murmuration

Can we imagine a better future, and what helps us believe it's possible? In the penultimate installment of our America 251 series, we explore what gives Americans hope, and where they believe a better future begins. Our latest research finds that people are most hopeful about the parts of life closest to home. They point not to institutions, but to family, neighbors, personal progress, and everyday acts of kindness. Hope grows where people experience connection, agency, and the belief that their actions matter. The findings also reveal an important challenge: while nearly two-thirds of Americans feel hopeful about their own lives, hope declines as people think about their communities, the nation, and the world. And for those facing financial hardship, hope can feel much harder to hold onto. Subscribe and read Imagining America Forward on Substack → https://lnkd.in/g28SjhY5 #CivicPulse

What gives people hope? In a new essay for The Preamble, our Founder and CEO, Emma Bloomberg, reflects on what thousands of Americans shared in Murmuration's latest #CivicPulse research and why she believes hope is something we practice through everyday acts of connection, service, and community. Read Emma's essay:

You don't need a big budget to make a big impact, you need proximity. Many of the creative trends shaping campaigns in 2026 actually favor smaller organizations if you know how to adopt them, because what local efforts may lack in budgets, they make up for in connection to the communities they serve. Here are the three creative takeaways the Campaigns team at Murmuration is sharing, from short-form video to picking the right local messenger. Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/gJXFSWX7 #CampaignTrends

The question isn't whether Americans identify as American. It's whether they feel included in America's future. Today we continue our America 251 series with a look at nationhood. Our latest Civic Pulse research suggests Americans remain deeply attached to the idea of America. Most identify strongly as American, find reasons for pride, and believe the country can build a better future. Yet many are less certain that America is living up to its ideals, or that people like them are fully included in the nation's story. Across this series, we've seen a common thread emerge. People thrive when they have roots, relationships, agency, and the opportunity to contribute. This week, we ask what it takes to feel part of something even larger: the story of America itself. Subscribe and explore the latest installment of America 251: An Unfinished Nation on Substack → https://lnkd.in/gB4VFsnF #America251 #CivicPulse

At Aspen Ideas Festival, Murmuration's Founder and CEO, Emma Bloomberg, sat down with NYSE's Floor Talk to discuss what it takes to build stronger communities and why local organizations are essential to America's future. Civic infrastructure is essential to healthy communities. When people don't believe their participation can lead to meaningful change, civic life weakens. That's why it's so important to invest in the organizations, relationships, and infrastructure that enable communities to participate, connect, and solve problems together. Watch the conversation to learn more about strengthening civic life and hear  Emma's reflections on courageous leadership: https://lnkd.in/g5wwHcBR #AspenIdeasFestival

 What will shape America's 251st year and beyond? Last week, we brought together leaders, organizers, creators, and researchers to explore that question. Thank you to everyone who joined us for America 251 & Beyond, an evening of conversation about who we are, who we're becoming, and the kind of country we want to build over the next 250 years. We're especially grateful to the remarkable speakers who shared their perspectives through lightning talks exploring nation, agency, hope, joy, belonging, community, and what Americans are telling us about civic life: ✨ Murad Awawdeh, Daria D., Jason G. Green, Astead W. Herndon, Cord Jefferson, Alex J Johnston, Amanda Litman, and Sarah Stamper. ✨ Our Founder and CEO, Emma Bloomberg, opened the evening, and the Murmuration team's creativity and dedication helped bring this event to life. The conversations didn't end when the program concluded; they're ones we'll continue to carry forward as we look toward America 251 & beyond. #America251 #CivicEngagement

Americans haven't given up on change. They're rethinking where it comes from. Today we continue our #America251 series with a look at agency. Our latest research finds that while many Americans remain frustrated by rising costs, political division, and declining trust in institutions, they haven't lost faith in the possibility of change. Instead, they're placing that hope closer to home, in local communities, personal relationships, and the belief that ordinary people can make a difference. More than nine in ten Americans believe ordinary people can help change things in their communities, and more than four in ten say they've taken action to improve something locally in the past year. Across this series, a familiar pattern continues to emerge: Americans place their greatest faith in things that are personal, local, and relational. Subscribe and explore the latest installment of America 251: The Power Closest to Home on Substack → https://lnkd.in/gMnY4t7p #CivicPulse

What does it take to turn local leadership into electoral success? Through our partnership with LEE, Murmuration helped equip emerging leaders with the data, strategic support, and outreach and organizing platform they needed to make the most of limited time and resources. By combining tailored data strategies, custom early vote dashboards, dedicated support, and #Organizer, 14 of the 18 candidates using Murmuration's tools won their races, a 77% win rate across mayoral, city council, and school board elections in 10 states. Read how Murmuration and LEE partnered to help local leaders turn data into action, and action into results → https://lnkd.in/g5u73w_S #LocalLeadership

Identity isn't just about who we are. It's also shaped by the conditions in which we live. Today we continue our America 251 series with a look at identity. Our latest research suggests that identity is less a destination than an ongoing process. While most Americans say they can be themselves in daily life, that experience looks very different depending on whether they feel financially secure. Across the data, a familiar pattern continues to emerge. Financial stability appears to shape not only material well-being but also whether people feel free to be themselves, feel respected, and see a meaningful role for themselves in their communities. Subscribe and explore the latest installment of #America251: Becoming Ourselves on Substack → https://lnkd.in/gquEsiST #CivicPulse