The “house that Madison built” is crumbling. Democracy is eroding at the top and cracks are forming in its foundation, in cities, where the “rubber meets the road.” Nationally, democracy is giving way to autocracy, as dissent is disallowed and punished and Congress loses influence. Locally, loud, angry voices disrupt public meetings, spurring others to disengage. Read more.

Doug Linkhart

President

National Civic League

Announcing #AAC2025 Keynote Speakers

It's a Major Award! All-America City Recognitions

Guess Who?

Your 2025 Jury Is...

Our All-America City Award Finalists are the main attraction, but we’re thrilled about this year’s lineup of keynote speakers joining us in Denver, CO from June 27-29. Speakers, including leaders from the philanthropy, government, and nonprofit sectors, will join us to speak about civic leadership, the current funding landscape, grassroots action, and democratic and environmental resilience.

Meet this year's speakers!

Two complementary awards will be given at this year's All-America City Award Event. Lakewood, Colorado is being inducted into the AAC Hall of Fame for its Sustainable Neighborhoods Program and Tracey Madden-Hennessey, the leader of New Britain’s Early Childhood Business Incubator, will join us to receive the 2025 Teree Caldwell-Johnson All-America Leader Award! Read about Lakewood and Tracey's accomplishments!

#AAC2025 finalists will showcase their impactful environmental sustainability initiatives and the strength of their civic capital to a distinguished panel of civic leaders. Jury members generously volunteer their expertise and time to carefully evaluate and select ten recipients. This year’s jury includes youth representatives, civic engagement practitioners, and leaders from business, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors. Read more.

It's Your America in Rochester, NY

Bring United Against Hate Week to Your Community

Democracy Innovations Workshop in Denver

Four police officers, a dozen youth leaders, and 55 curious neighbors walk into a public library…

It’s not the set-up for a lame joke, but for an evening of powerful conversation and shared civic learning. Last month, Civic Genius partnered with the University of Rochester Democracy Center to host It’s Your America at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, where participants got to experience deliberative democracy firsthand.

Read more.  

United Against Hate Week (October 19 – 25, 2025) is a call for local civic action to address the hate and bias that can tear at the fabric of community life. Every year, city leaders, diverse community organizations, residents, schools, local businesses, and faith groups display posters and convene events that raise awareness about the harm of hate, build community relationships, and affirm shared values of belonging and safety for everyone. Read more.

Join the League's Center for Democracy Innovation in Denver, CO on June 27th to discover tools and strategies to strengthen democracy and civic health in your community. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, this half-day workshop will help local leaders evaluate democratic practices, engage residents more effectively, and develop plans for lasting change. Free with AAC registration, or $150 to attend independently. Learn more.