democrats

The Democracy Awards Finalists for the four office categories were announced in February. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment. Two winners (one Republican and one Democrat) from each category will be announced in May. Prior to this announcement, we've been highlighting the finalists from each of these categories. This week we're recognizing the Democracy Award finalists in Transparency and Accountability.

The Democracy Awards Finalists for the four office categories were announced in February. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment. Two winners (one Republican and one Democrat) from each category will be announced in May. Prior to this announcement, we've been highlighting the finalists from each of these categories. This week we’re recognizing the Democracy Award finalists in "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment.

The Democracy Awards Finalists for the four office categories were announced in February. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment. Two winners (one Republican and one Democrat) from each category will be announced in May. Prior to this announcement, we've been highlighting the finalists from each of these categories. This week we’re recognizing the Democracy Award finalists in Innovation.

The Democracy Awards Finalists for the four office categories were announced in February. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment. Over the next four weeks we're going to highlight the finalists from each of these categories. Two winners (one Republican and one Democrat) from each category will be announced in May. This week we're recognizing the Democracy Award finalists in Constituent Service.

I want to close today's proceedings with a reference to cookies. Donkey cookies and elephant cookies were left at your tables and served as your place cards today. This was not an accidental seating chart, but an expression of hope. The hope that we have done more here today than simply tell you about budgets and websites and correspondence management systems. The hope that perhaps working relationships that began here today will continue to grow and blossom.

A resilient Congress is essential to a functioning democracy. However, at this time, citizens, scholars, and even Members of Congress and staff are questioning whether Congress has the capacity to meet the expectations and aspirations of the American people.

When used correctly, online communications can be remarkably effective in fostering increased citizen engagement with politics and policy. Through our own research, we have found that online town hall meetings have the potential to be a powerful tool for strengthening the relationship between Members and their constituents.