What We Do
The Front Porch Movement is a nonprofit journalism initiative amplifying voices and stories often overlooked by traditional media. Our work focuses on the human experiences behind public debates. We produce original journalism across podcasts, videos, and written articles, creating space for deeper understanding and more meaningful conversations. Through immersive storytelling, interviews, and community-centered reporting, we explore how national issues such as immigration, equity and justice, voter participation, and democracy shape everyday life in American communities.
Our goal is simple: we aspire to be a trusted voice in American civic engagement, bringing people together through stories that capture our shared humanity. Civic engagement begins with participation; people taking an active role in their communities and in the decisions that strengthen our democracy.
We counter mainstream rhetoric with compassionate and informed stories that go beyond the headlines and capture the people living in the moment. Our most recent series, titled Six Days Inside Minnesota captured the stories of Minneapolis residents as they related to the violent presence of ICE in their communities. The series was created by our founder Ted Canova, an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award winning journalist. Ted embedded himself in the community, and met face-to-face with community activists, frightened immigrants, isolated children, and residents whose opinions are never asked. What Ted found were stories of anger and fear, resistance and resilience, perseverance and ingenuity, moral tension and faith, and a deeper examination of indifference in a time of crisis.
Behind the Front Porch Movement
The idea begins with something simple: the front porch. For generations, the front porch was where people gathered; to talk, to listen, to share stories, and to build community. Conversations happened face-to-face, without algorithms or distractions. A simple “hello” could lead to a meaningful exchange that lingered well beyond the moment.
Today, much of that has changed. We are more connected than ever through technology, yet often feel more disconnected from one another. We scroll past each other’s lives, but rarely stop to truly listen. The Front Porch Movement was created to explore that disconnect and to bring those conversations back.
This is an invitation to step back into conversation. To listen to the stories unfolding on front porches, kitchen tables, sidewalks, and communities across America.
Because sometimes the most important conversations begin with the simplest gesture:
A hello.
A question.
A story waiting to be heard.
What Is Civic Engagement?
The Front Porch Movement is part of a growing effort to strengthen civic engagement through journalism and storytelling. At a time when public discourse is often polarized, we create a platform where people can share their experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future. When people listen to one another, trust can grow. When stories are shared, understanding deepens. Our work highlights the voices and perspectives that help communities find common ground.
What We Do
Tell Community Stories
We produce journalism that captures lived experiences and voices often missing from mainstream media.Create Multimedia Reporting
Our work spans podcasts, video, and written storytelling to reach audiences wherever they are.Encourage Conversation
We create space for dialogue that helps people better understand each other and the issues shaping their communities.
Our Vision
We are building a platform that:
Creates a digital home for diverse voices and stories
Produces impactful, multimedia journalism
Encourages meaningful conversations and new narratives
Reduces polarization by promoting understanding
Inspires civic participation and community engagement
Helps people make informed decisions about their communities
Explores how public discourse shapes culture and society
Why Now?
The public’s trust in journalism is at a dangerous breaking point for democracy. A recent survey revealed Americans don’t rely on local news anymore, and with 6 corporations controlling 90% of the U.S. media markets, polarization has intensified along with voter disillusionment. Communities across the United States are changing rapidly. New voices, perspectives, and experiences are shaping the future, but many remain underrepresented in traditional media.
When the Front Porch Movement began in 2016, we could not have predicted the level of polarization we see today. Now, the need for thoughtful storytelling and open dialogue is more urgent than ever.
We provide a platform for voices that are too often missing from public conversation. Our work is grounded in real experiences, not talking points, and focused on building understanding across differences.
Because when people listen to one another, something important happens:
We begin to see each other differently.
We begin to understand.
And we begin to move forward…together.