National Civic League
@civicleague.bsky.social
We are the nation’s best at the science of local government, the art of public engagement, and the celebration of the progress that can be achieved when people work together!
Big milestone for the Healthy Democracy Map!
We’ve passed 12,000 organizations mapped nationwide — from local newsrooms to youth groups, civic tech, voting rights advocates, and more.
Every pin shows people strengthening democracy.
Explore → https://ow.ly/jzbv50Xu2Ui
We’ve passed 12,000 organizations mapped nationwide — from local newsrooms to youth groups, civic tech, voting rights advocates, and more.
Every pin shows people strengthening democracy.
Explore → https://ow.ly/jzbv50Xu2Ui
Healthy Democracy Map
The Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map is the first comprehensive look at the universe of organizations promoting healthy democracy in America.
ow.ly
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Big milestone for the Healthy Democracy Map!
We’ve passed 12,000 organizations mapped nationwide — from local newsrooms to youth groups, civic tech, voting rights advocates, and more.
Every pin shows people strengthening democracy.
Explore → https://ow.ly/jzbv50Xu2Ui
We’ve passed 12,000 organizations mapped nationwide — from local newsrooms to youth groups, civic tech, voting rights advocates, and more.
Every pin shows people strengthening democracy.
Explore → https://ow.ly/jzbv50Xu2Ui
“Negative stereotypes about young people persist—but their ‘non-expert expertise’ is irreplaceable.” In National Civic Review, Wendy Schaetzel Lesko shares two decades of lessons on empowering teens as public-policy problem solvers. https://ow.ly/JS9X50Xn2f7
Expanding Youth Civic Engagement Strategies - National Civic League
Although negative stereotypes about young people persist, their “non-expert expertise” is irreplaceable. This article highlights promising practices and examples, drawn from the author’s two decades of work supporting aspiring teen problem solvers in the public policy arena.
ow.ly
November 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“Negative stereotypes about young people persist—but their ‘non-expert expertise’ is irreplaceable.” In National Civic Review, Wendy Schaetzel Lesko shares two decades of lessons on empowering teens as public-policy problem solvers. https://ow.ly/JS9X50Xn2f7
Citizens are the “board of directors” of democracy.
In National Civic Review, Steven Borne argues that our role isn’t to demand profits but to ensure government delivers the services we collectively need, effectively and responsibly. https://ow.ly/jcOa50Xn2b0
In National Civic Review, Steven Borne argues that our role isn’t to demand profits but to ensure government delivers the services we collectively need, effectively and responsibly. https://ow.ly/jcOa50Xn2b0
How We, the People, Can Be a Better “Board of Directors” - National Civic League
A business must be efficient to drive profits. Government, however, is more like a nonprofit organization. It exists to provide the services we collectively agree are needed. As citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure those services are delivered effectively and at reasonable cost.
ow.ly
November 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Citizens are the “board of directors” of democracy.
In National Civic Review, Steven Borne argues that our role isn’t to demand profits but to ensure government delivers the services we collectively need, effectively and responsibly. https://ow.ly/jcOa50Xn2b0
In National Civic Review, Steven Borne argues that our role isn’t to demand profits but to ensure government delivers the services we collectively need, effectively and responsibly. https://ow.ly/jcOa50Xn2b0
Excited to be working with the City of Raleigh Government on an upcoming civic assembly! The News & Observer covered the city’s innovative civic lottery and what’s ahead for residents helping shape Raleigh’s future. https://ow.ly/4NNx50XrEXA
The city of Raleigh is contacting 10,000 residents. Some of them will get $1,000.
The city is looking for residents to help shape the future of Raleigh.
ow.ly
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Excited to be working with the City of Raleigh Government on an upcoming civic assembly! The News & Observer covered the city’s innovative civic lottery and what’s ahead for residents helping shape Raleigh’s future. https://ow.ly/4NNx50XrEXA
🤖AI is changing how we govern and how we participate. In the National Civic Review, Aisha Nayla examines both the promise and the unanswered questions of a digitized democracy. https://ow.ly/4rZU50Xn28M
November 14, 2025 at 4:25 PM
🤖AI is changing how we govern and how we participate. In the National Civic Review, Aisha Nayla examines both the promise and the unanswered questions of a digitized democracy. https://ow.ly/4rZU50Xn28M
In the latest edition of the National Civic Review, Annie Daley examines why public opinion and policy decisions often diverge and how democratic innovations can help bridge the gap: https://ow.ly/nTA050Xn1Us
When Public Will Meets Political Won’t: How Democratic Innovations Can Bridge the Chasm - National Civic League
When public opinion and policy decisions don’t line up, what are the reasons? The question, and the answers, matter because they reveal not only how lawmakers make choices but also why the public so often feels unheard.
