4th National Civic League edition Civic Index 2019
Civic Capital
The formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities communities use to make decisions and solve problems Civic Capital
4th edition
Engaged Residents
Shared Inclusive Vision & Community Values Leadership
Components of Civic Capital Culture of Collaborative Engagement Institutions
Embracing Authentic Communication Diversity & Equity
ational ivic eague About this edition
e Civic Index ha been ate e io ically ince it a t intro uce in . i ourt e ition uil ing on eca e o wor in co unitie inclu e an even greater ocu t an reviou ver ion on t e critical role o inclu ive civic engage ent an e uit a e co onent o civic ca ital. riting an la out o t i u lication wa ear ea e aron eav wit u ort ro ara i co arla i roug e ecca rout an eague re i ent oug in art.
About the National Civic League
oun e in civic lea er inclu ing eo ore oo evelt an o i an ei the ational i ic ea e i a non a ti an non o t organi ation w o e i ion i
to a vance civic engage ent to create e uita le t riving co unitie . e ac ieve t i in iring u orting an recogni ing inclu ive a roac e to co unit eci ion a ing.
e ational ivic eague envi ion a countr in w ic t e ull iver it o co unit e er i activel an eaning ull engage in local governance inclu ing ot eci ion a ing an i le entation o activitie to a vance t e co on goo .
n a ition to the Civic Index ot er eague rogra inclu e t e ll erica it awar National Civic Review o el it arter ro i ing ractice ata a e ll erica onver ation ool it an o unit i tance. e eague u e t e e an ot er tool to el local co unitie u e civic engage ent to a vance ealt e ucation u taina ilit racial e uit an ot er i ortant value .
FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.NATIONALCIVICLEAGUE.ORG Table of Contents
The Civic Index
Engaged Residents 4
Inclusive Community Leadership 8
Collaborative Institutions 12
Embracing Diversity, Equity 16
Authentic Communication 20
Culture of Engagement 24
Shared Vision and Values 28
Longmont Case study 32
Somerville Case Study 34
Hampton Case Study 36
Civic Index Questionnaire 38
Civic Index Facilitator's Guide 40
leaning u uring u lin ali o nia i e wee
The Civic Index
What makes some communities i co on t rea i civic ca ital a ter more able than others to solve the t at National Civic Review aut or illia tough social, political, economic or Pota ch an a le P. oc e once e ne a physical challenges they face? t e collective civic ca acitie o a co unit t e currenc u orting colla orative trategie t at ur ue innovative rogra an orge new relation i to uil a uture wit i wa a ue tion t e ational ivic be e e lt o chil en an a ilie . eague et out to an wer in . n t e groun re earc reveale a et o actor o ew at li e ocial ca ital ut not to e con e ith nancial ca ital ci ic ca ital can t at we call civic ca ital t e or al an in or al relation i networ an ca acitie t at e oun in all ort o co unitie not u t t e co unitie u e to a e eci ion an olve o t a ent e cate o a anta e . hile ro le . ria ot er actor contri ute to co unit o e ci ic ca ital i the co e acto i enti e A common thread in successful communities t e ational ivic eague a t e ri ar is the ongoing struggle through formal and e lanation or long ter co unit ucce . informal processes to identify common goals and meet individual and community needs and t t e ational ivic eague we now o an aspirations. ~ Former National Civic League co unitie wit an a un ant u l o civic President John Parr ca ital. e ll erica it rogra a recogni e over o t e e co unitie uring t e a t ear . ll ave var ing level o
age civic engage ent colla oration an lea er i About this Publication an ave een a le to tac le toug i ue in a u taina le anner ringing a iver e grou i oo let ta e t e even co onent o civic o re i ent an ta e ol er to t e ta le. ca ital evelo e a art o t e Civic Index an o e a o e co lete ict e o ho the e e innin ith the t e ition in co onent la out in real co unitie . t e Civic Index a een an e ential tool or ea uring a co unit civic ac ection e cri e a articular co onent ca ital. e Civic Index i a el a e ent an inclu e e a le ro co unitie tool con i ting o a et o ue tion t at acro t e countr . or eac co onent t e rovi e a ra ewor or i cu ing an ational ivic eague a evelo e our to i ea uring a co unit civic ca ital. ue tion w ic co unitie can u e to a e t e trengt o t eir civic ca ital in t i area. o unitie ave u e t e Civic Index to be e n e tan thei ci ic t en th an roug out t i u lication we are torie to i enti ga or area in nee o urt er o govern ent in ivi ual u ine e a ention olicitin co nity in t to c eate an organi ation t at are e erci ing t eir a a eline ea ure o t eir civic ca ital an co nity ci ic ca ital to ol e to h onitor rogre over ti e a t e wor to ro le . e ational ivic eague en ance t eir internal ca acit . e Civic Index gat ere t e e torie ro ll erica it i inten e to e u ective an ualitative war winning co unitie our an ow a co unit ran on t e in e e en national an local artner an t roug on t e view o re i ent an ot er co unit re earc into t e e t e a le o civic ta e ol er . n i ortantl t e ran ing ca ital uil ing t roug out t e countr . by i e ent a t o the co nity ho l not be a e a e le t the i e ence a on n a ition to o e eci c e a le e ha e variou art o t e co unit e lo t. create t ree longer ca e tu ie or ong ont olo a o a ton i inia an So e ille The Seven Components Ma ach e . he e ca e t ie hel to ow w at it loo li e w en co unitie of Civic Capital uil civic ca ital acro t e co onent . 1. ngage e i ent 2. ncl i e o nity ea e hi ncl e in the bac i a acilitato i e 3. ollabo ati e n tit tion w ic i e igne to u ort all grou eo le conver ation u ing t e Civic Index 4. racing iver it an uit ue tion eit er a a e arate e erci e or a 5. ut entic o unication art o a large gat ering wit rea out grou . 6. ulture o ngage ent e e all grou conver ation allow eo le 7. Sha e i ion an al e to learn ro one anot er an i cu wa to leverage t e co unit trengt an a re Civic Capital shapes: it c allenge . ere o i le it i e t to u e t e Civic Index eit er wit grou ro a roa ow co unit c allenge are a re e cro ection o t e co unit or in gat ering or ac nowle ge in i e ent a t o the co nity to bette ow eci ion are a e n e tan ho i e ent eo le ie the ivic ri e an ow re i ent view t eir Index's ea e . co nity ality o li e e re ilienc o a co unit in t e ace o cri e or c allenging ti e
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Components of Ways to use the Civic Capital Civic Index ngage e i ent 7 nclu ive o unit ea er i 91. o t co unit conver ation re era l wit all rea out grou in w ic olla orative n titution eo le an wer t e Civic Index ue tion racing iver it an uit an i cu t e i lication o t eir an wer . ut entic o unication ulture o ngage ent 2. ncourage artner or grantee to u e t e are i ion an alue Civic Index to create a co on language or et o goal aroun civic ca ital.
3. are ue tion on ocial e ia to ar a Communities with conver ation a out t e co unit civic ca ital. strong civic capital: 4. ncl e Index ue tion in rogra evaluation or ea ure ow a e ave re i ent w o la a ore rogra el uil civic ca ital. active role in a ing eci ion . e i ent wor to olve ro le 5. ncl e e tion o the Index into a rat er t an waiting or govern ent civic corecar or an annual u ate on t e to olve t eir ro le . ealt o t e co unit .
ultivate an u ort lea er 6. e it at a ta et eat o co ncil i ionin ro all ac groun an iver e e ion to align rogra aroun e civic er ective . ca ital goal .
ecti ely collabo ate ac o ecto . 7. e it wit an electe o or a governing oar to ur ace e i ue wit in t e re iver it an e uit an co unit . o e to a be e o tco e o all. 8. e t e Index a a ra ing e erci e or tool u ort cre i le valua le o t ate ic lannin i ionin e o t . in or ation oving etween re i ent in titution an ot er 9. ncourage local can i ate to le ge to ta e ol er . ur ue olicie w ic t e elieve will el o ter civic ca ital. ecti ely en a e the e i ent o t a ecte by a tic la oble creating tronger ore relevant The Civic Index provides a o a olicie an e o t . framework for discussing and
reate a are vi ion an value measuring a community’s civic ro w ic aligne action e erge . capital
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e i ent co e toget er to ten a co unit gar en
Engaged Residents
Residents play an active role in shaping decisions and civic affairs.
