At a time when democracy is under threat, We Hold These Truths seeks to build bridges and affirm the principles that bind us together. The campaign fosters civic pride and unity by promoting shared values and encouraging civic responsibility through actionable public commitments.

Time Banking shifts the narrative of value from money to meaning. By creating economies rooted in reciprocity and interdependence, TimeBanks foster deeper social ties and make visible the invisible work of caregiving, mentoring, and community support. It’s a powerful counterbalance to isolation and systemic inequity.

Pathways to Repair offers a dynamic, accessible model for transforming division into dialogue. Through story-based engagements and facilitated discussions, they equip participants to engage with empathy and accountability across lines of difference—including political, racial, and generational divides. In a time of increasing polarization, their work helps build the social cohesion and trust needed to create resilient, equitable communities.

The world faces a rising tide of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and polarizing narratives. The School of Thought equips individuals and communities with skills like probabilistic reasoning, metacognition, and fallacy awareness—essential tools to strengthen democratic capacities and collective resilience.

In a polarized world, compassion offers a unifying force that transcends politics, religion, and nationality. The Charter mobilizes individuals and institutions to root their work in empathy, equity, and moral courage—key ingredients for inclusive and just societies.

Safe, stable housing is foundational for health, opportunity, and community resilience. Rebuilding Together Houston goes beyond construction—they build hope, preserve family legacies, and strengthen neighborhood identity by restoring homes for those often left out of equitable housing access.

Litter and pollution don’t just harm the environment — they threaten public health, strain municipal budgets, and affect everyday Texans. By focusing on upstream systems like packaging responsibility and recycling infrastructure, Texans for Clean Water works toward long-term, sustainable solutions that benefit people and the planet.

Most environmental policies are shaped without the voices of communities most impacted. Agents of Change shifts that balance by empowering underrepresented scholars to lead in media, science, and policymaking—redefining power, participation, and truth in public health and environmental spaces.

Why It Matters

The digital divide isn't just about internet access—it's about opportunity. Millions of families lack the devices or digital literacy needed to thrive in today’s society. Compudopt removes those barriers through computer distribution, digital skills training, and workforce development programs. This work is foundational to equity in education, employment, and civic participation—especially in underserved communities.

Houston's diverse and dynamic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Impact Hub Houston addresses these by fostering a collaborative environment where social entrepreneurs can thrive. By providing resources, mentorship, and a global network, they enable changemakers to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also equitable and sustainable.

As democratic norms and institutions face growing challenges, there is a clear need to strengthen civic literacy, especially among young people. The Bill of Rights Institute addresses this by fostering informed, thoughtful civic participation rooted in historical understanding and constitutional awareness.

A project of the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research, this Agents of Change initiative focuses on engaging civilians—especially underrepresented communities—in public policy research and action. The program seeks to amplify civic engagement and support pathways for Angelenos to shape policy decisions that impact their everyday lives.