inside an American research university that’s now devoted to the success of the people in the democracy and the democracy itself.
Michael M. Crow President, Arizona State University
On the cover: Cordero Holmes, an ASU Master of Public Administration student, engages in a hands-on learning experience at the State Capitol, gaining valuable insights into public policy and governance.
World.
The Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service hosts a National Voter Registration Day Expo, inviting students and community members to register and learn more about the democratic process.
Changing Futures through democracy
If we hope to change the future, democracy is perhaps our most powerful tool. People the world over have grown increasingly aware of threats to democracy. Beyond security of the ballot and legitimacy of elections, there are worries about disenfranchisement, campaign finance and more.
Though we may have different views on specific challenges and their solutions, Americans across the political spectrum share a concern for the health and future of our democracy.
When it works well, democracy is inclusive and representative. It allows leaders to listen to and serve their constituents. Ensuring a strong democracy is important for its own sake, but also because democracy remains the most effective way for communities to address myriad issues, from education to economics, civil rights to climate change and more.
At Arizona State University, we believe democracy is worth fighting for. We believe in coming together across political lines to invest in promising solutions. We believe a thriving democracy is beneficial for our country and the broader world. We believe that the time to change the future is now, and there’s no better place to start than right here.
Master’s of Public Administration students Samantha Badger, Dillard Collier and Chloe Wilson work with Shannon Portillo, center, director of the School of Public Affairs, in a Decision Theater exercise to understand the impacts of policy decisions through a matrix of data sets.
We didn’t create the New American University just to change ASU, Arizona or even US higher education.
We built it so we could change the world.
Why ASU?
ASU’s learners remain one of the most influential ways to shape the future of democracy. Decades of data indicate higher education is correlated with increased civic participation, civic duty and tolerance of difference. But of course, ASU is not just any school. We are a New American University.
Arizona State University is uniquely committed — and uniquely equipped — to make a difference for democracy. Thanks to our collaborative, innovative nature, our scale and our deep commitment to our charter, we are ready to do this work in inclusive ways to benefit the communities we serve.
“Everyone knows that we have these global challenges. It’s hard to find groups that are focused on them in a broad enough scope, with enough capability, like we have here, to actually hit the mark and make some things happen,” says President Michael Crow. “We have created an innovative culture inside an American research university that’s now devoted to the success of the people in the democracy and the democracy itself.”
Through Changing Futures, we will act boldly and leave our mark on democracy — both at home and abroad. We will double down on programs that prepare students to participate in and lead democratic institutions: Next Generation Service Corps, Capital Scholars Program, Civil Discourse Project and more. We will pursue new horizons of impact, establishing the ASU Institute of Politics, the McCain Library and Museum, and other new programs that enable ASU to have broad, positive impact for the communities we serve. Ultimately, these investments will position ASU as a beacon of democracy from Arizona, for the world.
This is our moment to change the future of democracy.
We will take an interdisciplinary approach to how we continue to advance democracy and make it work in contemporary society; to make sure this becomes the core of our learning at ASU as a place that supports free speech and supports the advancement of democracy.
Nancy Gonzales Executive Vice President and University Provost Arizona State University
ASU Local students Rose Etinoff, Farih Johnson and Cierra Garrison pose for a photo by the Abraham Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Changing Futures: Building solutions
Given the many challenges that our democracy faces, we know that no single solution will suffice. Through this effort, we hope to inspire transformational investment in programs that will strengthen democracy at home and around the world, starting with five promising solutions: the ASU Center for Free Speech, the Center for the Future of Arizona, the ASU Institute of Politics, the McCain Institute and the McCain Library and Museum.
ASU Center for Free Speech
Enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, free speech is a foundational principle of democracy the world over — one that ASU is committed to practicing and defending.
Since 2011, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has given ASU a “green light” rating for its speech-related policies, which is the highest rating available. In 2024, ASU ranked 14th among the top 25 schools in FIRE’s College Free Speech Rankings, which draw from more than 58,000 student responses at more than 250 colleges and universities.
Through Changing Futures, we will support free speech at ASU and beyond by establishing a new Center for Free Speech. In spring 2025, ASU hosted a Dialogues for Democracy forum, convening top leaders and scholars from across the country for a robust discussion on topics reflecting the “Chicago Principles” of free speech in the academy. The ASU Center for Free Speech will co-host the event annually to continue fostering dialogue on the role of free expression in a democratic society.
To ensure the health of democracy, we must remain dedicated to the first principles of the uninhibited exchange of ideas and the fearless inclusion of all voices. The Center for Free Speech and the annual Dialogues for Democracy forum will put these core principles into practice for the good of the learners and communities we serve.
Center for the Future of Arizona chair, president and CEO Sybil Francis discusses Arizona’s future at the group’s Dream Big Arizona Breakfast.
Center for the Future of Arizona
Co-founded by former ASU president Lattie Coor and Sybil Francis, the current chair, president and CEO of the organization, the Center for the Future of Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “do tank” that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state.
The Center for the Future of Arizona asks Arizonans what matters most to them, shares trusted data about those priorities, brings critical issues to public attention and works with communities to solve public problems.