"The health of a democratic society may be o t e i ue re uentl a in titutional measured by the quality of functions performed tructure an ractice t at a e artici ation by private citizens."- Alexis de Tocqueville, i c lt an he e eci ion a e o ten a e Democracy in America e ore re i ent are even con ulte or involve . o uil t e civic ca acit o a co unit an o unitie are ore li el to t rive evelo ro u t civic ca ital re i ent u t w ere re i ent la an active role in te orwar to ta e action an lea er an a ing eci ion an ta ing action. e in titution u t encourage an u ort t i notion that o e n ent cannot o it alone a artici ation an eci ion a ing. an i ortant art o e oc ueville e age an i increa ingl evi ent in ti e o li ite re ource . ctivitie to a re articular i ue are ore li el to e u taina le w en co unit e er are involve in t eir evelo ent an i le entation.
t i e ential o lea e to enco a e artici ation an a e ace or re i ent . ccu ation o a at an lac o un er tan ing
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LAKEWOOD, COLORADO e i ent in eac neig or oo o t wor o an co lete ro ect t at a vance u taina ilit n a e oo olo a o e i ent inte e te en ance liva ilit an re uce ecological oot rint in creating ore u taina le neig or oo earning oint t at are u e to rate er or ance. n o t o city ta e . e n a a ilot e e oint are trac e on a u lic we ite rogra in t e a ewoo u taina le encouraging a irit o rien l co etition ei hbo hoo nitiati e o i e o t an an el ing re i ent to trac t eir rogre encourage irect citi en action to ro ote green towar t e goal t e et or t e elve . ere living tan ar t roug civic engage ent. are currentl eig t a ewoo neig or oo nte e te nei hbo hoo o ith city ta involve in t e rogra w ic a now een to engage re i ent a out t eir intere t an co ie ourteen ot er enver area citie . conce n . Sta an nei hbo hoo lea e elect initiative t at e t align wit t e nee o t e co unit . CLEVELAND, OHIO ince eig or oo onnection a rovi e all grant to grou o re i ent in levelan an a t levelan io to o ro ect t at i rove t e ualit o li e in t eir co unitie . e e grant range in value o to . co i ee o le elan an a t levelan re i ent review t e grant re ue t o re i ent are t e grant a er eter ining w at ro ect will e t i rove t eir neig or oo . ince ore t an ro ect ave receive ore t an . illion in un ing.
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P S S . P a le o recentl un e ro ect illu trate t e eclectic nature o t e rogra . e t i e c ool w ic o ene in wa t e t a e a chool to o en it oo to ican erce arian al er receive to erican an ative erican tu ent . o ote thei hy ical tne o a . ter re i ent organi e t e elve an too he al e o ecei e o an action in u ort o t e e t i e c ool t e enric ent rogra e igne to rovi e cit coor inate wit local lea er to el in or ation an re ource to e ectant e e t e wor o t e into it ongoing ot er . lannin e o t . n the city a o te a awn i e receive to create a co unit evelo ent lan wit t e intention wee cour e on lawn ower re air on o revitali ing t e e t i e c ool co unit . re i ential an co ercial ower . un e co unit wa ig l engage in t e will e u e or tool an t e collection o vi ioning roce an trongl encourage ro en lawn ower . to a en eetin an cont ib te i ea . a t t treet lu receive e re ulting lan ro t i roce were o it th nn al nte ene ational inco o ate into the a e a o nto n o unit a an event ringing t e Ma te Plan a in it an o cial city co ncil co unit toget er or oo an un. a rove ocu ent to e incor orate into uture evelo ent. o a t e c ool ite tan a a te ta ent to a e a on oin e o t to acilitate racial ealing an co unit ialogue. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA t i e o ten i a ine a e a e a a a li le o e than the o it ca ino hotel PLACENTIA, CALIFORNIA an e ta ant . o the city o e than i e citie acro t e countr lacentia re i ent owever t ere i ar ore t an u t ali o nia ace a a o cal c i i ollo in the t e tri . e i ent care ee l a out t eir rece ion. lacentia i le ente an co t co nity an it hi to y. n he e t i e re uction an revenue en ance ent ea ure c ool lu ni oun ation wa oun e b t e ite the e e o t it contin e to to e e e the hi to ic a e a e t i e o e ate ith a yea ly e cit o at lea t . c ool ite e ucate t e u lic on it i tor illion. it out a long ter olution t e cit an value an encourage t e evelo ent o o l contin e to t le nancially an t e vacant c ool a a cultural e tination. e n it i c lt to o i e ality nici al
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e th ee yea the ta o ce hel u lic eeting in location acro t e cit . t analy e the city nance an e a e a nal e o t o city co ncil. on othe reco en ation t e ta orce ugge te that Placentia ecla e a cal e e ency. t t e ta orce i n t u t ut t e onu on t e cit to ove orwar it ugge te e loring a itional local revenue inclu ing a voter enacte ea ure a a ro riate an t e ongoing nee o a citi en o to hel each cal tainability. n Placentia the city eco ni e t at re i ent coul ta e on t e re on i ilit o t oroug l e a ining t e cit u get an hel the city io iti e i c lt b et choice .
o co at ig er t an nor al rate o eart i ea e in t eir congregation religiou lea er in out ea t an iego ave an e toget er wit re i ent to Questions from i o e thei health. bo e an el ha el ri tian urc e er on a go el wal . e The Civic Index go el wal i a c ance to ing an wal aroun t e neig or oo ollowe i cu ion o eart ealt We have many resident-initiated and resident- led community/ neighborhood organizations ervice to t e co unit . nli e an citie and activities lacentia tru te re i ent enoug to ut the t e o it cal health in the han o In community meetings, people tend to work a grou o re i ent ro all wal o li e. collaboratively to solve-problems; instead of being critical and confrontational n Placentia ent te it e i ent ith Neighborhood councils and community t e re on i ilit to el c art a cour e or t e groups reflect the community’s diversity and cit uture. e cit create a iti en i cal regularly work with city officials to provide u taina ilit a orce to i enti otential input into decision-making co t re uction an revenue en ance ent. ointe t e lacentia it ouncil t e It is easy to find residents to serve on local ta orce inclu e an arti t ro e or ar ori t boards and commissions, or run for office engineer regional i tri ution center anager nancial con ltant o blic an not o o t a encie an t o eti ee . t o e a to clo ely e a ine the city e en e t ct e an b et e cit an a e eco en ation o creating new revenue an or re ucing co t . e e er were ro all art o t e cit ro t e o t i a vantage neig or oo to the o t a l ent an all a t in bet een.
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Inclusive Community Leadership
The community actively cultivates and supports leaders from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives
o unitie wit goo civic ca ital ave BEAVERTON, OREGON lea er t at re re ent all eg ent o n ea e ton e on a boo in the o lation t e o ulation along wit a un ant o i igrant re ugee an co unitie o o ortunitie or lea er i evelo ent. color ig lig te t e nee to en ure t at t e e uc co unitie o ten ave or al lea er i co unitie were involve in eci ion a ing. rogra an generall ave a variet o oar anging e ogra ic le t e cit to artner co i ion an co unit o ition in w ic wit nite regon to evelo a ree lea er i ri ing lea er can la a role. rogra targeting i igrant re ugee an eo le o color inten e to ro ote civic o t i ortant it oul e o i le or an one engage ent an encourage iver it in cit to ri e to a lea er i o ition. artin ut er lea er i o ition . eaverton rgani ing an ing r. once ai “Everybody can be great, because ea e hi e elo ent i enti e everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college engage an train e erging lea er ro degree to serve... You don’t have to know about Plato i igrant an re ugee co unitie an and Aristotle to serve.” o unitie wit inclu ive co unitie o color. i a uni ue an co unit lea er i o not li it lea er i e icate ace or i igrant re ugee o ortunitie to t o e wit college egree an ot er eo le o color to co e toget er o e ional title o ho e i e in eci c i i cover t eir co on goal an truggle an co e .
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BOLD brings together an incredible cross-section of the Beaverton community, with as many as 15 dierent countries represented in a single cohort.
n o t to e co nity lea e hi o ortunitie . ring toget er an incre i le cro ection o t e co unit wit a any a i e ent co nt ie e e ente in a ingle co ort.
i o e e ee o co t to a tici ant an P inter retation i rovi e eac ear in ulti le language to acco o ate artici ation eaning ul engage ent t at i c anging t e ngli anguage earner . e co ort are conver ation in t o e ace . intentionall intergenerational wit artici ant ranging ro ig c ool to retire ent age. e rogra inclu e t ree ull a o an on EL PASO, TEXAS e ion ocu e on t e ollowing area uil ing en l a o e a eig or oo ervice lea er i co unit organi ing an a vocac ta be an eetin ith a io e i ent an ill trengt ening cro cultural un er tan ing neig or oo a ociation to un er tan t e an oli arit an rovi ing an in e t i ue t e ace it eca e i e iatel clear orientation to cit govern ent an o ortunitie t at o e re i ent an a ociation were ore or engage ent. e ecti e at co nicatin thei nee an c a ioning t eir cau e t en ot er . ur or e rogra i el ing uil ore iver e anal i into t e ituation ugge te t at t e lea er i in eaverton cit govern ent. o neig or oo wit t e tronge t an e t ate the o a ha a ate e coho t in o e lea e e e i ni cantly o e ca able an over artici ant . ore t an al o o e in thei i e a e e . n tea o artici ant engage in u le ental activitie allowing neig or oo wit tronger lea er a te a atin an a i ni cant e centa e ta e to o inate co unit eci ion a ing t e on volunteer role ranging ro ort ter to city o e to e elo o e e ecti e lea e ulti ear co it ent . t roug out t e co unit to en ure e uit in ervice rovi ion. e rogra a een recogni e on a national level t e ational eague o e cit evelo e t e eig or oo ea er i itie an t e elco ing itie an ountie ca e a wee e ucational rogra initiative a an innovative a roac to engaging to evelo non tra itional co unit lea er un erre re ente o ulation in local ro ote civic engage ent an re i ent role in govern ent. eci ion a ing roce e an increa e re i ent un er tan ing o ow t eir cit govern ent er a t e tronge t ea ure o ucce i wor or t e . nroll ent in t e annual t at gra uate ave now erve on rogra i t icall re i ent . e re ult at lea t eig t o t e cit tan ing a vi or ave een incre i le nearl one in ten oar an co i ion an a erie o ot er gra uate a een a ointe to cit oar an city co i ee e on t atin lon te
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co i ion or ot er local an regional a vi or grou . wo gra uate were electe to t e l a o it ouncil.
