Since 2019, PACE has been leading research on the impressions and relationships American voters have with various civic terms, surveying thousands and gaining rich insights about the power of words to connect and divide us from people different than ourselves. 

Along the way, we were compelled by the challenge many face in philanthropy and in civic life broadly: finding ways to appeal to a broad audience without sending unintended signals that halt a conversation before it even begins. 

In this groundbreaking report released just weeks before the pivotal 2024 presidential election, readers will learn: 

• Which civic terms have the strongest “bridgeyness” potential 
• How to understand and leverage the signals different words send 
• Techniques for encouraging deeper, more meaningful dialogue 
• Strategies for prioritizing connection over self-expression in high-stakes moments