The National Civic League has always stood for the value of including everyone in community decision-making, along with the principle that equity helps everyone thrive and the importance of leaders recognizing the diversity of their communities. These values will not shift in the face of changes in national politics. Read more.

The Power of the

Shared Table

Sockeye Salmon & Civic Skill-Building

The Potential of Participation to Build Trust

Food is more than sustenance—it is a universal connector, a bridge between cultures, and a catalyst for civic action. Throughout history, breaking bread together has symbolized peace, unity, and collaboration. Civic engagement involving food and breaking bread can take many forms, each serving a unique purpose in eliminating poverty, bridging divides, and fostering community collaboration. Read more.

New year, new civic skills. Civic Genius just wrapped up a series of It’s Your America workshops in Washington State on the topic of housing and growth. In Everett, Bellevue, and Seattle, these workshops brought people together for thoughtful, deliberative conversations where participants explored different perspectives, navigated trade-offs, and worked toward real-world solutions. Read more.

Trust in institutions is in decline, presenting serious challenges for democracy by undermining both effective governance and social cohesion. In response, we must meaningfully involve people in the very institutions and processes that are causing discontent. Participatory democracy has the potential to address at least two of the three root causes of declining trust. 

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Research Spotlight: Inclusive Imagery & Voting

Mayor Mobelade on

Public Engagement

Global Collection of Democracy Tech

With support from a League grant, Julia Cummings conducted a study examining whether political outreach to underserved audiences has contributed to age and race gaps in U.S. elections. Her findings reveal that "young Asian, Black, Latiné, multiracial individuals, and women are more likely to intend to vote after viewing inclusive imagery that reflects their background."

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The League’s President, Doug Linkhart, sat down with Yemi Mobolade, Mayor of Colorado Springs, to discuss his time in office, leadership approach, and the challenges ahead. A political outsider and self-described “radical collaborator,” Mobolade draws on his background in business and faith communities to shake up politics—tackling issues like homelessness by bringing diverse voices to the table. Listen.

Explore the world’s largest collection of tech for the common good, featuring over 11,000 curated projects, 100+ job resources, 25+ upcoming events, and 350+ open-source initiatives. The Civic Tech Field Guide's searchable directory helps users discover the tools and platforms driving civic tech projects worldwide and connect with the communities using technology to create change. Learn more.