ter eig t ear o i le enting t e ei hbo hoo Se ice ta eco ni e that t ere wa till an a arent ga regar ing lea er i ill . ot content to i l run an e ecti e lea e hi t ainin ta eali e that to ull e ui it o t active an engage re i ent lea er it nee e to rovi e ore a vance P P training. o in eig or oo ervice ho te the t ance ea e hi ainin . re i ent w o will e i acte t e eci ion e training erie i o ig l regar e an in a e t o e entitie . n e a le i t e e an t at it i now rovi e on an ongoing o nity e elo ent loc ant Stee in ba i ith a i e ent to ic e e y a te . o i ee hich i cha e ith o i in reco en ation to cit council or t e election n a ition to o i in the tool an ill that o ca ital an ocial ervice ro ect t at u ort e i ent lea e nee to be e ecti e the city al o low to o erate inco e neig or oo . o rovi e un ing or neig or oo a ociation en e that the oice on that co i ee a e o t at t o e lea er ave t e o ortunit re re entative o t e intere t o t e o ulation to a e a vi i le tangi le i act in t eir t e ee to erve a ointee to t e teering nei hbo hoo . he ei hbo hoo o e ent co i ee t e i e in a lo to o e ate inco e neig or oo or e over t e age o i a le or o ele . Nearly one in ten NLA graduates has been appointed to city boards TACOMA, WASHINGTON and commissions. Two were n aco a a hin ton taine o t each to elected to City Council. t e atin co unit re ulte in everal o itive action . ile aco a ierce ount i onl ercent atin t i o ulation i growing wit P o a P o i e the o o t nity o any o ei n bo n e i ent . n atin neig or oo a ociation to re ue t all cale activi t wor e wit t e it o aco a to er anent ical i rove ent ro ect to ro uce two atin own all eeting t at en ance t e ualit o li e in t eir neig or oo . a acte o e than a en ee . a e lt o e intent i to acilitate an organi e roce t e atin own all organi er or e atino or re i ent to ave irect in ut on ical ni o el out oun to continue wor ing i rove ent in t eir neig or oo . riginall towar t e goal ro t e two own all . e n e at . illion the P a o ell grou a a e icate liai on wit t e aco a receive re i ent cit e art ent an ity Mana e ce to e e a a con it electe o cial that the o a a i en etween t e atin o unit an t e it . a i ni cant boo t ith ote a o in not er re ult o t e town all wa an action illion or t e rogra t roug a ualit o t e aco a it ouncil in late to create t e li e on election. o i ion on i ant an e ee ai .
l a o e a co it ent to inclu ive co unit lea er i al o re uire t at oar an co i ion e er inclu e
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LONGMONT, COLORADO ong ont olora o a con i tentl inve te in evelo ing local lea er . ea er i o o t nitie incl e e o t li e the on ont ha be o o e ce ea e hi on ont rogra an t e o unit oun ation o o l e o nty ea e hi ello a ell a o e ta ete e o t . Peo le n a e in ai ing ea er i a training rogra to increa e involve ent a ong eo le o color on oar an co i ion acro oul er ount . artici ant re are to ta e on o ition o lea er i on oar an co i ion artici ate civicall in t eir co unit an gain the ill an tool nece a y to be e n e tan t e roce e tructure an a e u o oar P P an co i ion .
he St. ain School i t ict in on ont a al o et u a lea er i an artici ation t ainin o a . he t o o a ent t at artici ate in t e i trict rogra went Questions from on to or an organi ation o arent calle The Civic Index a oot St. ain that ha o e than artici ant . e rogra a een a o el or We have a wealth of trusted, respected leaders ot er c ool i trict an won an awar ro t e across all-sectors and levels nte national ociation o P blic Pa tici ation in . We have programs to develop leaders from all backgrounds, ages and sectors; especially ong ont a wor e to rovi e lea er i those from traditionally marginalized o ortunitie to t e ull iver it o it re i ent . communities n a tne hi ith the ity o on ont the oul er ount atino a er o o erce Local leaders work together, build consensus, rovi e in c olar i to inorit and set aside their own ego to focus on getting e i ent o on ont to a en lea e hi things done for the whole community training cour e . o ar ong ont re i ent Leaders and community members face ave ta en a vantage o t e c olar i . earn challenges head-on, instead of ignoring tough ho on ont in e t ent in lea e hi conversations or decisions o a t ith it othe e o t to e elo civic ca ital. ea t e ore co re en ive Government advisory boards, commissions ong ont ivic a ital a e tu on . reflect the full diversity of the community and exercise real decision-making power
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a i a ll e ica it re entation ocu e on cro ector colla oration an artner i .
P . Collaborative Institutions
Communities with good civic capital have regular collaboration among the government, business, nonprofit and other sectors, as well as structures in place that facilitate such collaboration.
e ol a ing t at o an o i a e e co unitie recogni e t at o t i ue great tea la er a long a t e get re uire aligne i not integrate action. at er to be ca tain all too o ten e c ibe than i olate e o t o t a o ani ation collabo ati e e o t in co nitie . Many an in titution i enti co on c allenge an organi ation an in titution are willing leverage t eir in ivi ual ca acitie an trengt to colla orate o long a t e get to call t e to collectivel ove t e nee le. ot receive t e cre it an et t e rioritie . o unitie wit trong civic ca ital colla orate olla oration trengt en t e a ilit o local acro ector not u t to ecure grant or govern ent an local colla orative to olve n in b t to e la tin chan e. n the e oble . ce a an e e y o a co nitie coo inate collabo ati e e o t a e i cu in The New Localism, local co unitie i ly ho e o b ine an thi a oach ave eco e ore ower ul la er in olving can be een in e o t both la e an all. national i ue ecau e t e ave re i covere the o e o co nity collabo ation. a n o ation an i ea ea ily o bet een argue t at ector in co unitie wit trong civic ca ital.
ce a n i ionin the e ocali M .o h ic a.o article aga ine envi ioning new locali
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t e cit o au laire an t e niver it o i con in au laire eac ace t e aunting ta o re uil ing t eir own aging t eater . at er t an going it alone an tr ing to re uil e arate t eater t e cit local art grou ni e ity an othe a e a i e ent choice.
he illion on ence ente ca e o the ha e e o t o the ni e ity o i con in a lai e the city local a t non o t a t a ocate an the tate. he con ence o all the e i e ent o an inte e t enable t e creation o a uil ing an a ace t at i ar greater t an an o t e coul ave envi ione P . e aratel .
Leadership by the public, the private or the civic ot t at long ago uc a colla oration woul sector alone is often not sufficient to tackle the ave een een a unli el at e t or i o i le multidimensional nature of challenges today. at o t. n the ity o a lai e en a e t e ational ivic eague to el acilitate a re i ent le trategic vi ioning roce or t e DUBUQUE, IOWA co unit . e i ent an co unit lea er i e uc o t e nite tate t e ear ca e toget er to i enti e c allenge o to a b e o a beco e ca acitie an a iration or t eir co unit . ore raciall an et nicall iver e. i i t a e ecte in the o o ce yet too o ten he oce no n a lea i ion a lai e e lo ee re orte t e i not eel welco e hich a e i e to a non o t o the a e na e or connecte to t e co unit o u u ue. e reveale a nee or greater co unit wi e u ine co unit t e o unit oun ation coo eration an colla oration articularl o eate b e local non o t an local a ong local art grou . t t at ti e re i ent govern ent wor e toget er to el a re t e la ente t at ll t e art center in t e region i e by c eatin ncl i e b e. are v ing or t e a e un ing an con e uentl on t o to ethe an that they ante ncl i e b e i a local net o o o e to o to a a i ion he e on o t t an organi ation an in ivi ual ro aith labo e cation b ine non o t an govern ent e icate to a vancing e uit an inclu ion in u u ue. e networ launc e in cto er eet or eer learning ont l i enti e an o t o o t nitie o action an o te a erie o co unit ialogue e ion an urve in t at cul inate in the elea e o a co nity e ity o le.
EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN au laire lea er a lai e i con in a tly na e on ence rea groun on t e enter tan a a ical te ta ent to t e on ence ente o e o collabo ation an coo ination. n P
age co nicate ith each othe an o be e toget er towar a co unit co on goo not t thei o n. it anager ale eter e lain
“The roots of [the Confluence Center] go back to Clear Vision… That’s where the seeds were planted, where citizens said what this community needs – ‘We need the arts to come together, we need cooperation and collaboration.’”
he lea i ion oce ace the e conce n an roug t toget er t e artie an lea er ho yea late o l ea hea the on ence
ente e o t. Pete e ecte that lea i ion P . roug t toget er e eo le ro t e art eco ni e that e cation an eci cally city an ni e ity an tho e eo le ha a en ance e e not i ly i e o the not been in the oo at lea i ion it the c ool ut t at co unit wi e colla oration on ence ente o l n t ha e o e . wa re uire . i rovi e an o ortunit or regular in or ation aring acro organi ation FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS an ector . e ta orce a colla orate n all i e Ma ach e lea e eco ni e wit a variet o local agencie c urc e an t at no ingle agenc coul a re t e ria co unit organi ation to e a i e t e i e acin the co nity yo n eo le. i o tance o chool a en ance th o h nl t roug colla oration an artner i co unit oru c urc ervice an ot er coul t e co unit a re uc intertwine event . an co le i ue . e c ool o unit en i cu ion wit arent reveale t at artner i wa create wit t e collective tu ent o ten i e a ull a o c ool or a ower o ore t an agencie rovi ing a octor a oint ent t e colla orative irit o variet o ervice to out . i colla oration t e co unit ro te ta orce e er ring out an rovi er toget er an en ure to engage e iatrician . ow e iatrician are that i e ent a encie o to ethe . he S P el ing to rein orce to arent an c il ren t e en ure t at out concern are ta en into i ortance o returning to c ool in or er to e con i eration cit rogra an t at out t ere or a uc o t e a a o i le. a e e e ente on i e ent co i ion an council . e wor re ulte in a new out o the ea a a o a a o th iolence STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA P e ention nitiati e an a o th an i ate or eca e t e out toc ton neig or oo ig t. ha e e ne lect in ality o e cation econo ic inve t ent o o ortunitie n ee in ith thi collabo ati e a oach the ealt oo c oice an e ical ervice . or u erinten ent o t e all iver c ool i trict generation t e e neig or oo con i tentl a tne e ith the ayo o ce to c eate a ig er rate o incarceration a u e the Mayo S e inten ent en ance a neglect overt o ele ne an violence. orce. e er o t e ta orce inclu e c ool it re eate e o ure trau a an c ronic co n elo n e an a en ance o ce b t tre ave een woven into t e a ric o t i al o re re entative ro ore t an all iver co unit an re re ent a eriou an agencie an organi ation . e co unit
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The aim is to create relationships between partners so a continuum of trauma care can be adopted una re e arrier to ental an ical ta ilit .
lt oug t e co unit a een wor ing to a re an o t e e i ue in t e la t eca e the e ha not been a coo inate e o t to a e nu erou artner t e ealing out toc ton t a a collecti ely ntil ecently. n San ro ect i now wor ing on an a et a ing oa uin ount con ucte a co unit ealt trateg t at outline a variet o artner nee a e ent wit t e e art ent o u lic rogra an ical re ource erving out ealt ealt care rovi er an co unit Stoc ton a o n t a a an ocial o t . n artner . i co unit an ata le initiative a ition to general co unit a et t e grou allowe artner to i enti trau a a a actor i eci cally loo in at e ice an y te in ever t ing ro gang violence to low te t urroun ing o ulation wit i toricall ig core . e colla orative a lie or un ing to level o trau a li e o ter out low inco e a re actor contri uting to trau a an create a ilie the o lation icti o a coor inate ca ital u orting in ivi ual an violence an or erl incarcerate in ivi ual . co nity healin . he e ltin e o t ealin e ai i to create relation i etween out toc ton engage re i ent w o ave artner o a continuu o trau a care can e e erience trau a an c ronic tre lin t e a o te co unit ealt care govern ent wit e avioral ealt ervice an co unit c ool an law en orce ent artner . u ort a ro riate to t eir nee an culture an a re te ic co unit i ue t at lea to or increa e co unit trau a. Questions from e colla orative evelo e a are governance The Civic Index tructure creating a lea er i tea wit e er ro t e ealt govern ental an non o t ecto a ell a e i ent . n it t yea We work with other communities to address t e tea el co unit eeting to engage local and regional challenges artner grou acro ector o e ucation ealt ou ing law en orce ent an econo ic Local government, nonprofits, philanthropies, schools, civic associations and businesses evelo ent evelo ing a are un er tan ing collaborate effectively to solve community o t e i ortance o trau a revention wor . problems e grou al o coor inate wit co unit a e organi ation c ool an ait a e We have many trusted organizations that grou to engage re i ent in ocu grou bring people together to resolve pressing a out w at t e eel contri ute to trau a an conflicts and challenges. w at in o u ort i nee e e on e i ting ervice . i in or ation el ocu olic We have regular, established opportunities a vocac te c ange an increa ing acce for information-sharing and decision-making to a ro riate ervice . across various sectors
a ing in ut ro co unit e er an
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o unit conver ation in ecat eo ia a a t o the co nity ette o ethe nitiati e
Embracing Diversity, Equity
Communities with strong civic capital recognize and celebrate their diversity. They strive for equity in services, support and engagement.
merica is becoming more diverse a een e uit a ing ore rogre on tac ling local ai o re uentl t at it ri eco ing c allenge . e o t en uring ro le acing Aa clic or ac groun noi e. e trut co unitie e ucation ealt ou ing an an i lication o t at tate ent u t re ain econo ic ro erit a ong ot er are o ten ront an center or t o e w o care a out t eir cha acte i e by i a itie a on i e ent co nitie . nc ea in i e ity ill contin e o ulation . o unitie are tronger an to a e co unitie an t eir rogre in t e be e able to a e the e oble hen ear to co e. ot onl will erica eco e eo le wor toget er acro t e ivi e o race ore iver e ut it a already become ore et nicit age a ilit gen er e ual orientation iver e. etween an ercent o gen er e re ion or inco e level to recogni e erica etro olitan area an ercent o i e ence i c hi to ic i c i ination an icro olitan area eca e ore raciall iver e. ur ue olicie an tructure t at lea to greater e i lication o our increa ing iver it are e uit . not li ite to an a or ou uture t e are e nin hat it ean to be a t on co nity ecent re earc ro at arine ra ur an to a . o ert rie t into t e i act o ine ualit on econo ic growt oun t at greater e ualit o o a we ee co unitie t at e race t eir o ortunit iel greater growt . etro area growing racial iver it an ee to ac ieve w ere low inco e c il ren were ore a le to
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a war re i ent o e a out t eir iver it a a a or tregt uring t eir ll erica it war re entation
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ove u t e econo ic la er e erience a ter characteristics. n e on e the city et a er ca ita growt w ile controlling or ot er co unit ta orce to u e an inclu ive roce acto that in ence o th. ic ar lori a to u ate a war anti i cri ination argue etro econo ie grow a ter tronger action lan. an or longer ell w en ro erit i n t li ite to u t a ew eg ent o t e o ulation. he ta o ce e ectin the ll i e ity o the co unit et everal ti e over t e cour e hi ean o e co nitie t n the o nine onth o in bco i ee to o courage nece ar to con ront in titutional on eci c o tion o the lan. n the en the an tructural arrier to e uit . ile t ere ta o ce c eate o en o eci c action te . i nothin ea y abo t thi o it i c lty i ncl in callin on the city to en e e itable atc e onl it nece it . acce to in or ation an activitie articularl or un er erve an vulnera le co unit e be an to a e i ect intentional HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA inve t ent in i toricall i a vantage n an a y the city o ay a ali o nia nei hbo hoo . nothe ey te a e i in e erience heightened community concerns annual i licit ia training or all cit wor er . about human and civil rights, and about increased tensions between community members based on allenging i cri ination ea on i a critical people’s political affiliation, economic status, place co onent o a trong co unit . o unitie of origin, immigration status…and other physical wit trong civic ca ital go till urt er an wor to onor value an ig lig t t e contri ution o t e co unit ull iver it in u lic ace . a b y . ie t . . . ne ality o o o t nity an aggregate econo ic er or ance. ew or u ell age oun ation. et ie e o h . o nal.o oi ll . S . . . . icha lo i a o a St on cono y oc on ncl i e o th ity ab h .citylab.co e ity the ho an hy o h .hay a ca. o ite e a lt le oc ent inclu ive growt cce te .
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ne o Minnea oli ar . P MARSHALL, TEXAS lti atel co unitie ee ing e uit u t con ront i torical arrier to artici ation ut i er ig t e orgiven or not recogni ing inclu ion an e lo ent an t e ine uita le ar all e a a a a or u o rican rovi ion o ervice an o ortunitie . erican i tor an rogre . owever t e a t e a co unit a la e a ar larger role in rican erican i tor t an it all MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA i e woul ugge t. o en ure re i ent an innea oli inne ota i o e to ar vi itor recogni e t e incre i le contri ution an they a e elt by any to be a on the city o it rican erican re i ent ar all o t ri e a et . t t e a e ti e inve t ent ha a e a concent ate e o t to e ea ch in ar locate in rican erican an low ocu ent an re erve it i tor . inco e neig or oo lagge ar e in t o e in a e or e ecca uar a teac er ot er wealt ier area . at er t an ignore t i t e at ile ollege t e ol e t i toricall rican innea oli ar an ecreation oar erican college we t o t e i i i i e u licl ac nowle ge t e legac o t e e uar i tor rail co e orate i ortant olicie an co i e to ta in action oc e ite a ociate wit ar all role in rican on ac ieving e uit . ccor ing to t e erican i tor an t e civil rig t ove ent. Because parks play a special role in people’s e trail inclu e i ortant rican erican quality of life, MPRB has a responsibility to strive ite uc a i toric ile ollege t e grave o for racial equity... We are having conversations two o t e a ou u egee ir en w o erve about race and putting new behaviors and policies in o l a . t al o tell the to y o P o e o into practice. We are committed to working with Mel in . ol on ho le the eat ebate o communities, the City of Minneapolis and other ile ollege to a national e ate c a ion i government agencies to eliminate inequities in the a eat celeb ate in the l between white people and people of color — and he eat ebate . ne o tho e ebate a e increase everyone’s ability to succeed.4 ar er r. el e oun t e ongre on acial ualit . cele rating t i i tor an n the MP an the ity o Minnea oli lacing it ront an center ar all i en uring a rove or inance to rever e ear o un er t at all eo le recogni e t e great contri ution it rican erican re i ent ave a e to t e co unit an countr . ear eig or oo ar lan innea oli ar an ecreation oa . h . innea oli a .o abo t b et nancial yea nei hbo hoo a lan
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un ing in neig or oo ar . oving o a the city i in a t o it in criteria a e un ing te t at ocu e on racial an econo ic e uit to en ure t at ca ital in e t ent a e ta ete t in the a an co unitie w ere t e are nee e t e o t.
BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN n a le ee Michi an la nche i ion a co nity i en o e ent o c ange. ta e ol er inclu ing t e . . ellogg oun ation an ellogg o an P . e er o t e ait co unit wor orce an econo ic evelo ent agencie govern ent u ine c ool an re i ent gat ere to it anager e ecca leur e laine i c ho to a t an o ation in a le ree . We created an equity statement as a steering committee of BC Vision because, as we peeled a t o it en a e ent e o t i ion back the layers of the conversations we realized noc e on ore t an oor el that [equity] was at the heart of everything. As o en o co unit eeting an o e a community, if we didn’t start putting equity wit t ou an o neig or to receive in ut at the forefront and challenging people to look ro a an eo le a o i le. un re o through equity lenses as we do our work we in ivi ual ro ever ector in t e co unit weren’t going to be successful...As a community, contri ute . i wi e rea engage ent o Battle Creek is putting this in the forefront.” re i ent ro all art o t e co unit el e en ure t at all lan are owne an roote in t e co unit . e re ult wa an actiona le long ter econo ic evelo ent lan t at Questions from inclu e neig or oo an co unit The Civic Index e er w o ave i toricall a le acce to re ource t at lea to ro erit . Services and opportunities are provided equitably to all groups and neighborhoods ll o i ion o i ea e in an e ity len to en e e o t a e cente e We have policies to fight discrimination in all on rovi ing acce to o ortunitie or all forms e i ent . a t yea i ion e elo e the ollowing e uit tate ent a it gui e Immigrants, new residents and under- represented groups actively participate in community events and discussions
We know, and will not ignore, the significant We honor, value and highlight the inequities in the Battle Creek Community. contributions of the community's full diversity in our public spaces We will: • Listen to, include, and act on the voices of the unheard. We are taking ongoing steps to discuss, learn • Direct resources to where the need is greatest. about, and help address historical barriers to • Break down barriers to employment. participation, inclusion and employment
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Authentic Communication
Healthy communities need credible civic-minded sources of information presented in a way that residents can use.
e ualit o in or ation an o local new coverage a allen ue to t e co unication in a co unit a ra atic ecline in rint ournali ot er a ra atic i act on it civic ealt . in titution ave an increa ingl i ortant ut entic co unication i ore t an u t t e role to la . it ewer a er an ournali t re ence o tru te civic in e new gat ering e in in o ation an a co lete ict e o the entitie tho h that i c itical . n co nitie co unit a eco e ar er. t at rioriti e aut entic co unication organi ation rovi e in or ation in ulti le e roli eration o ocial e ia lat or wa to eet t e nee o re i ent inclu ing rovi e ore o ortunitie t an ever e ore in i e ent lan a e to acco o ate thei a ea to roa ca t in or ation an are i ea . iver it . ut entic co unication i e ential owever in co unitie ocu e on aut entic or uil ing tru t an ena ling re i ent to ta e co unication ocial e ia i not u t a tool action. o hin in o ation o t. t i al o a tool o ee ening engage ent rawing in new i ea etween an new roo acro t e an in ig t . et i one ovec irector o . . lo t ore t an o . t e e t the o ab at e o ni e ity ay t a in et i t ro t at one wa co unication to o te in a con e ation. t ta e eal ill to ew e earc enter anal i o ureau o a or tati tic ccu ational lo ent tati tic ata. now ow to o t at an ut t at conver ation
age ational ivic eague to ethe an oc it on ol in a oble . o unitie wit ro u t civic ca ital in ter o et oit Michi an aut entic co unication ave ulti le ean ie tor teller or re i ent to learn e lore are an engage aron ole wit in titution an one anot er.
ocial e ia lat or an we ite li e aceboo i e an o t ecently e t oo ave o ten een toute a new i ru tive wa or eo le to are in or ation an uil co nity. e ite ob io bene t o t ha e al o een u e to rea i in or ation an ree i tru t. lat or continue to e erge it ee li el t at no one a roac will e cient that co nitie ill contin e to nee ulti le a roac e . P
DETROIT, MICHIGAN n et oit Michi an t o co etin na ati e We’re trying to give people a ie o a ention in local co e a e one he al platform where they can see owntown revitali ation an i re taurant themselves w ile t e ot er retrace t e tor o etroit ecline it truggling neig or oo violent Everyone knows Detroit has a long way to go. cri e an lac o o ortunitie . o tell t e But there are hundreds of thousands of people in tor o t e live an realit etween t e e Detroit and they all have different stories to tell. narrative a or i e uggan a roac e We’re not trying to overtake or supplant local aron ole wit an i ea oin t e cit a it media. The idea is to really uplift and amplify the t chie to ytelle . oley a ete an ican stories of Detroiters who are doing good things. erican ournali t an etroit native now We’re trying to give people a platform where they el rovi e re i ent wit a uller icture o can see themselves, and start to fill in these gaps. t eir own co unit . u le enting rat er – Aaron Foley, Chief Storyteller, City of Detroit3 t an re lacing t e role o local ournali t ole an i tea wor to rovi e conte t at ore w ile an e ia ail to rovi e an e t to eo le un er tan ing o t e real a e uate coverage o t e contri ution an etroit t roug vi eo an ot er ulti e ia torie o eo le o color new i igrant or lti lat o e o t . the co nity oley a e e the e e i ent a e een an hea . oley e lain o o enie t at t ere are c allenge in a e it y i ion to otli ht a lot o i e ent etroit. owever in etween t e e two e tre e co unitie t at on t nor all get ain trea narrative ou ave neig or oo t at ave e ia coverage. o we re tal ing a out our er evere re i ent w o o ene u ine e co nitie o M li co nitie tarte new loc clu an co unit an our i igrant co unitie an al o eo le organi ation an continue to a e etroit t eir o color erio . o e.
o t ate ie that a e e nin the t e o city co nication o et oit chie to ytelle i c a tin a ne na ati e o hi city loo be Philanth o ie h .bloo be .o blo t ate ie Me i .co h e i .co loo be itie ho et oit chie e nin t e city co nication tor teller i cra ting a new narrative or i cit c a c
age
It’s a mindset shift, from one-way communication to fostering a conversation
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA oano e i inia ha ea ne the co ete ll erica it war a tunning even ti e . ecently the city o ene an ce o iti en ngage ent to ring govern ent an citi en toget er to o ter colla orative conver ation uil o itive relation i an create new an inno ati e ay to et citi en in ol e . the city iti en n a e ent ce i othy Ma tin ay he e i a n a ental i e ence in Photo by Michael S. Shannon co nicatin to citi en an co nicatin ith the . hi o ce oe the la e . YAKIMA, WA SHINGTON ecently the ce o iti en n a e ent ocate in the e tile a i a alley in ent al leverage t e cit ria ocial e ia age to a ington a i a a a ri aril agricultural engage re i ent aroun t e earc or a new cit a e econo an a large o ulation o anager. artin e laine t at i igrant ar wor er ro e ico. ccor ing to ata ro t e erican o unit Roanoke used all of our main social media pages urve ercent o cit re i ent are i anic to seek feedback in the search for a new city or atin an ercent are non i anic w ite. manager. During the month of April, the Office n a te yea itho t e e entation on of Citizen Engagement gathered feedback from the a i a ity o ncil the t th ee atin more than 800 people. During a city manager council e er were electe . i re ulte in an search in 2009, only 80 citizens participated.4 increa e ocu t e council on i ue relate to e uit an e ualit w ic a in turne ar e co unit wi e i cu ion.
There is a fundamental dierence ecentl one o t e new atina council e er in communicating “to” citizens ugge te ol ing a erie o u lic a et and communicating “with” them nei hbo hoo o ac o the city. n the a t t e e eeting woul e el in ngli an re uentl inclu e ani tran lation. i ti e t ree oru were el in ani wit ngli tran lation. e c ange a e it ea ier or ani ea ing re i ent to artici ate an o ene e e a ong o e ngli ea er . a city ta e be e laine .
English-speakers have said ‘now that was a different experience’ – talk about an eye opener. It
o to n a e o o nity ith Social Me ia ith has helped to give them a different perspective. It’s iti en n a e ent ce i othy Ma tin M .o h ic a.o a simple thing. 'Oh, so that’s how it is to attend article article ow engage our co unit ocial e ia a citi en en a e ent o ce ti othy a tin a meeting in a language you don’t understand.'
