Issue One joins coalition to support the Capitol Hill community

Issue One joined leading civil society groups last week to launch CapitolStrong, an initiative to support and recognize the congressional and service staff working in the U.S. Capitol, and to create a space to repair and rebuild trust in our democratic institutions following the violent attack that transpired on January 6, 2021.

The rioting and violence that occurred at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, has left an ugly scar on our country and our democracy. The attack by those seeking to overturn the presidential election through the use of force and intimidation caused the loss of life, threatened the safety of lawmakers and staff, and further inflamed the nation’s political divisions. 

CapitolStrong was formed to foster a meaningful dialogue on how our country can begin to recover from this assault on our democracy. This coalition of civil society organizations will strengthen and invest in the institution of Congress and the people who serve there, beginning with a close collaboration with Capitol Hill offices to provide resources for congressional employees at all levels.

“The assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was an abhorrent attack on our democracy,” said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee. “On that day, congressional and service staff witnessed traumatic events and violence. At this moment and going forward, it’s imperative that we show up for the Capitol Hill community and support these critical public servants.” 

CapitolStrong Participating Organizations:

• Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation
• Bipartisan Policy Center
• Bipartisan Policy Center Action
• College to Congress
• Congressional Management Foundation
• The Faith and Politics Institute
• The GovLab
• Issue One
• Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
• LegiDash
• Partnership for Public Service 
• Representative Democracy
• POPVOX
• R Street Institute
• TechCongress
• Tom Manatos Jobs
• United States Capitol Historical Society 

Visit CapitolStrong.org to take action and show support for congressional and service staff. You can follow the work of this initiative on Twitter and on Instagram, and subscribe to receive email updates on CapitolStrong.org. 

CapitolStrong wants to hear from congressional and service staffers working on Capitol Hill. Please take this survey to share reflections and recommendations or email capitolstrong@ourpublicservice.org to start a conversation.

About CapitolStrong

CapitolStrong is a coalition of civil society organizations working to strengthen and invest in the institution of Congress and the people who serve there. We are coming together at this critical moment for our nation to support and recognize the congressional and service staff working in the U.S. Capitol, and to create a space to repair and rebuild trust in our democratic institutions.