A new season of the podcast will feature givers, doers, and thinkers reflecting on the role philanthropy has played in forming American exceptionalism.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of America's founding, it’s apt to reflect on what makes our great country distinctive. It's not just the circumstances of our founding, our system of government, or the stories and values that have helped shape our national character.
American excepetionalism is largely the result of a robust, independent civil society composed of an variety of institutions, organizations, and associations—all of them funded primarily by the private sector. In America, this exemplary private-sector generosity has created unparalelled separation of the individual and the state, a distinction that not only iberty but also charity and solidarity.
In honor of the semiquincentennial, the Center for Civil Society is producing a special three-part season seven of the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers (GDT) Podcast, presented by AmPhil.
The Podcast
In season seven of the GDT Podcast, we will explore how American civil society came about, what has made our nation the most charitable on on Earth, what modern challenges threaten its flourishing, and what the future promises.
- In Part 1 of the season, leading thinkers will help us understand the historical, religious, and philosophical orgins of America's distinctive civil society.
- In Part 2, innovative and generous givers will share their observations on what keeps the wheels of philanthropy turning and drives charitable innovation.
- In Part 3, prominent doers will guide us in encouraging the formation and growth of some of today's most promising mission-driven enterprises.
These historians and scholars, nonprofit leaders and innovators, and philanthropy experts offer exciting perspectives and insights, and the Center for Civil Society is excited to host them.
Why You Should Care About American Civil Society
So, why should our listeners care about our voluntary organizations' past, present, and future?
The short answer is that without these voluntary associations, the American spirit of generosity and care for our neighbors would fade. We would become more reliant on government and therefore less free.
Voluntary associations are not beholden to heavy bureaucracy, resources made available solely through federal agencies, and the opinions of a powerful few. They are propelled by mission and the people who care about that mission—they are, therefore, closer to those they serve and can serve them better.
Our cultural and political landscape is fraught, divided, driven by antagonism. It is more important than ever to reconnect with our unique, shared American identity.
Where to Listen
If you would like to reconnect with American cultural identity, glean practical guidance for your nonprofit, or hear from guests who make you ponder, give season seven of the GDT Podcast a listen.
You can tune in to Part 1 every Wednesday, starting April 23rd, on Spotify or Apple Music. Episodes are also available on YouTube, where you can watch guests in action!
If you like the show, please subscribe or share us on social media. Join the conversation—we'd love to hear from you.