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e cit i o e ul t at t e e e erience ig t Questions from hel e i ent be e n e tan the challen e The Civic Index o a ani ea er going to a tore or tr ing to a t eir water ill or tr ing to unction in a We have many trusted, civic-minded sources co unit t at i ri aril ngli ea ing. of information and news in the community
Local government and other groups provide OLATHE, KANSAS information in the languages that people lat e an a li e an co unitie a speak and in ways that are culturally u lic eeting to i cu u get i ue an appropriate hol the in i e ent en e to et o e eo le to a en . t e en oin o t to the There are many ways to communicate with neig or oo an ringing eeting to t e and get information from government (i.e., eo le i n t ee to a act c o o the 311, social media, text, local events, etc) cit co unication an u lic engage ent e art ent oug t new i ea . We have authentic two-way communications between members of the community, the government and other institutions e cit el an town eeting in t e tu io o t e local govern ent acce ca le tation to rive intere t an artici ation wit ocial e ia. e cit launc e an online oru i a e ore t e c e ule e eeting a ing re i ent to u it e tion . e tion co l al o be b i e li e uring t e eeting. ri ernan e a an a ity ne e onality ho te the eetin w ic wa ca leca t an live trea e an e er o t e u lic a e ue tion to cit council e er via e ail t e cit u get eb a e i e an aceboo .
ri ell t e cit in or ation tec nolog irector e lain e re tr ing to eet t e e i ent he e they a e hich i online.
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la tone i ouri re i ent i cu t eir co nity t e Culue o Engagemen
Involvement by residents, businesses, nonprots and other stakeholders in every aspect of civic aairs should be part of local culture—an expectation, not an afterthought.
e ational ivic eague view evelo ing a culture o engage ent li e an engage ent a ore t an re enting culture re uire action over ti e. o one in or ation or aving eo le re on e o t o o a can c eate a c lt e in tea to ue tionnaire t oug ot are i ortant it i t e re ult o ongoing con i tent action. in tea co unitie wit a trong culture o eit er organi ational culture nor co unit engage ent li ten to an learn ro re i ent e ectation e erge overnig t nor o t e in ongoing conver ation an leverage t o e in into li e itho t taine e o t an in ig t to a e t e wa rogra are e igne a ention. a ini tere an e ecute . e oc ueville arvele at ow erican n co nitie ith a t e c lt e o or e a ociation or t e alle t engage ent inclu ion o t e ull iver it o n e ta in ayin that citi en too ea y t e co unit articularl t o e i toricall to tac le any nee . n a co nity ith a oo e clu e ro eci ion a ing conver ation i culture o engage ent t i occur naturall an not oin abo e an beyon . t i the ba eline on a ail a i w et er it o eone el ing o le iti ate en a e ent e o t . he ho to u a car out o a now an or a grou o worn e cu e We tried to engage ‘them,’ but no one eo le o in a ne a ociation o non o t showed up i not cient. organi ation.
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FORT COLLINS, COLORADO n o t ollin olo a o the city o e n ent intentionall oug t to create an organi ational culture w ic not onl value ut an ate re i ent engage ent. e cit a rioriti e engage ent re i ent ave co e to e ect to be in ol e . e ty ity Mana e e Mihelich e laine
People here want to get involved and want to be engaged....It is a community expectation that we will do robust civic engagement. Council rarely, if ever, makes decisions of any real impact without a significant engagement process. And if they inny Sa ye e c ibe it en a e ent tried to do it, people would storm City Hall and er eate wor t roug out t e govern ent o say, “You didn’t talk to this group, this group or t at organi ation wi e we value u lic o inion this group. Isn’t my opinion important to you?" an eel that be e eci ion a e a e ba e u on engaging t e u lic. at t e et ic ro ouncil e er now e ect iver e hich e e ythin e i e . ta e ol er an re i ent to e engage a art o or ulating an olic . a re ult HAMPTON, VIRGINIA engage ent i con i ere ro t e out et wit ta e elo in an e entin an en a e ent a ton i inia ha lon been a eco ni e lan be o e e in o t to e i n o e elo lea e in ci ic en a e ent. S ch e o t ate bac olicie . inny Sa ye the city Policy an to t e i eig tie an carr orwar to t i a . ro ect anager e laine t e roce we ave a ton i a t ree ti e ll erica it war a u lic engage ent lan or an t ing t at i winner e on trating t at it i never content to co ing to council o t e coul ee t e ti ing re t on it laurel . o ro ect our e aging w at we re going to be a in o in o in citi en on. he lan he e elo ent o a ton c lt e o al o call out a or ta e ol er w o we ll e engage ent wa gui e t e re i e t at targeting. o i we were i ing a grou or i govern ent cannot an in ee oul not council eel a ta e ol er grou wa un alance ol e all i e on it o n an a belie that be e t e coul let u now an we coul i t gear re ult co e w en re i ent are art o t e earl enoug in t e ro ect to u le ent or ol tion. o lea n o e abo t a ton o to a t a nece a y. create a culture o engage ent an uil a trong civic ca ital rea t eir ivic a ital a e tu roug t e e an nu erou ot er action on age . t e cit an co unit ave evelo e w at city ta e c ibe a a c lt e o en a e ent. n the city ace a a ntin b et enior i tant it anager ell i artino ort all. it illion wort o cut to e a i e o t ollin c lt e o en a e ent a e the al e ca ai n a e e i ent to ayin t t hat the co nity e ect . t weig in on w at ervice were o t i ortant hat o electe o cial e ect. t hat e a to rotect an w ic t e were willing to cut. an o ani ation al e. he city oe n t t tal e conver ation a e re i ent to t in a out a out t e i ortance o civic engage ent it i a t o ta e o ance e ie an a ey acto in iring eci ion . he to y o a ton c lt e o en a e ent i a a te o an a ticle it anager ar unting u li e in t e all ition o t e ational ivic eview
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Hampton, Virginia's culture of engagement grew from the recognition that government cannot solve all a community's issues on its own and a real belief that better results come when residents are part of the solution t e cit u get uc a t e woul a ou e ol u get rating ervice accor ing to w ic were nee an w ic were want . ecor er tran cri e re i ent in ut an rinte it out to are wit re i ent e ore t e en o eac eeting. eeting re ult were u li e on line an are wit t e council outlining w ere t e a orit o a ton re i ent t oug t cut were nece ar . P S P
n the al e oce a cce lly e SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS to a e the co nity enti ent to ai e ta e n So e ille Ma ach e ci ic en a e ent to avoi urt er re uction . e i ent were a e i n t u t a trateg it an integral art o t e w et er t e woul u ort rai ing ta e an i a ric o t e co unit . o erville a o ow uc an or w at ur o e . t t e c ange ro a largel w ite wor ing an en o t at ear engage ent nearl ercent i le cla co unit to a na ic iver e o the blic e e e o t o a i ni cant an vi rant ur an u o art an innovation ta i e. it t i ig level o ocu ente o a t e nee to co unicate an engage u lic u ort t e council rai e it rate wit wit a iver e con tituenc . o a o erville li le o o ition o con te nation. ll the co ncil i an eclectic i o lue collar a ilie oung e er w o ran or reelection t e ne t c cle ro e ional college tu ent arti t an recent co orta l won e ta li ing t e true value o i igrant ro countrie a iver e a l t e roce . ccor ing to it anager ar alva or aiti an ra il. ne t ir o re i ent unting are oreign orn an ore t an language are o en in it u lic c ool . The reason I-Value works—or, frankly, any of Hampton's engagement efforts have worked—is it govern ent engage re i ent in nu erou that people fundamentally want to be a part of the wa ro tra itional town all eeting to decisions that impact them. Engagement never a ing ata rea il availa le to re i ent an guarantees that everyone will be happy with utili ing t eir ee ac to in or uture olic . the result. That utopia doesn't exist. However, e cit inclu e re i ent u ine owner engagement does produce better decision making an ta ehol e in a i o y co i ee hich and, more importantly, better feeling about the in or ever t ing ro reviewing a ter process used to make decisions. When residents evelo er ro o al or larger u ine i trict know they have (and how) to make a choice to to ro ent control ea ure an tra an influence decision-making, they inevitably feel better about it he e c i tion o So e ille c lt e o en a e ent i a a te o it ll erica it lication
age ational ivic eague co o ting rogra .
o erville e i tat initiative give re i ent i ect acce to the ayo al e en an ta ro all e art ent at war a e eeting el twice earl in eac o t e cit even i trict . t eac eeting artici ant receive u ate an rovi e in ut into i ue uc a c i e ate an blic a ety a e neig or oo lanning initiative an u lic wor ervice . o ine wit o erville o er tat o el or ata riven anage ent P M S an t e co unit on tituent ervice t e o t relevant u ort an in or ation t eir enter ee ac ro eeting i trac e in co unit nee . real ti e re orte ac to re i ent via ulti le e ia c annel to en ure a continuou ee ac n So e ille en a e ent i e ential not an loo t at al o ol unici al govern ent a tert oug t. o learn ore rea t e o erville accounta le to it con tituent a o el t at a ivic a ital a e tu on age . garnere regional an national recognition an o t i ortantl a reciation ro re i ent .
o erville re i ent are al o encourage to Questions from interact wit cit generate ata an el The Civic Index eter ine w ere t eir ta ollar oul be ent. n a ne o nity etin We have a culture of engagement; we expect our roce re i ent receive in or ation on government and other institutions to engage the the city b et an the b etin oce full community to guide decision-making an artici ate in rain tor ing e ion or rogra an ervice wit in our e area Government agencies, nonprofits and other targete or a itional inve t ent re i ent institutions work to learn from residents and other stakeholders before creating new programs a art o t e cit co re en ive lanning roce . We make an extra effort to ensure traditionally underrepresented groups are engaged as part of n eco ni in that t a itional o t each community decision-making an co nication e o t e e not eachin t e ull co unit t e cit e an e it non Government, nonprofits and other groups n li h lan a e o t each ith So e i a . he engage people in accessible, comfortable or i igrant outreac rogra inclu e native familiar locations, and at convenient times for ea er o ani ortugue e an aitian residents. reole an renc w o erve a liai on etween t e cit an it large t i igrant co unitie . Local government and others engage community members in an ongoing fashion, not just when e rogra ai to i rove acce to ervice they need buy-in or quick feedback city i e to enco a e an i e on oin e o t to be e e e the i i ant co nity an We have formal discussions about difficult o en c annel or greater artici ation. e issues like race, immigration, drug addiction, etc. rogra i a e e ten ive in ut ro t e i igrant co unit it el w o rovi e a vice on t e e t wa to engage t eir eer an
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San ntonio ll e ica it re entation tol t e tor o rogre generate .
