People Powered Unveils New Research on Narratives Driving Democratic Engagement

The Democracy Narratives Alliance, a global initiative led by People Powered with over 30 organizations, will release research on March 24, 2026. The research synthesizes nearly 400 publications and evidence from 150+ studies on how narratives strengthen democracy and increase public engagement beyond electoral framing. The webinar features speakers from People Powered, Fundación Corona, Global Democracy Coalition, and Busara discussing which narratives foster democratic support, how framing and values invoke participation, and practical recommendations for practitioners and storytellers. The alliance responds to citizens’ frustration with electoral politics and global questioning of democracy by translating fragmented behavioral science and communications research into coordinated action through shared narratives, tools, and strategies tested at global, national, and local levels. This work advances NCDD’s mission by providing dialogue practitioners with evidence-based guidance on framing participatory processes to resonate with diverse publics, overcome institutional cynicism, and help people see democracy as active participation in shaping collective futures.

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The Democracy Narratives Alliance is releasing new global research on March 24, 2026, examining how narratives can strengthen democracy and increase public engagement in democratic participation. The webinar marks the first public event of the alliance, a global initiative bringing together more than 30 organizations, research institutions, and funders under the Global Democracy Coalition umbrella to compile, develop, and promote compelling narratives that shift how we communicate about democracy. Coordinated by People Powered in collaboration with International IDEA, Open Government Partnership, Busara, Fundación Corona, FrameWorks Institute, and SNF Agora Institute with funding from Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the alliance synthesizes nearly 400 academic and practitioner publications, evidence from over 150 studies, and insights from international organizations to address fragmented research that has had limited impact on communication practices.

The research responds to urgent needs as democracy is questioned globally and dominant narratives frame democracy narrowly around elections despite citizens' increasing frustration with electoral politics. Behavioral science and communications researchers point toward moving beyond abstract concepts of democracy to talk more directly about how people can participate in decision-making for issues affecting their lives. The alliance translates this research into coordinated action by generating aligned and strategic communications using shared narratives and tools, building support and resources for further development and testing of framing strategies at global, national, and local levels. The March 24 webinar features Clara Bois from People Powered, Diana Dajer from Fundación Corona, Elisenda Ballesté Buxó from Global Democracy Coalition, Gideon Too from Busara, and Ryan Gem from People Powered discussing which democracy narratives foster support and engagement, how to use framing and values to invoke narratives activating participation, and practical recommendations for practitioners, campaigners, and storytellers.

The Democracy Narratives Alliance addresses critical challenges facing democratic engagement by recognizing that how we talk about democracy shapes public understanding, motivation, and action. By connecting fragmented global research and translating insights into practical tools for communicators, organizers, and policymakers, the alliance aims to offer more meaningful visions of democratic practice beyond electoral politics. For dialogue and deliberation practitioners, the research provides evidence-based guidance on framing participatory processes in ways that resonate with diverse publics, overcome cynicism about democratic institutions, and inspire engagement in collaborative decision-making. The alliance's work reflects an understanding that strengthening democracy requires not only institutional reform and civic infrastructure but also narrative shifts that help people see democracy as something they actively participate in shaping rather than passively observe.

To register for the March 24, 2026 webinar on democracy narratives research, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p00CltIpTLygvBmAP1ZyFQ#/registration