In 2009, the center partnered with Gallup to create the first-of-its-kind Gallup Arizona Survey to better understand the values shared by Arizonans. From this work came “The Arizona We Want,” a vision of success coupled with an actionable statewide agenda broadly embraced by communities and leaders.
Now, over a decade later, the center has conducted a new Gallup Arizona Survey and is putting those findings to work.
Arizona PBS and the Center for the Future of Arizona partnered to create “Voter Ed,” a digital-first series that gives viewers a crash course in civics, which launched in fall 2024. They also co-produced “Arizona Horizon,” a series of segments based on the Gallup Arizona Survey, which aired on Arizona PBS’s daily news and public affairs program.
Changing Futures will highlight the critical work of the Center for the Future of Arizona and ensure it continues to reflect the values and implement the aspirations of all Arizonans.
ASU Institute of Politics
In early 2025, Arizona State University was proud to launch the ASU Institute of Politics, a groundbreaking nonpartisan initiative designed to prepare the next generation of public service leaders.
Led by Ambassador Jeff Flake, former U.S. senator, congressman and U.S. ambassador to Turkey, the institute will serve as a bridge between academia and real-world public service. Students will engage with top political strategists, policymakers, journalists, business leaders and thinkers from across the political spectrum and develop the skills and networks needed to drive meaningful change.
A signature program within the Institute is Dialogues for Democracy, a dynamic speaker series co-sponsored by ASU’s Center for Free Speech. This series, hosted by political strategist David Axelrod, brings influential voices to ASU, including entrepreneur Mark Cuban, economist Larry Summers, former diplomat Susan Rice and NBA champion coach Steve Kerr. These conversations will give students direct exposure to the critical issues shaping our democracy.
Beyond the speaker series, students will benefit from high-value internships, one-onone mentorship with accomplished public servants and civic engagement opportunities. Additionally, the ASU Institute of Politics Fellows Program will welcome distinguished public leaders as residents on campus, further enriching students’ educational experiences.
Reflecting on the power and importance of this new endeavor, Provost Nancy Gonzales affirms ASU’s commitment to fostering leadership and dialogue: “By providing students with unprecedented access to influential networks and real-world experiences, we are investing in the future of our democracy.”
The Institute of Politics represents a unique opportunity to change the future of democracy by supporting the development of the next generation of ethical and capable leaders. Together, we can ensure that ASU students — regardless of background — have the resources to lead with knowledge, integrity and vision.
Mark Cuban, entrepreneur, investor on ‘Shark Tank’ and former principal owner of the Dallas Mavericks, engages in a conversation with Ambassador Jeff Flake before around 1,000 students, faculty and staff, for the inaugural Dialogues for Democracy on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at Mullett Arena.
McCain Institute
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Sen. John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. Based in Washington, D.C., the institute prioritizes human rights, democracy and character-driven leadership. Its unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables the McCain Institute to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges.
Changing Futures provides a critical opportunity to invest in the McCain Institute’s continuing efforts to combat threats to American democracy with a focus on countering authoritarian trends, restoring civil discourse, rebuilding faith in institutions, reducing polarization and protecting election workers. Globally, the McCain Institute takes an offensive stance against autocratic pressures, emphasizing actionable outcomes and practical support for democratic values. It supports human rights defenders by providing career development, security training and more, while also advocating for political prisoners worldwide.
These efforts are built on the understanding that America must tend to our own democracy in order to continue advancing democracy and human rights around the world. By addressing critical domestic issues like freedom of the media and the integrity of the electoral system, the McCain Institute aims to secure democracy and preserve America’s role as defender of democracy writ large.
The McCain Library and Museum
John McCain was a man of unwavering conviction who left an indelible mark on American history. The McCain Library and Museum will ensure his legacy lives on, shaping our public life and challenging us to cherish integrity and serve with courage.
The McCain Library and Museum will showcase the life and work of a public servant whose influence shaped significant events of our time. It will include archives from his decades of high-profile work in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and around the globe. It will also be an international venue for multilateral research, a civic and educational convening space and a community center focused on serving the underserved. A visitor’s center and an Arizona home for the McCain Institute are other planned elements.
The campus will be built in historic Papago Park near the Arizona State University Tempe campus. It will be a living institution charged with cultivating the next generation of leaders.
“The McCain Library and Museum will be an exemplar of how we use all of our great technological tools to bring character-driven leadership, training and education to the masses,” said Chris Howard, executive vice president and chief operating officer of ASU. “We’re excited and honored to be a part of his legacy at Arizona State University. “He loved this university and he loved democracy.”
Sen. John McCain meets with soldiers from the United Arab Emirates on Bagram Air Field in 2012.
Changing Futures: Investing in democracy
No matter your affiliation with ASU, no matter your politics or the place you call home, Changing Futures provides potent opportunities for you to invest in the future of democracy.
At ASU, Arizona PBS serves as a journalistic “teaching hospital,” tapping into the talents of advanced students in journalism and other disciplines who work under the guidance of Arizona PBS staff to create rich broadcast and digital content.
