RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS NCL MEMBERSHIP

The National Civic Review, NCL members support our efforts on such critical the quarterly journal of the issues as: racial equity, environmental National Civic League, is one , youth success and health equity. of the nation’s oldest civic affairs journals. Founded in Visit NationalCivicLeague.org/Membership 1912, the Review features to become a member of NCL and receive thoughtful essays on democratic governance and the benefits listed below. civic engagement. Each issue is packed with the latest ideas on building community, strengthening • Subscription to National Civic Review:a civic engagement and solving problems. quarterly journal of community building, civic engagement & community problem Based on more than 25 years of testing and solving refinement, the NCL’s Civic Index is an effective • Access to All-America Promising way to examine the infrastructure and elements Practices Database: an online, searchable that make for strong, resilient, innovative database of 450+ projects from more than communities. The Civic Index provides a framework within which communities can 180 communities increase their problem-solving capacity. Creating • Subscription to NCL’s monthly e-newsletter civic infrastructure is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a community’s first step toward building its • Free copies of NCL publications:including capacity to deal with critical issues. the Model City Charter and Civic Index • A free NCL staff consultation on matters The eighth edition of the Model City Charter related to civic engagement provides a framework for an effective city government, including considerations such as vs. strong mayor, district city council seats vs. at-large seats, proper election procedures, financial management and charter amendments. Inspiring, Supporting & Celebrating Civic Engagement

National Civic League 190 E. 9th Ave, Suite 200 , Colorado 80203 [email protected] (303) 571-4343 (303) 571-4343 www.nationalcivicleague.org www.nationalcivicleague.org ABOUT THE NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE THE ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARD COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

The mission of the National Civic League is to NCL helps local governments, residents advance good governance and civic engagement and various institutions engage and involve to create inclusive, thriving communities. community members in an inclusive process We achieve this by inspiring, supporting and that creates practical action plans and identifies recognizing equitable approaches to community a clear implementation strategy. For the past decision-making. 25 years, the National Civic League has worked in hundreds of communities nationwide to The National Civic League, based in Denver, is a improve community engagement, build civic nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in pride and help communities address important 1894 by and other reformers. issues. Since 1949, the National Civic League has recognized and Today, more than ever, the work of the National celebrated the best in American NCL can help you: Civic League is critical to helping create civic innovation with its prestigious vibrant and healthy communities and a strong 1. Identify a Shared Community Vision and All-America City Award (AAC). democracy. We achieve these goals through the Create a Strategic Plan The award, bestowed yearly on All-America City Awards program, the National NCL can work with you to gather a diverse 10 communities), shines a spotlight on efforts to Civic Review, Model City Charter, Civic Index, and group of residents to create a shared vision bring residents, , business and one-on-one community assistance. NCL applies and a specific, achievable strategic plan to nonprofit groups together to address America’s civic engagement principles through four key move your community forward. most critical problems. programs: Racial Equity and Healing, Youth Success, Education and Youth, Environmental 2. Take Inventory of your Civic Infrastructure The process of applying for the award provides Sustainability, and Health Equity. NCL’s Civic Index is an effective way to an opportunity to mobilize local groups to work examine the infrastructure and elements together to assess their strengths and challenges. that make for strong, resilient and innovative AAC brings together residents, local leaders and communities. NCL will conduct training on “The National Civic League is still the young people from communities across the country how to use the Civic Index and take what you premier civic organization, building a for three days to connect and share insights with learn to identify areas for focused, strategic peers, learn from national thought-leaders and sense of community one person and action to reinforce strengths and address key present the story of their work to a jury of nationally challenges. one community at a time. Today, com- recognized civic leaders. munities all over the country are better 3. Build Your Capacity to Reach a Broader, prepared to meet the challenges of the Being named an All-America City provides numerous More Diverse Set of Residents and Other future because of the strength of their benefits to communities, including reigniting a Stakeholders civic infrastructure, facilitated by the sense of community and civic pride, creating new Hire NCL to help you develop a community National Civic League!” networks and partnerships within the community, engagement plan or provide ongoing reaping the economic benefits of new employers coaching and support for key staff, programs — Mayor Michael B. Hancock, and residents, winning grants and increasing and projects. City and County of Denver tourism.