In an increasingly complex and divided society, we can’t solve our challenges and maintain a free democracy without open conversation, collaboration, and problem-solving. We aim to enable our nation to address pressing challenges by empowering young adults to communicate and collaborate effectively across divides.

According to a 2022 NBC poll, 70% of Americans say that the country has become so politically polarized that it can no longer solve its major issues. As college students, we saw this kind of division playing out in our communities and nationwide, with political gridlock leading to inaction on pressing issues. In the wake of January 6, 2021, we started Civic Synergy, a Generation Z-driven organization hosting experiential learning programs fostering collaborative skill building and civic participation.

In our 6-week program, young adults ages 18-30 learn consensus-building skills and are placed into diverse teams with balanced left-right representation to practice these skills and co-create policy proposals, with the help of professional facilitators. Our process helps teams move beyond compromise and towards the inclusion of many needs at the table so that they can innovate outside of traditional “middle of the road” ideas. At the end of the program, participants present to members of Congress or other local/state elected officials. In our first two years, over 110 young adults representing over 30 states have gone through our program, and we’re grateful to have had numerous alumni continue to return and stay involved in various capacities.

We run national, federally-focused programs as well as in-person, locally-focused programs, allowing young leaders to engage with and impact issues affecting their local communities. With multiple national programs under our belt, we are working to build out our local and regional footprint all over the country, starting with our inaugural in-person program at the University of Miami’s Hanley Democracy Center.

We believe that giving today’s young leaders the tools and opportunities to strengthen our diverse democracy by navigating division is an essential journey to be on, as it will take all of us together to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Project Director Bio:

Anna Rohrer is the Co-Director of Civic Synergy and a former participant in the program at the University of Miami. She also served as a Team Leader intern at the University of Miami’s Hanley Democracy Center. There she lead student discussions and helped create environments centered on respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Anna is currently studying Political Science and Microbiology at the University of Iowa, combining her interests in public policy, science, and community engagement.

Anna is passionate about encouraging productive conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Through Civic Synergy, she hopes to help students feel more confident discussing
issues while building stronger connections across divides. She believes that meaningful change starts with curiosity, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to others.

Anna enjoys fitness, reading, spending time outdoors, and learning about topics ranging from health and science to politics and leadership.

Addison Becker is the Co-Director of Civic Synergy and a former participant and facilitator of the program, bringing a unique perspective shaped by experiencing Civic Synergy from multiple roles. A recent graduate of the University of Miami, where she studied Marine Affairs and Political Science, Addison is passionate about building bridges across divides and creating spaces where young people can engage thoughtfully with one another.

Through her work with Civic Synergy, Addison is inspired by the ability of dialogue to foster understanding, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation of leaders to tackle complex challenges together. She believes that meaningful progress happens when people feel heard, respected, and willing to collaborate across differences.

Outside of Civic Synergy, Addison enjoys spending time outdoors, being on the water, staying active, and exploring new opportunities to connect environmental stewardship with civic engagement.