The Fulcrum stands at a pivotal moment in American civic life, using journalism, collaboration, and community‑centered initiatives to strengthen democratic engagement. Its mission and recent conversations among its leadership underscore both the challenges facing U.S. democracy and the solutions emerging from cross‑partisan, community‑driven work.
The national publication is "a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to expanding public understanding of how democracy works, where it is breaking down, and how it can be repaired," said publisher David Nevins. Its coverage spans voting, governance, civic engagement, democratic norms, and institutional accountability.
In the inaugural episode of The Fulcrum Roundtable of 2026, publisher Nevins and executive editor Hugo Balta reflected on the turbulence of 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. They celebrated the work of collaborators who helped expand The Fulcrum’s reach and impact, particularly through initiatives designed to elevate diverse civic voices.
Balta emphasized the Fulcrum's commitment to healing a democracy “fractured by polarization” through dialogue and solutions‑oriented reporting.
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The Fulcrum's mission has become increasingly urgent. From rising political extremism to declining trust in institutions, the democratic landscape of 2025 revealed deep structural vulnerabilities. The Fulcrum’s reporting—ranging from analyses of voter data collection proposals to examinations of civic resistance movements—has consistently highlighted these stress points.
Two initiatives highlighted in the conversation were The 50: Voices of a Nation and The Fulcrum Fellowship.
The 50 amplifies stories from across the country, spotlighting local leaders and community‑driven democratic innovations. Recent reflections on its first year underscored its role in broadening civic understanding and connecting national issues to local lived experiences.
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The Fulcrum Fellowship cultivates emerging civic storytellers and bridge‑builders, equipping them with training in solutions journalism, community engagement, and cross‑partisan dialogue. Nevins and Balta highlighted the fellows’ contributions as essential to strengthening the publication’s civic infrastructure. Applications for this summer's program are now open. Click HERE to learn more.
Nevins framed 2026 as a year of opportunity, "a chance to deepen partnerships, expand civic storytelling, and model the democratic values the country urgently needs." Balta assured that the Fulcrum continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening American democracy "through rigorous journalism, collaborative initiatives, and a commitment to solutions."
