Students pose inside the Illinois Capitol in Springfield
We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service.

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Better Politics, Smarter Government


Bringing together public service leaders, our community, and students to carry on Senator Paul Simon's vision.


Our Better Politics, Smarter Government initiatives explore statesmanship, the formidable challenges facing our world, and the urgent need to renew Illinois. Learn more!

APPLICATIONS ARE
OPEN FOR 2 PAID
INTERNSHIPS!

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Understanding Our New World: A Livestream Discussion Series

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SIMONCAST:
WIDE-RANGING, CIVIL CONVERSATIONS

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Paul Simon Democracy Prize

Three prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to current Illinois college or university students for the design and implementation of projects to revitalize democracy in their communities.

Submissions are accepted through April 1, 2023.

Learn More About the Democracy Prize

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