ow.ly
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In the latest edition of the National Civic Review, Annie Daley examines why public opinion and policy decisions often diverge and how democratic innovations can help bridge the gap: https://ow.ly/nTA050Xn1Us
A look inside a Gambian citizens’ assembly—and what it shows about trust, participation, and community voice in a country navigating major political transitions. A reminder that democratic innovation is happening everywhere. https://ow.ly/VSYN50XqWiA
Notes from a Gambian citizens’ assembly
Find out what happens when citizens take the lead on climate and community
ow.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A look inside a Gambian citizens’ assembly—and what it shows about trust, participation, and community voice in a country navigating major political transitions. A reminder that democratic innovation is happening everywhere. https://ow.ly/VSYN50XqWiA
Even with shrinking funding and public attention, All-America Cities are making real environmental progress powered by creativity, collaboration, and civic action.
🌿 Read Rebecca Trout’s piece in National Civic Review: https://ow.ly/KQA950Xn26q
🌿 Read Rebecca Trout’s piece in National Civic Review: https://ow.ly/KQA950Xn26q
Against the Odds: All-America Cities Lead on Environmental Action - National Civic League
In 2025, the National Civic League invited communities across the geographic and political spectrum to share how they are strengthening local environmental sustainability alongside residents and local partners. Communities showed that despite waning public attention and shrinking funding, tangible progress is possible through creative, inclusive, and sustained action.
ow.ly
November 12, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Even with shrinking funding and public attention, All-America Cities are making real environmental progress powered by creativity, collaboration, and civic action.
🌿 Read Rebecca Trout’s piece in National Civic Review: https://ow.ly/KQA950Xn26q
🌿 Read Rebecca Trout’s piece in National Civic Review: https://ow.ly/KQA950Xn26q
“The real test of participation happens in the moments we don’t plan for.”
In the National Civic Review, Nanke Verloo examines the critical moments when public participation falters and what they reveal about trust.
Read more: https://ow.ly/I4FM50Xn1RN
In the National Civic Review, Nanke Verloo examines the critical moments when public participation falters and what they reveal about trust.
Read more: https://ow.ly/I4FM50Xn1RN
The “Critical Moments” When Public Participation Falters - National Civic League
The success of public participation is not only dependent on the strategies, tools, and creative forms of engagement that policy professionals prepare in advance but also what happens informally and often unintentionally during the “in between” moments of those processes.
ow.ly
November 12, 2025 at 3:01 PM
“The real test of participation happens in the moments we don’t plan for.”
In the National Civic Review, Nanke Verloo examines the critical moments when public participation falters and what they reveal about trust.
Read more: https://ow.ly/I4FM50Xn1RN
In the National Civic Review, Nanke Verloo examines the critical moments when public participation falters and what they reveal about trust.
Read more: https://ow.ly/I4FM50Xn1RN
Neighborhoods are where democracy begins but only if everyone has a seat at the table.
Across U.S. cities, new tools like participatory budgeting and inclusive outreach are helping make local governance more equitable and transparent.
Read more in our recent newsletter:
https://ow.ly/gJzT50Xn1LH
Across U.S. cities, new tools like participatory budgeting and inclusive outreach are helping make local governance more equitable and transparent.
Read more in our recent newsletter:
https://ow.ly/gJzT50Xn1LH
November 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Neighborhoods are where democracy begins but only if everyone has a seat at the table.
Across U.S. cities, new tools like participatory budgeting and inclusive outreach are helping make local governance more equitable and transparent.
Read more in our recent newsletter:
https://ow.ly/gJzT50Xn1LH
Across U.S. cities, new tools like participatory budgeting and inclusive outreach are helping make local governance more equitable and transparent.
