It’s hard to not have rose-colored glasses when you work at the National Civic League. The stories we see every day of communities solving problems and nonprofits working to protect and improve democracy can’t help but make me an optimist, even at a time when so much of the news is negative. And in my view, this work adds up to a more positive outlook for the nation as a whole than is reflected in the news media.

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Doug Linkhart

President

National Civic League

Bread to Spread the Vote: Support Innovative Local Projects

Let the Good Times Roll: AAC Winning Communities Host Celebrations

CyberSim & Take9: From Announcement to

Action

Spread The Vote’s Bread to Spread microgrant program has reviewed more than $105,000 in funding requests and funded four local voter engagement projects so far. A few applicants in need of support include Native Voices, Native Votes Houston, which would help underserved residents navigate voting; We Got This Texas, which plans a family-friendly civic resource fair; and Centre College’s “Let’s Slow Down,” which is creating a relaxed space for students to discuss voting. Learn more about local efforts that could use your support. Read More.

The League is committed to making the All-America City Award more than a one-time celebration. After the closing ceremony, the ten #AAC2026 winners receive ongoing support, and their promising practices are featured in League programming and publications. The League also brings the spirit of AAC back to communities through local celebrations, from council meetings to drone shows. Each year, League staff join these events to experience firsthand what makes these recognized communities so special. Read more.

Earlier this year, we announced the launch of CyberSim and Take9 for Civic Digital Resilience. Our premise was simple: cybersecurity isn't a side issue for civic health - it's foundational to it. Breaches can erode the public trust that makes participation, service delivery, and democratic engagement possible in the first place. Since that announcement, we've been busy with a field survey, focus groups, and our first tabletop at AAC. Next, you'll find us at ICMA, NLC, and in four pilot communities. Learn more about what we're up to and how to engage. Read more.

What Makes Deliberative Democracy Actually Move Policy

Read the F'ing Directions: Spread the Vote Launches Voter Resource

Watch a Civic Assembly

on Artificial Intelligence

in Action!

Deliberative processes have been studied and refined for decades, revealing that strong processes do not always lead to policy change. Their impact often depends on factors beyond the room itself, including commitments from decision-makers, public engagement, the scale and timing of issues, and integration into policymaking systems. League Vice President Matt Leighninger explores how embedding deliberation into existing institutions can build lasting policy change. Read More.

In September, Spread the Vote relaunched Read the F-ing Directions, a free and nonpartisan resource with clear step-by-step instructions for voting by mail in all 50 states plus DC. The guide helps voters avoid common, preventable mistakes that can lead to ballot rejection and provides eligibility requirements, deadlines, and other essential information. It also links exclusively to official sources from state and local government agencies, giving voters a reliable resource to navigate the mail voting process. Read more.

"AI will either be the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice,” wrote Bill Gates in an open letter a few weeks ago. Many feel AI is moving faster than what we can understand. When Civic Genius concluded the Snohomish County Civic Assembly on AI in June, this sense of urgency was growing. Our discussions considered the risks and costs of AI, alongside its potential benefits, asking participants to hold both in their minds at the same time. That’s what deliberation is. Read more.