Democracy in the 21st Century
Inspire tomorrow’s game changers
In order to prepare the next generation to serve as leaders in our democracy, we must ensure access to hands-on learning opportunities that help students from all backgrounds see a future for themselves in public service.
ASU’s Public Service Academy answers the nation’s call for character-driven leaders armed with the courage to cross sectors, connect networks and ignite action for the greater good. Through programs like the Next Generation Service Corps, ASU students investigate social issues and engage in studentled exploration, research and solutions.
Through the Capital Scholars Program, students in the School of Politics and Global Studies experience Washington, D.C. as summer interns. Students work in Congress, courts, government agencies, the White House and more.
ASU creates access for all students to the political class through programs like Democracy at Work. In collaboration with David Axelrod, Democracy at Work brings top politicians and government leaders to ASU to discuss democracy. Recent guests have included Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey; Karl Rove, former White House deputy chief of staff; David Plouffe, former senior advisor to the U.S. president; and Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Other opportunities for students to engage with civic leaders include the Civil Discourse Project, which addresses important topics like patriotism and ideological conformity. Additionally, the Center for American Institutions hosts Lectures on American Institutions, a series which examines America’s executive, legislative and judicial institutions.
Empower community resilience
According to the ASU Charter, ASU assumes “fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.” From supporting free and fair elections to producing compelling, reliable journalism, ASU supports democracy in the communities we serve every day.
Led by former Maricopa County supervisor Bill Gates, the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory provides training and resources to improve elections administration along with transparency and accountability for voting processes.
ASU also provides communities in Arizona and beyond with trusted, nonpartisan journalism to help build an informed electorate. ASU Media Enterprise is an independent, nonpartisan knowledge community that shares stories on topics from science and technology to the arts and social change.
Zócalo Public Square seeks to create a welcoming intellectual space and engage a new generation in the public square. Zócalo syndicates to 290 media outlets worldwide and has hosted more than 600 events in 33 cities.
The Center for Constitutional Design promotes nationwide conversations about constitutional reform and the advancement of constitutional democracy. It suggests ways reforms could be implemented to preserve our system and leverages knowledge of other nations’ constitutions to better understand our own.
ASU’s commitment
Transform global education
Starting in fall 2024, every ASU student began completing coursework designed to give them a stronger understanding of how democracy works in the United States — and why it is critical for them to participate.
At the direction of the Arizona Board of Regents, ASU prepared new general studies courses for all students focused on the origin of the nation and how democracy has evolved with exploration of contemporary American institutions.
ASU has also established a new set of general studies requirements called Governance and Civic Engagement Topics include how to make coherent arguments about public policy, locating the common good for society, understanding democracy as an exercise in collective decision making and recognizing diverse perspectives around challenging societal problems.
Civic Education in the Classroom is housed in the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, whose mission includes helping educators teach civics and elevating civics literacy. The CivEd platform provides free resources to engage and educate the community, including The Arizona Constitution Project, The Civic Literacy Curriculum, Keeping It Civil Podcast and more. The Center for American Civics is a nonpartisan outreach center that supports and strengthens K-12 students’ knowledge of American civics and civil discourse skills.
Reshape our relationship with the planet
In our increasingly global society, American democracy stands as a model for nations around the world. Healthy democracies ensure that all who are impacted by rapid economic and environmental changes have a seat at the table in policy discussions.
The Democracy and Sustainability project is a partnership, led by Professor David Orr, author of “Democracy in a Hotter Time,” with the Athens Democracy Forum. It focuses on the health of democracy worldwide. ASU has contributed work on how democracy can decrease the ill effects of climate change.
The Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy conducts research and produces policy briefs on the health of American democracy. The center pays special attention to exploring nonpartisan reforms aimed at securing America’s federal structures. Recently the center published a report titled, “Frustrated but Engaged: Gen Z Attitudes on Voting, Parties and Issues in 2024.”
The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy facilitates powerful dialogues and transformative scholarship about issues related to race and democracy. Programs feature changemakers, community leaders, scholars and professionals who engage with and inspire audiences.
The Center for Work and Democracy examines the challenges facing working people that have led to an unequal society. A key element is to connect the power of working people to reduce inequality and bolster democratic institutions around labor.
Biomedical science students
Victoria Le and McKenzie Slaton pose after voting at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex.
Changing Futures is democratic. It is forward looking. It’s about helping our society heal itself and grow itself and be the best version of itself. And it’s also powered by Arizona State University. We are an engine for good. We’re an engine for grace. This is our time to help out the world.
Chris Howard Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Arizona State University
This mission — this moment — demands partners like you.
People who see challenges and want to find solutions. People who want to take action and want to inspire others to join them. People who believe in the power of democracy and believe that it is worth fighting for and investing in.
We will not be bystanders as democracy faces new threats at home and abroad.
Through Changing Futures, we will champion democracy as the powerful tool that it is and lift our voices to change the future.
ASU alumni Avery D. Xola, Seanika Mathis and Scott Jarrett lead discussions on voter outreach at a National Voter Registration Day event.
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.