Read more in our recent newsletter:
https://ow.ly/gJzT50Xn1LH
Join Local Policy Lab Nov. 13 for their next Democracy Conversation:
The Citizen Initiative as a Tool for Civic Health
w/ Katie Fahey, ED of The People
🕐 1–2pm ET | 10–11am PT
💡 Explore how ballot initiatives can strengthen civic trust
Register👉 https://ow.ly/rgUM50XprEt
The Citizen Initiative as a Tool for Civic Health
w/ Katie Fahey, ED of The People
🕐 1–2pm ET | 10–11am PT
💡 Explore how ballot initiatives can strengthen civic trust
Register👉 https://ow.ly/rgUM50XprEt
November 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Join Local Policy Lab Nov. 13 for their next Democracy Conversation:
The Citizen Initiative as a Tool for Civic Health
w/ Katie Fahey, ED of The People
🕐 1–2pm ET | 10–11am PT
💡 Explore how ballot initiatives can strengthen civic trust
Register👉 https://ow.ly/rgUM50XprEt
The Citizen Initiative as a Tool for Civic Health
w/ Katie Fahey, ED of The People
🕐 1–2pm ET | 10–11am PT
💡 Explore how ballot initiatives can strengthen civic trust
Register👉 https://ow.ly/rgUM50XprEt
“Until hearts and minds are changed, we have to keep doing the work.”
At ICMA’s Leadership Institute on Racial Equity, local leaders shared how they’re advancing inclusion one community, one project at a time.
https://ow.ly/3Uss50Xn1zK
At ICMA’s Leadership Institute on Racial Equity, local leaders shared how they’re advancing inclusion one community, one project at a time.
https://ow.ly/3Uss50Xn1zK
November 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
“Until hearts and minds are changed, we have to keep doing the work.”
At ICMA’s Leadership Institute on Racial Equity, local leaders shared how they’re advancing inclusion one community, one project at a time.
https://ow.ly/3Uss50Xn1zK
At ICMA’s Leadership Institute on Racial Equity, local leaders shared how they’re advancing inclusion one community, one project at a time.
https://ow.ly/3Uss50Xn1zK
“National service is the hard work that protects democracy one person, one community at a time.”
In National Civic Review, Ken Syring makes the case for national service as America’s best defense against authoritarianism. https://ow.ly/Eufe50Xn20U
In National Civic Review, Ken Syring makes the case for national service as America’s best defense against authoritarianism. https://ow.ly/Eufe50Xn20U
The Peace Corps and AmeriCorps: America's Best Defenses Against Authoritarianism - National Civic League
National service is the hard work that protects democracy one person, one community, at a time. In an era when our democracy faces its gravest threat, national service isn't just a good idea. It's critical to national security.
ow.ly
November 7, 2025 at 8:10 PM
“National service is the hard work that protects democracy one person, one community at a time.”
In National Civic Review, Ken Syring makes the case for national service as America’s best defense against authoritarianism. https://ow.ly/Eufe50Xn20U
In National Civic Review, Ken Syring makes the case for national service as America’s best defense against authoritarianism. https://ow.ly/Eufe50Xn20U
When neighbors sit down together, common ground isn’t as rare as it seems.
In Washington, residents tackled housing, growth, and public safety in small-group It’s Your America workshops and found surprising agreement on how to move forward.
https://ow.ly/8t9J50Xn1wR
In Washington, residents tackled housing, growth, and public safety in small-group It’s Your America workshops and found surprising agreement on how to move forward.
https://ow.ly/8t9J50Xn1wR
It’s Your America: Maple Valley & Covington - National Civic League
In October, residents of two Washington cities, Maple Valley and Covington, came together to tackle two of their communities’ most pressing challenges. In partnership with both cities, Civic Genius held a pair of It’s Your America deliberative workshops, first on housing and growth, then on policing and public safety. Here’s how it went: Participants spent...
ow.ly
November 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM
When neighbors sit down together, common ground isn’t as rare as it seems.
