Citizen University

Through repeated gatherings, acts of mutuality and reciprocity create a compounding effect of trust and collaboration 🤝 That's why we developed and tested the Civic Collaboratory model — a model of localized network building that is distinctively intergenerational and has the power to transform communities. Last week, high school students of the Youth Collaboratory 2024 Summer cohort and members of the National Civic Collaboratory gathered in Washington, D.C., to cross divides, learn, and build together. Through the Rotating Credit Club presentations, National Civic Collaboratory members shared major initiatives and challenges they're working on. These projects range from cross-partisan initiatives to civic education efforts to artistic endeavors. Raising their hands to make specific and firm commitments of support, attending members developed bonds of affection and built a sense of collective power. 💡 Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Ed.D., The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Citizen Artist, is launching Ripe Liminality — a three-pronged storytelling approach to inspiring future changemakers. 💡 Brian Baird is helping pioneer the 250 & Beyond national initiative to honor service in all its forms, powered by the Independent Sector and National Museum and Center for Service. 💡 Sam Ball of Citizen Film is launching American Creed — a PBS series presenting the stories of idealistic young leaders tackling challenges in their communities and our republic. Stay tuned to learn more about their impactful projects! Special thanks to National Civic Collaboratory member Kale McMonagle for facilitating such a powerful gathering, and Accenture and Children's Defense Fund (Washington, D.C.) for hosting us. Learn more about our Civic Collaboratory model: https://lnkd.in/e3N4a8an #CitizenU #MutualAid #StrongCommunities

Instead of wringing your hands before the election, put your hands (and heart and mind) to use. Check out this 7-Day Campaign for Connection, put on by The Greater Good Science Center. It starts Monday, Oct 28 and offers science-based skills to help you bridge differences and build empathy. Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/eihbWq6t #2024campaignforconnection

💡 Calling all civic-minded leaders... this inspiring and practical webinar on October 28 will help you look ahead to what comes after this election. Civic culture shapes how we treat one another, how we show up to solve common problems, and whether we are able to disagree without hating one another. ➡️ But how do we, the people, shape civic culture? Join Eric Liu and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences American Academy of Arts and Sciences for a deep dive into the success stories and urgent need of fortifying our shared American culture. 🗓️ Monday, October 28 at 10am PT / 1pm ET https://lnkd.in/g2kth_r6

The rising generation is filled with passionate young people who are committed to sharing their perspectives and ensuring their voices are heard 🗣. With our nation's 250th anniversary approaching, National Civic Collaboratory member and Made By Us Executive Director Caroline Klibanoff wanted to make sure Gen Z had a significant role in the celebration. In 2023, she shared her gameplan during a National Civic Collaboratory meeting. Thanks to a resounding round of commitments from fellow members, she launched Youth 250 — a nonpartisan initiative to capture young people's imaginations, ideas, and input as the United States turns 250 years old in 2026. Caroline's vision? For collaborative, intergenerational workshops and incubations to shape how we honor America’s semiquincentennial 🇺🇸. Discover more about Youth250: https://bit.ly/40dx90R

Below are three truths 👇 1️⃣ Younger people don’t always feel heard by the older generation. 2️⃣ Sometimes the older generation doesn’t believe they can learn from youth. 3️⃣ By listening and learning together, the rising generation and civic leaders of today can make change happen in our communities, side by side. In the Youth Collaboratory program, high school students gather with national civic leaders and innovators as full participants — sharing resources, engaging in meaningful conversation, and building career-shaping connections. Do you know a high school sophomore and/or junior who is eager to build collective power and support innovative ideas? Encourage them to apply to join a Youth Collaboratory 2025 cohort: https://lnkd.in/eXgYF3Zm Priority deadline: October 18th Final deadline: November 1st

“I grew up in a small, rural town, where Latinos were a fraction of the population. We didn't talk about the history of Latinos in the United States. We didn't dig into the nuances of the way the border moved on so many in the southwest and the legacy of discrimination. We also didn't celebrate the many contributions Latinos have made to the U.S." — Vicki Rubio In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Vicki Rubio — Senior Program Manager at Citizen University. Joining our team almost three years ago, Vicki oversees the National Civic Collaboratory (NCC) and enhances the intentionality of our program assessments. Vickie continues, "I think Latinx Heritage Month — when recognized well — can be an opportunity to surface those many different stories and teach those inside and outside of the community about our complexity. We are one of the fastest-growing demographics in this country, so it's important to get our stories out there." Learn more about Vicki, her background, and the impact she's making in her community: https://bit.ly/3A0Xt3B #HispanicHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity

We're focused on culture. Here's why 👇 Civic culture shapes our society. It creates conditions for political change and collective action. Civic culture influences how we treat one another, how we care for our communities, and our ability to show respect even when disagreeing. The strength of our American society goes beyond politics and structures. While these are essential for democracy, they're not enough. We must prioritize our culture—our narratives, norms, behaviors, values, and habits of the heart—because for political and structural changes to be sustainable, there must also be a transformation in our collective cultural mindset and practices. Explore what civic culture means and more in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences report: https://lnkd.in/esyAqFZ9

Healing America's woes requires more than policy and structural reform — it requires deep, long-term investment in strengthening our civic culture. In a recent conversation with The Giving Done Right podcast hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, our CEO Eric Liu discussed how donors can play a pivotal role in restoring civic faith in America and revitalizing civic engagement. Hear Eric's recommendations in this recent Center for Effective Philanthropy episode 🎧 https://lnkd.in/ezjB7qSe #CivicCulture #CivicEngagement #PodcastEpisode #DiscoverPodcast

When you host gatherings, what is the purpose? Is it to rebuild trust? Collaborate? Exchange ideas? We believe in the power of sustained community gatherings because they can help us feel invited, connected, and energized. Today, Priya Parker is hosting a free, live webinar to help people learn how to activate their power to spark stronger connections. During How to Dream Up a Gathering You Actually Want to Host, you'll have the chance to: ➡️ Learn how to design impactful gatherings ➡️ Receive practical ideas ➡️ Build your confidence as a host ➡️ And more! Discover how to activate your civic power through purposeful gatherings to help heal our social rifts and build a stronger civic culture. Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/eDAeAPSS

“It’s been so empowering to realize that my passion can drive real change. I’ve seen that I can actually make a difference, even with small steps. It’s amazing to think that by truly caring and stepping up, I can make real change happen.” — Shaylee Szaraz, YC 2024 Summer cohort Do you know a high school sophomore or junior who would be eager to travel the country and learn how to activate their civic power to make positive change in their community? As a member of a 2025 Youth Collaboratory cohort, members: 📖 Learn how to read and write power 🤝 Meet national civic leaders and connect with inspiring people their age 💥 Launch Power Projects in their local communities to catalyze a shift in the flow of power and empower more young people to take action Applications for our Youth Collaboratory 2025 Cohorts are now open: https://lnkd.in/eXgYF3Zm ➡️ Learn more about this opportunity and share it with the rising civic catalysts in your community! #HighSchool #HighSchoolEducator #CivicEducation #GenZLeader #CivicLeader #CommunityLeader #HighSchoolFellowship #OpportunitiesForYouth #YouthEmpowerment