including tested narrative frames, message guides, rapid-response tools, and ongoing research updates, all aimed at creating a more “fertile upstream environment” for civic engagement, democratic participation, and community resilience.
Metropolitan Group has invited NCL to serve as a Dissemination Partner, helping bring these tools to local leaders, civic organizations, and democracy innovators nationwide. Dissemination partners share the Playbook’s resources with their networks and may participate in webinars, trainings, or other application opportunities.
In addition, NCL has been asked to consider serving as the core partner for the Local and State Governance Cohort, one of five technical-assistance cohorts that will receive up to $250,000 per year in dedicated narrative development support. This cohort would focus on applying the Playbook to real-world work in local government, civic engagement, and democratic practice — areas where NCL’s expertise and networks are particularly well aligned.
With the Playbook launching on December 8, NCL looks forward to exploring how this partnership can help strengthen civic discourse, support local democracy practitioners, and deepen our collective capacity to tell a compelling, hopeful story about American democracy.
Webinar Registration (Dec. 8, 1pm ET): Register Here.