Shared Vision and Values
Communities with shared values and civic pride have a common foundation for addressing public matters.
en re i ent o all er ective are a i le e ora le vi ion or logan li e t e in t e evelo ent o a co unit city o b othe ly lo e. collecti ely hel i ion vi ion t e are ore li el to eco e an et o are value can al o co e ro a inve te in an u ort t at vi ion. it out a collecti ely e ne c lt e an en e o ci ic are vi ion an en e o irection lan or owner i t at ig t re ult in tate ent li e co unit i rove ent o ten ail to create that not ho e o thin he e o the city la ting re ult . are vi ion or trategic lan na e ay. e erging ro eaning ul engage ent o t e co nity ll i e ity i o e able n co nitie ith a ha e i ion an et reali tic an li el to in or uture action. o value re i ent a i agree a out an to ic ut t e ol in co on a en e o w at are vi ion an et o value can eit er co e a e the co nity ecial. n the e lace ro an intentional roce uc a trategic re i ent ea o t eir neig or oo wit lanning or e evelo e organicall over ti e. ri e an t e can articulate value t at are n both ca e con tant ein o ce ent i nee e are acro t e co unit . o unitie wit or long ter u taina ilit . an citie engage are value an civic ri e now w o t e are in co unit vi ioning roce e t e e to an ave a co on a e ro w ic to uil . evelo ing a are vi ion an value i to reac all art o t e co unit an en wit
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS or cit e lo ee to e erci e lea er i an igni t e value o nowle ge acro n San ntonio e a la nche S organi ational ierarc . the city co nity i e i ionin oce . roug a erie o u lic eeting online c at it a vi ion create t e co unit at large e ion an urve an ntonian a e a it nort tar an ntonio a intentionall a ha e i ion o thei co nity t e. wor e towar e uita le outco e an tangi le earl re i ent a iver e cro ection o re ult . ecau e tran arentl re ort San ntonio hel e e elo a a e o e ne on an ntonio rogre towar t e e goal co unit re ult an i enti ea ure o co unit e er are a le to ee w ere cce . he t S e o t elea e in t e co unit i a ing tri e an w ere i enti e ele en co nity e lt t ac e by it i alling ort. it t i in or ation an in icator generating a eca e long trategic ntonian a e be e e i e to a ocate an vi ion or an ntonio. lea c ange. o gui e i le entatin o t e vi ion beca e an in e en ent non o t o ani ation in . n collabo ation ith city o e n ent Of the 61 indicators being tracked, non o t e en a o co o ation the 70 percent are trending better an ntonio rea oun ation t e nite a o an ntonio an e ar ount a today than they were in 2010. now create an eco te . i eco te u ort incre ental c ange trac ing rogre art o t e e uit a e ent in an i enti ing ga t ere irecting rogra co unit engage ent eca e a central initiative un ing an olic . co onent wit gui ing ue tion li e ho a e the o t a ecte co nity he S nn al act e o t o i e an e er w o are concerne wit or u ate on w ere an ntonio i in relation to it ave e erience relate to t e ro o e are vi ion a well a irect call to action. initiative ltho h S i co i e to e ainin t e to t e original et o eleven co unit re ult ow are t e involve in t e evelo ent it ee to continuou l aint a truer icture o o t e initiative he e San ntonio tan . n collabo ation ith at a t e engage ent roce t e cit an a a re ult o urt er co unit reveale a out t e actor t at ro uce or engage ent a o te our new er etuate racial ine uit relate to t i in icato incl e in the act e o t. rogra ow will ou continue to artner an S an the city ce o ity a lie an ee en relation i wit co unitie ity act e ent to e en hi h i act to a e ure our wor to a vance racial cit initiative inclu ing treet aintenance e ity i e ecti e an tainable civic engage ent to in or t e cit u get an a oint ent to oar an co i ion . i ra ewor o ue tion a et t e tan ar e a e ent a et o gui ing ue tion in i or wor ing towar e uit in engage ent o all te re ulte in olicie an ervice t at are eleven ocu area an corre on ing ro ect . accounta le to co unitie nee an rioritie . ach hi h i act initiati e c eate teen t e in icator currentl eing trac e e er tea iver e race gen er an e cent a e t en in be e to ay than they e e o ition ro irector to ront line e lo ee . in . i inclu e rogre towar ig e e tea re re ent i ortant o ortunitie c ool gra uation rate er ca ita inco e ealt care acce teen irt rate an ia ete rate.
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VisionKershaw 2030 is serving as a touchstone for many groups. It has already started to lead to better outcomes.
n nu erou rivate enter ri e an u lic entitie re erence t e vi ion in lanning an u get .
nl a ew ear into t e lan an action ave alrea een acco li e inclu ing i roving e i ent i cu t e e i ting recreation o ortunitie lanning or uture o t e count . a new er anent owntown ar er ar et ree ta li ent o t e count u an elation oar co letion o a etaile e e trian i e ERSHAW OUNTY OUTH AROLINA K C , S C an een ay lan ni hin the t connecto n ea ly the e ha o nty So th trail a ing a illion c ool oar acilit arolina ouncil oug t to engage re i ent in on re eren u an enn ale ta u t two e elo in a lan o the co nty t e. t the ear a ter it aile tarting a o ile oo antr hea t o i ion e ha a a athe in to erve oo e ert an e an ing t e nu er o co unit in ut con ucte to collect i ea o tation in un er erve area . an a it e o co nty e i ent co nity lea e an b ine o ne . Plannin ta artici ate in ore t an outreac event . DECATUR, GEORGIA e e inclu e engage ent event at volunteer at i govern ent role in creating a ace or e tation ch che an o e n ent b il in co nity ialo e ac o i e ence o o c ool a well a at t e local c a ter we ring ever one to t e ta le e eciall t o e an ith yo th lea e . conce te e o t w o o not eel welco e or inclu e o e wa a e to reac iver e eg ent o t e bi e tion in i e ecat eo ia e e o ulation. e on outreac event t e roce o ethe nitiati e. yea lon co nity inclu e in e t interview an a urve . wi e vi ioning roce oug t to cultivate a itionall aterial were a e availa le ore u t welco ing inclu ive e uita le an in S ani h an ta a on han to an e co a ionate e erience or all w o live vi it ue tion uring t e annual ulti cultural o o he e lea in to the c eation o the e e e ti al. Mo e than in i i al a en e o ethe nitiati e. t e e event w ic inclu e re entation i ea generating e erci e li tening e ion an art o t i initiative ore t an re i ent wor o i cu ion . inve te ore t an our un er t e gui ance o a ea er i ircle to ut toget er nli e any othe i ionin e o t hich c eate a o nity ction Plan o ncl ion ity e o t that o n e i ion e ha i an ngage ent outlining action ite or erving a a touc tone or an grou . ince in ivi ual organi ation an local govern ent. it creation all local unici alitie in t e count e ea er i ircle roug t toget er ait ha e a o te i ion e ha . ach yea the ba e o ani ation the chool y te city ta e h a o nty o ncil et n to the n in en e illennial baby boo e b ine w en i cu ing t e u get to en ure t at t e owner tu ent e ucational in titution io itie et in the i ion a e o te . non o t lea e con ltant an o e.
