Monday, September 12
Securing Your Vote: PA Business Briefing on Election Operations from Acting Secretary Leigh Chapman
Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Leigh Chapman will brief the Pennsylvania business community on preparation for November 2022 and how business can maximize the engagement of employees, customers, and community members in the next election.
K–12 civics education is a business issue
For decades, education policy has marginalized civics education in public schools. Today, only nine states require a full year of civics, and 10 states have no requirement at all. As a result, only 51% of Americans can name all three branches of government.
The lack of civics education has contributed significantly to the discord, dysfunction, and widespread disengagement plaguing our nation today. Civics education, when done well, produces a more informed and engaged citizenry and stronger democratic institutions — which leads to better economic outcomes. We need policy and funding to ensure that civics education is prioritized in K–12 schools across the country.
We invite your company or trade organization to sign our letter to Congress in support of the bipartisan Civics Secures Democracy Act.
Preserving America’s tradition of orderly elections
At this turbulent moment in our history, the business community has a critical role to play in protecting America’s democratic institutions and preserving stability in this country.
One way businesses can take action is to urge every candidate, political party leader, and election official nationwide to uphold our country’s democratic norms, electoral processes, and rule of law in order to preserve America’s traditions of orderly elections and peaceful transfers of power.
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What can businesses do about election deepfakes?
Now that generative AI tools are available to anyone with a phone or laptop, the threat of deceptive artificial intelligence to our elections has skyrocketed. Deepfakes could mislead voters about where, when, and how to vote, or inaccurately portray a candidate making scandalous statements. Both domestic and foreign sources have been identified as creating misleading and false content.
Businesses have invested millions to support employee voter registration and civic engagement — all of which could be undermined if AI is used to sow confusion.
Although some blue and red state legislatures have enacted laws, there are still no guardrails for federal candidates. Congress must act to create a national standard that protects our employees and all voters from the threats of deceptive AI.
Update: There is still an opportunity to pass the bipartisan S. 2770 this year. Learn more and sign our business letter to Congress ›
Working through our differences
American businesses are deeply concerned by the toxic polarization in our country, and rightly so. That toxicity has not only overtaken our politics and permeated our communities; it has also crept into our workplaces, making us less collegial and less productive.
Since launching the Disagree Better initiative last July, the National Governors Association and Utah Governor Spencer Cox have renewed hope that Americans can overcome our differences and mend our social fabric. The future of our country depends on it.
Disagree Better @ Work will give businesses constructive nonpartisan activities to help combat polarization in America. We will be launching soon. Want to get involved? Contact us.
Navigating Political Uncertainty
In today’s hyperpartisan political landscape, there is at least one thing the business community can count on: continued attacks for taking action on social issues. It can feel like a no-win situation.
To better understand how businesses are navigating our toxic political environment, Business for America (BFA) surveyed more than 50 business leaders from Fortune 500 companies to small business owners. Respondents painted an alarming picture, with 89% agreeing that attacks on business from political figures are at an all-time high.
Business leaders are asking themselves, “In today’s uncertain political environment, is it smarter to keep our heads down?” The increased risks are having a chilling effect.
Democracy is a bottom-line business issue.
At Business for America, we believe that the business community can set a positive example for civic engagement, help overcome political divides, and preserve our country’s democratic institutions. And we believe this is essential to America's economic competitiveness.
By working with employees, customers, and community stakeholders, we can transform the relationship between business and politics and help make democracy work better for everyone.
Want to discuss how you and your business can make a difference? Contact us or schedule a call!
Corporate Civic Responsibility
Companies of all sizes are embracing the idea that businesses should not only deliver value to shareholders, but also be a force for good in society. As disillusionment with government and politics reaches historic highs, it’s time for the business community to add a new dimension to corporate responsibility.
With rising public interest in political reform, the business community has a historic opportunity to use our influence for good.
We’re looking for innovators and first movers excited about our bold agenda and ready to take action.
Making an Impact
As the only business group dedicated exclusively to “corporate civic responsibility,” Business for America is purpose-built to help business leaders and purpose-driven companies make an impact.
With an understanding of your interests, stakeholders, and community, we connect civic-minded business leaders and purpose-driven companies with opportunities to get involved and take action locally and nationally.
Our work includes:
- Engaging your employees for voter participation and civic renewal
- Showing civic leadership in your community
- Advocating for popular, bipartisan policy change
Divided We Fall:
How Business Can Depolarize the U.S.
An Event Series with the Niskanen Center & Business for America
Deepening divisions in the United States, both politically and culturally, pose a threat to our country. The issue goes beyond a move to the right within the Republican party or to the left among Democrats, as extremism has marginalized long standing moderate political beliefs in both camps, and bipartisanship has been vilified. Our political system’s polarization and dysfunction harm our business environment and workplace culture.
Join the Niskanen Center and Business for America for this four-part webinar series to discuss the root causes of political polarization, its social and economic impacts, and what the business community can do to reduce division in their companies, in politics, and in our society.
Understanding Polarization: An existential threat to business and democracy
May 20th: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT | Register »
Corporate Civic Responsibility: Why leading businesses want to change our civic culture
June 3rd: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT | Register »
Changing Incentives: How business contributes to polarization (and how it can stop)
June 17th: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT | Register »
Policy Solutions: How business can help depolarize politics and incentivize moderation
June 29th: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT | Register »