In Washington, residents tackled housing, growth, and public safety in small-group It’s Your America workshops and found surprising agreement on how to move forward.
https://ow.ly/8t9J50Xn1wR
In Washington, residents tackled housing, growth, and public safety in small-group It’s Your America workshops and found surprising agreement on how to move forward.
https://ow.ly/8t9J50Xn1wR
How can technology rebuild trust in elections? Danielle Allen highlights the Plurality Institute 's work on tools like OpenBallot, VotingWorks and Secure Internet Voting—each offering new ways to strengthen confidence in democracy. https://ow.ly/ZTJy50Xn2B2
Three Tools for Rebuilding Trust in American Elections
The Plurality Institute, on how technology can improve basic democratic processes
therenovator.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
How can technology rebuild trust in elections? Danielle Allen highlights the Plurality Institute 's work on tools like OpenBallot, VotingWorks and Secure Internet Voting—each offering new ways to strengthen confidence in democracy. https://ow.ly/ZTJy50Xn2B2
How do we strengthen civic health in divided times? In Colorado, community leaders gathered to talk honestly about frustration, polarization and hope. Read about the Colorado Civic Health workshops led by the National Civic League.
👉 https://ow.ly/RUQS50Xn1ug
👉 https://ow.ly/RUQS50Xn1ug
Enhancing Civic Health in Colorado - National Civic League
“We all want change and we’re collectively moving forward. We just can’t put it into words because we’re too busy at each other’s throats.” This comment, from a participant in one of the workshops on Strengthening Civic Health we did in Colorado last week, reflected many participants’ concerns about political polarization. League staff, under the...
ow.ly
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
How do we strengthen civic health in divided times? In Colorado, community leaders gathered to talk honestly about frustration, polarization and hope. Read about the Colorado Civic Health workshops led by the National Civic League.
👉 https://ow.ly/RUQS50Xn1ug
👉 https://ow.ly/RUQS50Xn1ug
Homelessness demands coordinated action, not isolated efforts. In National Civic Review, Brian Levy and Shui-Yan Tang explore how Los Angeles is reforming governance to align jurisdictions and sectors around shared solutions. https://ow.ly/bP7u50Xn1Xa
November 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Homelessness demands coordinated action, not isolated efforts. In National Civic Review, Brian Levy and Shui-Yan Tang explore how Los Angeles is reforming governance to align jurisdictions and sectors around shared solutions. https://ow.ly/bP7u50Xn1Xa
If we want real civic participation, we have to meet people where they are in time, place, and technology. Great read in Governing on rethinking how, when, and where democracy happens.
👉 https://ow.ly/jaCf50Xn1qb
👉 https://ow.ly/jaCf50Xn1qb
Meeting the Public Where They Are
Holding city council meetings downtown during weekday business hours makes them inaccessible to too many residents. To open up civic participation, local governments should rethink their scheduling and make the most of electronic tools.
ow.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
If we want real civic participation, we have to meet people where they are in time, place, and technology. Great read in Governing on rethinking how, when, and where democracy happens.
👉 https://ow.ly/jaCf50Xn1qb
👉 https://ow.ly/jaCf50Xn1qb
Democracy reform isn’t just about ideas, it’s about what happens when communities put those ideas to work. 🌎
Check out our latest newsletter featuring stories from Colorado, Tennessee, and beyond on bridging the gap between theory and practice.
👉 https://conta.cc/4nsZx7a
Check out our latest newsletter featuring stories from Colorado, Tennessee, and beyond on bridging the gap between theory and practice.
👉 https://conta.cc/4nsZx7a
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Democracy Reform
Email from National Civic League November Newsletter Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Democracy Reform In the world of good governance and democracy reform, there’s often a gap between
conta.cc
November 3, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Democracy reform isn’t just about ideas, it’s about what happens when communities put those ideas to work. 🌎
Check out our latest newsletter featuring stories from Colorado, Tennessee, and beyond on bridging the gap between theory and practice.
👉 https://conta.cc/4nsZx7a
Check out our latest newsletter featuring stories from Colorado, Tennessee, and beyond on bridging the gap between theory and practice.
👉 https://conta.cc/4nsZx7a
Across Europe, cities are reimagining democracy, experimenting with new ways to rebuild trust & participation. 🌍
Lessons from Brussels & Amsterdam via DemNext:
https://ow.ly/Amm150Xkgk3
Lessons from Brussels & Amsterdam via DemNext:
https://ow.ly/Amm150Xkgk3
In Brussels & Amsterdam: Reimagining democracy
Our team joined global peers exploring how democracy, technology, and culture can work together to give people more agency in shaping the decisions that affect their lives
ow.ly
October 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Across Europe, cities are reimagining democracy, experimenting with new ways to rebuild trust & participation. 🌍
Lessons from Brussels & Amsterdam via DemNext:
https://ow.ly/Amm150Xkgk3
Lessons from Brussels & Amsterdam via DemNext:
https://ow.ly/Amm150Xkgk3
“Democracy isn’t only built in global summits — it thrives in city halls and council chambers.” 🌍
Local leaders are the front line of democracy.
