Democracy Notes

Connective Tissue is a civic initiative led by Sam Pressler, co-founded with Eric Kotin and David Vasquez II. It focuses on the question of what it will take to renew civic and community life in America. The organization runs a widely read newsletter, a policy framework with 150+ specific policy ideas across 13 priorities for how governments can help people connect more in their communities, and a dues-paying membership network for community builders, policymakers, neighbors, funders, and thinkers. Members can attend interactive events, access a member database, and share resources. The group believes communities should be run by and for their members — not just managed by professionals — and that local, rooted leaders are key to long-term civic renewal.