Last week we welcomed Matt Leighninger as an addition to the National Civic League family. Matt will head our new Center for Democracy Innovation, creating models and measurement tools to strengthen democracy across the U.S. We’ve also added a new role for Rebecca Trout, our Director of the All-America Cities program, as Director of our Washington DC office. Read more.

Congratulations, 2023

All-America City Finalists! 

The Next Wave of Civic Education

2023 County Health Rankings National Findings Report

The National Civic League is proud to announce this year’s All-America City finalists. These 20 communities of all sizes are being recognized for their innovative work to improve the health and well-being of young people and, by extension, all residents. A primary focus was placed on communities that are authentically involving and welcoming youth in this work. These communities will now compete in Denver, CO, June 9-11, for the title of All-America City! Read more.

As democracy faces new challenges, both at home and abroad, the need to educate residents of our communities about their rights and responsibilities has returned to the front page of national concerns. “Civic Education is Having a Moment,” declared one recent article. Civic Learning Week, March 6-10, highlighted examples, programs, curricula, formats, organizations, pieces of legislation and methods of measurement relating to civic ed. Read more. 

This year’s County Health Rankings National Findings Report explores the connection between civic infrastructure and participation and health. Evidence shows that civic health is connected to how long and how well we live. When a community is intentional about making space, it provides the opportunity for meaningful connection points that allow residents to feel valued and participate in community life leading to higher levels of health and well-being. Read more

Outlining the Five Threats to Local Democracy and Meeting Those Challenges

The League Looks at Equity, Internally and Externally

National Civic League's Senior Fellows Bring Diverse Expertise

The League produced a workshop for the ASPA annual conference last month about threats to local democracy, many of which have filtered down to the local level as a result of national and state partisanship. While many communities are experiencing challenges to local civility, autonomy and work on equity, there are many examples of innovation to meet those challenges and maintain equitable and inclusive governance.

Read more.

As part of the League’s commitment to support equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, we are proud to share our new equity statement and recent findings from an equity survey conducted in February. The survey examined key equity indicators to help to assess the state of equity within communities in our network. Some of the findings from this survey showed a push in many communities to increase their diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Read more.

National Civic League is home to a diverse group of senior fellows which allows us to amplify our work and expand and scale our expertise. Currently, the League has 10 senior fellows that are passionate about guiding civic engagement in a variety of ways.

Senior fellows provide National expertise to support your local engagement efforts. See how engagement might help move the needle for your community.

Find out more about our senior fellows here.