Our Mission

EnCiv exists to fuel an urgent transformation in the way Americans practice democracy. We challenge sensationalism and polarization in civic discourse by offering social technologies that power widespread, cross-partisan discussion and better decision making.    

We imagine a world where people of all backgrounds and every political conviction are inspired to work together and get things done. Our tools are designed to bring this world within reach.

EnCiv is nonpartisan and cross-partisan. We never endorse specific candidates or policy positions.

A Ballotpedia partner

Our technology is the engine behind Ballotpedia’s Candidate Conversations, giving voters on-demand access to no-frills, substantive video statements directly from candidates.  Launched in late 2019, Candidate Conversations on Ballotpedia is positioned to reach a potential 25.3 million voters in elections nationwide.

See Candidate Conversations in action.

Built on proven principles of dialogue and deliberation

EnCiv draws on decades of research into the principles of human interaction, civic discourse and constructive decision-making. This research teaches us that successful collaboration — in any context — hinges on two specific and complementary forms of respect: respect for all participants and respect for the shared work. 

While it’s easy to assume that online connection is inferior to live interactions in fostering respect and constructive collaboration, we believe the opposite. When supported by systems designed with neutrality in mind, online discourse has the potential to establish a higher bar for universally respectful, broadly inclusive conversation — ultimately driving positive social change.

You can learn more about these principles from our partners at The Interactivity Foundation or by consulting this summary by a team that included internationally-respected scholar John Dryzek.