Stories of Local Activism #3
Team Democracy
Pulling America Back Toward Common Ground
Wild Rivers Across America
Founded as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3), Team Democracy works to counter toxic polarization and strengthen the core guardrails of the U.S. constitutional system. It brings together citizens, civic organizations, veterans, business leaders, and elected officials around two basic commitments: elections that are both secure and broadly inclusive, and a peaceful transfer of power no matter who wins.
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Drawing on research that shows shared purpose is one of the most effective antidotes to polarization, Team Democracy focuses on initiatives that amplify Americans’ shared values, inspire healthier civic engagement, and create national experiences that model cooperation instead of division.
Mission
Team Democracy’s mission is to bring Americans of all political perspectives together around our shared commitment to the core democratic principles of our Constitutional Republic. It promotes and amplifies positive messages and actions that underscore the importance of our democratic institutions, norms and processes.
Studies from psychological literature show that one of the most effective ways to overcome polarization is through reinforcing a shared purpose or identity. To that end, Team Democracy's initiatives
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Amplify Americans' shared values in support of safe and fair elections
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Inspire and incentivize opportunities for broader, healthier civic engagement
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Create national events that exemplify the value of pulling ourselves together rather than pulling ourselves apart
What They Do
2. Trusted Elections
The “guardrails” that almost all Americans can agree on—secure and broadly inclusive elections and the peaceful transfer of power—as common ground that transcends party lines
1. R.A.F.T. for America
RAFT trips create structured, high-trust environments where people with very different views have to literally pull together to stay upright.
3. Civics Credentialing
Digital credentials and public pledges highlight pro-democracy behaviors and identities.
Hitting the Rapids Together
R.A.F.T. for America
Team Democracy’s whitewater rafting trips create shared experiences, opening space for curiosity instead of caricature and helping participants discover that “we’re not as different as we thought we were.”
Sometimes we need to create a synthetic situation that can allow us to bond, and then utilize that as the basis for a relationship, and then utilize that as a basis for conversation.
Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Liberal
”Principles for Trusted Elections“ Movement
Coming Together Across the Political Spectrum
Team Democracy manages this national campaign, sponsored by the Carter Center and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Center, to help restore voters’ confidence in our democratic republic. To date, thousands have signed on to the Principles for Trusted Elections—candidates, organizations, citizens from everywhere on the political spectrum.
Shared Identity: Civics Credentialing
For Broader and Deeper Civic Participation
The Civics Credentialing program, also managed by Team Democracy, creates a platform to issue digital badges that mark civics competencies and commitments. Digital credentials and public pledges highlight pro-democracy behaviors and identities, communicating “I’m someone who supports trusted elections” and “I’m someone who bridges divides.” This makes it easier for citizens and leaders to see themselves as part of Team Democracy rather than rival political tribes.
IMPACT
Focusing on What We Have in Common
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Earned over 5,800 signatures on the “Principles for Trusted Elections” from supporters, candidates, and organizations from everywhere on the political spectrum
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Launched a digital Civics Credentialing System, creating pathways that help inspire, amplify and reward Americans’ healthier civic engagement
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Hosted four rafting trips for RAFT for America across the country in 2025, and five in 2024, continuing to highlight the power of real-world collaboration across the country
Take Action
Support Team Democracy’s work to strengthen the guardrails of American democracy.
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Share this story with your network.
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Sign the Principles for Trusted Elections.
Publicly commit to safe, fair, and inclusive elections and the peaceful transfer of power.
https://www.principlesfortrustedelections.org/sign-your-name
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Join a RAFT for America trip.
Apply to take the RAFT Challenge—share a raft, a conversation, and a common purpose with someone outside your bubble.
https://www.raftforamerica.org/join-us-on-the-river
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Investigate Civics Credentialing for yourself and your organizations.
​https://www.civicscredentialing.org/
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Contact Team Democracy: info@teamdemocracy.org
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Visit Their Website
Team Democracy: https://www.teamdemocracy.org/
RAFT for America: https://www.raftforamerica.org/
