POPVOX Foundation’s Aubrey Wilson, Director of Global Initiatives, will be testifying to the House Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation on December 17th. The hearing, “The Future of Constituent Engagement with Congress” will take place at 10 AM ET in 1310 Longworth HOB.
Teletownhalls get written off as canned or impersonal, but they’re an effective way to reach constituents at scale.
Ashley Julyan breaks down what makes them work, where they fall short, and how offices can use them to build real connection and trust.
voicemailgov.substack.com/p/why-teleto...
We got in on the #wrapped action.
A small but meaningful push: new funding for AI tools, better casework systems, and real data infrastructure. It’s not flashy, but it matters. As Aubrey Wilson puts it: “We’re celebrating, because it definitely shows we’re starting to get in the right direction.”
fedscoop.com/congress-mod...
Earlier today, POPVOX Foundation & CapitolStrong hosted a thank you event for Congressional staff with coffee, treats, and therapy dog Teddy.
From early mornings to late nights, through challenges and crises, Hill staff show up and serve.
www.popvox.org/blog/capitol...
A global summit on AI for Parliaments offered a glimpse of how legislatures might operate in 2040 — and why Congress risks slipping behind as peers race ahead.
Check out the latest Future-Proofing Congress from @marcidale.bsky.social:
futureproofingcongress.substack.com/p/congress-i...
House just cleared the way for offices to share Community Resource Lists — a big win for caseworkers and constituents!
Plus: key agency updates, immigration shifts, and federal workforce news shaping casework right now.
caseworknavigator.substack.com/p/sharing-co...
With Catherine Szpindor, the Chief Administrative Officer for the House retiring, Congress now faces an AI-driven, post-Chevron moment that makes the next CAO pick a generational choice for its capacity to serve the public.
www.popvox.org/blog/continu...
A whirlwind week of new AI breakthroughs, autonomous tech shifts, a major White House initiative, and more!
Check out a special Thanksgiving editing of Future-Proofing Congress from @marcidale.bsky.social: futureproofingcongress.substack.com/p/the-future...
“If there had been stronger and more intentional connections between delivery teams and Congressional staff, many programs could have achieved their goals more effectively.” -former 18F employee
Learn more about Departure Dialogues and add your insights: popvox.org/departure
The first round of Departure Dialogues captured reflections from federal employees across multiple agencies, revealing patterns that transcend individual departments.
Among them: the Paperwork Reduction Act is having the opposite effect.
Learn more: popvox.org/departure
Congress is back and there’s real progress to celebrate! 💪
From modernization funding and casework upgrades to new AI guidance and federal workforce insights, a new Future-Proofing Congress covers concrete wins that strengthen how Congress serves.
futureproofingcongress.substack.com/p/giving-tha...
Have you recently left federal service? POPVOX Foundation is launching round 2 of Departure Dialogues.
Your experience matters. Share your feedback to help Congress modernize outdated laws and strengthen public trust: www.popvox.org/departure
The finding: Legislative requirements should be updated to reflect modern needs and realities.
The opportunity: Congress can use emerging technologies to gather structured feedback from the federal workforce efficiently and use it to shape smarter legislation.
Frontline expertise is missing from lawmaking.
Federal employees say their insights rarely reach leadership or lawmakers — yet they know where systems break down.
“Stronger connections between delivery teams and staff could help programs succeed.” — Randy Hart, former 18F
One law kept coming up: the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Federal staff say the law meant to cut red tape is creating bureaucracy instead.
“Despite its name, the Paperwork Reduction Act imposes substantial constraints on collecting useful information.” — Gabriel Levine, former NSF
Employees from USDA, State, FDA, and SSA pointed to the same problem: outdated legislative requirements prevent agencies from delivering results.
“Our agents operated under outdated guidance that didn't reflect best practices, creating legal risk.” — Dan Murphy, formerly of State
Federal employees who left government service have insights about how Congress can write laws that agencies can implement more effectively.
POPVOX Foundation + partners’ Departure Dialogues released its 1st round of findings:
www.popvox.org/departure-di...
New research shows town halls can do more than spark chaos — they can reduce polarization and rebuild trust.
For the latest Voice/Mail, Anne Meeker talked with Michael Neblo and Amy Lee of the Ohio State University’s IDEA.
voicemailgov.substack.com/p/the-people...
Offices that treat casework crises as learning opportunities emerge stronger. 💪
The latest Casework Navigator explores how adapting under pressure builds resilience and what caseworkers can learn from today’s wave of constituent challenges.
caseworknavigator.substack.com/p/casework-n...
Spooky season on the Hill isn’t about ghosts. It’s about the end of the fiscal year! 👻
In the latest Future-Proofing Congress:
- staying effective during the shutdown
- smart AI use
- staff morale boosts
- the latest Hill tech updates, and more!
futureproofingcongress.substack.com/p/the-spooki...
The latest Casework Navigator covers key shutdown impacts on agency services, resources for federal employees and contractors, and new developments in casework data and oversight.
caseworknavigator.substack.com/p/shutdown-b...
"Casework is the best thing Congress does. It's this really vital ground floor look at how policy works.” - Anne Meeker, POPVOX Foundation Managing Director
www.govexec.com/oversight/20...
Constituent complaints about private companies can be tricky—but help exists!
Watch our latest webinar to learn how govt agencies like CFPB handle consumer issues and what Congressional offices should know about key resources for protecting constituents: www.popvox.org/events/consu...
This month’s Future-Proofing Congress dives into staff safety, burnout, AI innovation, and small wins that keep the Hill moving forward.
Take a breath and read: futureproofingcongress.substack.com/p/with-great...
Shutdown planning, safety tips for staff, H-1B updates, and more in this week’s Casework Navigator newsletter.
Plus, our rescheduled Consumer Protection webinar with Erie Meyer this Thursday!
caseworknavigator.substack.com/p/shutdown-p...
Big ideas, bold announcements, and the next generation of civic technologists: Highlights from the 2025 Congressional Hackathon show how collaboration is driving real progress in modernizing Congress.
www.popvox.org/blog/hackath...
Learn more at popvox.org/departure