Read more from the @coe.int : https://ow.ly/iY3A50Xkfy8
#LocalDemocracy #CivicTrust
Local leaders are the front line of democracy.
Read more from the @coe.int : https://ow.ly/iY3A50Xkfy8
#LocalDemocracy #CivicTrust
October 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
“Democracy isn’t only built in global summits — it thrives in city halls and council chambers.” 🌍
Local leaders are the front line of democracy.
Read more from the @coe.int : https://ow.ly/iY3A50Xkfy8
#LocalDemocracy #CivicTrust
Local leaders are the front line of democracy.
Read more from the @coe.int : https://ow.ly/iY3A50Xkfy8
#LocalDemocracy #CivicTrust
In Nebraska, local nonprofits, educators, and faith groups are coming together to expand access to the ballot and strengthen civic participation, especially in rural areas.
Read more from The Fulcrum: https://ow.ly/KaoF50Xj9te
#CivicEngagement #VotingRights
Read more from The Fulcrum: https://ow.ly/KaoF50Xj9te
#CivicEngagement #VotingRights
Advancing Voting Rights and Civic Engagement in Nebraska
The 50 is a four-year multimedia project in which the Fulcrum visits different communities across all 50 states to learn what motivated them to vote in the 2024 presidential election and see how the Donald Trump administration is meeting those concerns and hopes.Lincoln, Nebraska—a vibrant Midwester...
ow.ly
October 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
In Nebraska, local nonprofits, educators, and faith groups are coming together to expand access to the ballot and strengthen civic participation, especially in rural areas.
Read more from The Fulcrum: https://ow.ly/KaoF50Xj9te
#CivicEngagement #VotingRights
Read more from The Fulcrum: https://ow.ly/KaoF50Xj9te
#CivicEngagement #VotingRights
Libraries are among the last truly public spaces, where dialogue and trust can still grow. Join National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation for Libraries as Civic Hubs on Oct 28 to explore how libraries strengthen civic life.
🕑 2–3:30pm ET
🔗 https://ow.ly/aVb450XhGnT
#CivicEngagement #Libraries
🕑 2–3:30pm ET
🔗 https://ow.ly/aVb450XhGnT
#CivicEngagement #Libraries
October 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Libraries are among the last truly public spaces, where dialogue and trust can still grow. Join National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation for Libraries as Civic Hubs on Oct 28 to explore how libraries strengthen civic life.
🕑 2–3:30pm ET
🔗 https://ow.ly/aVb450XhGnT
#CivicEngagement #Libraries
🕑 2–3:30pm ET
🔗 https://ow.ly/aVb450XhGnT
#CivicEngagement #Libraries
Across Europe, cities using citizens’ assemblies and deliberative models to strengthen democracy from the ground up. On Nov 26 Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will host leaders to explore how deliberation builds resilience and civic trust. 🌍
Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/p5hx50Xgpx2
Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/p5hx50Xgpx2
October 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Across Europe, cities using citizens’ assemblies and deliberative models to strengthen democracy from the ground up. On Nov 26 Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will host leaders to explore how deliberation builds resilience and civic trust. 🌍
Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/p5hx50Xgpx2
Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/p5hx50Xgpx2
What happens when residents become reporters? 📝 Omaha’s new Documenters program is training citizen journalists to cover local meetings, building transparency and civic connection. Read more 👉 https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2025/10/documenters-training-citizen-journalists-to-cover-local-government.php
Documenters: Training Citizen Journalists to Cover Local Government
Leah Wambui Keinama, Director of Civic Journalism at Nebraska Journalism Trust, outlines how everyday citizens can help close governance gaps by reporting on hidden public meetings in this episode of Consider This.
www.unomaha.edu
October 23, 2025 at 3:01 PM
What happens when residents become reporters? 📝 Omaha’s new Documenters program is training citizen journalists to cover local meetings, building transparency and civic connection. Read more 👉 https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2025/10/documenters-training-citizen-journalists-to-cover-local-government.php