The American Academy of Arts and Sciences
In 2023, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Reimagining Our Economy partnered with Cortico to record and analyze conversations across the country, bringing everyday Americans’ economic experiences into its “Advancing a People-First Economy” report and recommendations.
Listen to a highlight featuring a powerful exchange between conversation participants in Lexington, KY.
Dive into the full Advancing a People-First Economy report to see the recommendations and the real stories that shaped them.
Meet the people behind the conversations through Faces of America: Getting By in Our Economy, a photojournal pairing portraits with voices.
Read on to learn more about how Cortico worked with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
November 2023
At Cortico, one of our goals has always been to restore trust across communities, across divides, and across America. With the publishing of a timely editorial in the New York Times, we are pleased to share the story behind our collaboration with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and introduce the impactful report, “Advancing a People-First Economy.”
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences unveiled the final report of the Commission on Reimagining Our Economy (CORE) in November 2023 , a cross-partisan initiative dedicated to reshaping our nation’s political economy with the goal of lifting people up.
Cortico’s very own Kathy Cramer serves as a Co-Chair on this distinguished commission, which includes notable figures such as Ann Fudge, Nicholas B. Lemann, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Reid Hoffman, Anna Deavere Smith, and even Tom Hanks.
What sets this report apart is the unique process by which it was created. CORE, with the help of Cortico’s conversation platform, engaged in small-group conversations across America. These conversations illuminated the experiences and aspirations of those often unheard. The result is a compelling case for an economy that truly works for the people who make it work.
Kathy Cramer, the Commission’s Co-Chair, emphasizes the report’s uniqueness:
“Hearing the voices of Americans as they share their experiences of the economic system and its personal impact is revelatory. Cortico’s mission of surfacing underheard voices to effect change truly comes to life in this work. I believe that listening with empathy is an important first step in making an economy and democracy that works for everyone in this country.”
Cortico’s approach was used to record, transcribe, and analyze voices from all corners of America as they shared their stories about their economic circumstances and hopes for the future.
A result of this conversation analysis is the report’s fifteen bold recommendations to create a People-First Economy, which will be shared at a launch event. The committee will also highlight Cortico’s contributions to a process that allowed a diverse, cross-partisan, and multidisciplinary group to agree on solutions for some of the most significant challenges facing the American people.
In addition, CORE has published “Faces of America: Getting By in Our Economy,” a photojournal that brings American faces to the voices of conversation participants from around the country.
The CORE report serves as a catalyst for real voices and faces for change. It will be shared with congressional offices and other spheres of influence, helping shape a future where the economy materially serves the people.
View the Report: Advancing a People-First Economy
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