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The Better Together Leadership Circle: The Better Together Leadership Circle was made up of 19 individuals from diverse backgrounds. The circle included the police chief and a community member who had publicly accused the police of racial profiling. Other perspectives included a Jewish middle school guidance counselor, an African-American, a Muslim mother who is a program director for a leadership program for an o inion . e cit u ate it a et a teens, a Caucasian city staffer who is a native of Decatur and to e ect ne ly i enti e nei hbo hoo was at Decatur High during integration, an African American o ci ic o non o t aith ba e male who is also a paraplegic, and more. Of the 19 Leadership Circle members, there were 9 established community leaders organi ation an e ucational in titution . and 10 newer faces and voices. ne ea e hi i cle e be ai n o e ircle e er agree to ull artici ate to increa e civic engage ent citie nee to a e an to elco e i e ent e en cont o e ial the e o t to ee o t i e e oice in ace they er ective . e ent ti e engaging in on t tra itionall loo not onl or co unit con e ation ac o i e ence incl in initiative ut al o or training iring an conver ation a out race an e uit t u cont act o . o eling on a all cale w at t e ulti atel a e o t e roa er co unit . e ea er i ircle even inclu e a re i ent w o a u licl c arge t e olice e art ent wit racial o lin a ell a the ecat hie o Police. Questions from t a e o t e e a e to en a e The Civic Index i igrant oung eo le enior lower inco e re i ent eo le o color an ot er We have a strong sense of attachment to, and un erre re ente re i ent . e circle e igne pride in, our neighborhoods and community co unication trategie wit an e e towar e uit targeting an recruiting t o e wit Our community strategic planning efforts un erre re ente er ective . e er include the full diversity of the community to leverage t eir er onal networ to en ure help identify a common vision ou ing ut orit re i ent o ali teen enior an ot er re uentl a ent ro t e e People have a clear sense of what makes the con e ation e e eci cally in ite . community unique and a shared vision for what we want to become in the future ircle e er re ente at eeting engage Local government and nonprofit actions eo le at co unit event an u e cen u clearly align with the community’s shared an othe ata to ene ate a e o a hic o le vision o t e co unit . e ucce o t e roce in ringing t o e not t icall at t e ta le re ulte in a lan that e ect a i e ity o e ecti e
age S Civic Capital A Case Study
o unit involve ent in ong ont olora o wa un a entall tran or e in t e a e wa it a en in an lace o et ing i n t go rig t an eo le lle to ethe to chan e it. n the city co ncil con i e e a chan e to he e ec eational ehicle co l a . ity ta ote a ne o inance el a u lic eeting at t e it o ong ont ivic enter an too Happiness t e or inance to council. e roce wa t eir own a i ion a i a te he blic e e e an e at ba ely bein in ol e in t e roce . e council eci e to evelo an i le ent a 2nd In 2013, Longmont was co re en ive a roac or involving t e co unit in cit ervice America's 2nd happiest city (according to content eli e y an oble ol in e o t . hi be an the e i n o analysis of geo-tagged ong ont co unit involve ent rogra . it lea er wante tweets) involve ent to e inclu ive eaning ul an ro uctive an to uil ca acity in the co nity. o ncil e ecte ta to en a e e i ent a a tne .
ile ong ont a long a active neig or oo a ociation t e cit i not ave a co re en ive a roac or cit agencie to ollow in wor ing wit t e co unit . ollo in the ec eational ehicle cont o e y a tea o ta o each e a t ent ca e to ethe to c eate a a e o a a te o the nte national ociation o P blic Pa tici ation P . hi hel e ta loo at i e an o o t nitie an ete ine the le el o in ol e ent that o l be o cti e an eanin l. tee in tea a or e to en ure a trong ongoing culture o engage ent.
ten hen ta calle a eetin o ent o t into the co nity they a acte the
COLORADO e la b t loo in at e o a hic in o ation they eali e the e e e h e a . on ont o lation i e cent atino b t thi a not e ecte in outreac re ult . e cit egan o ting e ogra icall a ro riate Quality of Life oc o e ectin the e o a hic o on ont in a e en e inco e race an e ucation level. e cit al o went to w ere eo le e e to et in t o tho e ho i ht ne e a en a blic hea in . 84% LONGMONT of residents rate their n a e ent e o t incl e hel in ba oo o nee y a ilie at l quality of life in Longmont o it an organi ation e icate to rovi ing a vocac an ocial as "excellent" or good." e ice o atino . te i in o t the oo ta olitely a e o inte ie . the ta en a e e i ent at the local Pe ian e ti al a teen o o t o an a io on ont ea ha be o o e ce e ent . o the e a oot e o t were a e online engage ent an tele one town all .
ong ont erve a ultilingual co unit an u orting t e large ani ea ing o ulation i articularl i ortant. ilingual e lo ee are recogni e wit a itional co en ation o thei ency in the S ani h lan a e an in i n lan a e an illin ne to e that ency to a i t e i ent . hi bilin al co en ation lan hich ong ont i le ente in i u e a a o el or ot er co unitie wi ing to increa e acce an inclu ivit .
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acilitation training i o i e to on ont a vi or oar an co i ion
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eo le eca e ore involve wit t eir govern ent t e cit role egan to c ange into one o acilitative lea er i gat ering t e co unit to a e eci ion an ta e care o eac ot er. e cit o unit an eig or oo e ource ivi ion el nurture t i growt uil ing nei hbo hoo ca acity. hey e i te nei hbo hoo o acilitate a ei hbo hoo o ea e ociation an rovi e grant to artici ant to el un i rove ent an event t at e lore t e bene t o no in yo nei hbo lea in to a e healthie nei hbo hoo .
he acilitation an in ol e ent t ainin that a e elo e o city ta a e an e to all o ong ont oar an co i ion t e c ool i trict neig or oo grou lea er t e ong ont M ltic lt al ction o i ee o l e o nty an the citie o o l e an o t ollin .
he St. ain School i t ict ha al o et a lea e hi an a tici ation t ainin o a . he t grou o arent t at artici ate in t e i trict rogra went on to or an organi ation o arent calle a oot St. ain ith o e than a tici ant . he o a i a o el o othe chool i t ict an on an a a o P in .
ong ont a wor e to rovi e lea er i o ortunitie to t e ull iver it o it re i ent . eo le ngage in ai ing ea er i a training rogra to increa e involve ent a ong eo le o color on oar an co i ion acro oul er ount . artici ant re are to ta e on o ition o lea er i on oar an co i ion artici ate civicall in t eir co unit an gain t e ill an tool nece a y to be e n e tan the oce e t ct e an a e o boa an co i ion .
n a tne hi ith on ont the o l e o nty atino ha be o o e ce o i e in chola hi to ino ity e i ent o on ont to a en lea e hi t ainin co e . So a on ont re i ent ave ta en a vantage o t e c olar i .
ong ont a inve te in it civic ca ital creating a culture o engage ent inve ting in it ca acit to aut enticall engage ani ea ing re i ent u orting re i ent to ta e action in t eir own neig or oo an evelo ing inclu ive lea er i o ortunitie .
age S Civic Capital A Case Study
n o erville civic engage ent i n t u t a trateg it an integral art o t e a ric o t e co unit . o erville a c ange ro a largel w ite wor ing an i le cla co unit to a na ic an iver e Happiness ur an u o art an innovation o a t e nee to co unicate an engage wit a ore iver e con tituenc . o a o erville i an eclectic i o lue collar a ilie oung ro e ional college 7.8 In 2015 the average happiness tu ent arti t an recent i igrant ro countrie uc a l rating in Somerville was 7.8 out of 10. That's higher than Swit- alva or aiti an ra il. ne t ir o re i ent are oreign orn zerland (7.6), the "happiest" an ore t an language are o en wit in in t e u lic c ool . country in 2015
e cit engage re i ent in nu erou wa ro tra itional town all eeting to a ing ata rea il availa le to re i ent an utili ing t eir ee ac to in or uture olic . e cit inclu e re i ent u ine owner an ta e ol er in a i o y co i ee hich in o e e ythin o e ie in a te e elo e o o al or larger u ine i trict to t e i le entation o ro ent control ea ure an tra an co o ting rogra .
he city yea co ehen i e lan So e i ion a e elo e th o h a th ee yea co unit roce t at incor orate t e i ea o un re o re i ent u ine eo le local o ani ation an ey ta ehol e a ell a a e be Stee in o i ee. t contain ore t an trategic goal or o erville uture an erve a t e a i or lanning an co unit evelo ent ro ect an olicie .
n the city eco ni e that e ite it any inno ati e en a e ent a oache the e e e till any e i ent ho t le to be a a t o ha in city eci ion . n the city e an e it non n li h lan a e o t each ith So e i a MASSACHUSETTS it i igrant outreac rogra w ic con i t o native ea er o ani ortugue e an aitian reole an renc w o erve Community a liai on etween t e cit an t e large t i igrant co unitie . Pride
SOMERVILLE e rogra ai to i rove acce to ervice cit wi e an to enco a e an i e on oin e o t to be e e e the i i ant 86% co unit w ile al o o ening c annel or greater artici ation of Somerville residents rate their pride in the community t e e re i ent . e rogra i a e e ten ive in ut ro t e as 7 or higher (out of 10) in a i igrant co unit it el w ic rovi e a vice on ow e t to 2015 survey engage an co unicate wit t e .
long wit a co it ent to engaging t e ull iver it o t e co unit o erville i cultivating o ortunitie or lea er ro all ac groun . e co unit wor to rovi e ree lea er i an ot er training rogra or re i ent o all inco e e ucation an age level . ea er i rogra inclu e
S So e ille ca e y o nno ati e ea e hi en a e e i ent at a hi h le el o co it ent o the lon te o e in a a ti e lea e hi t ainin in
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o erville o t al ing ialogue wit olice wor ing wit out an re i ent to tac le co unit i ue .
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e c ange or co unit ervice. ince it inaugural e ion in t e a orit o artici ant o t o ho ha li le io in ol e ent ith the city ha e oine city co i ion an a i o y co i ee .
ente Pon e o e in ea e . hi lea e hi ill o a i con cte in S ani h o atino e i ent . t teache ho eci ion a e a e ithin local o e n ent an ho e i ent can el a e t o e eci ion t roug a vocac w ile al o rovi ing lea er i training.
e cri e in it ll erica it lication
Where once civic outreach focused on project-specific discussions, Somerville now employs proactive and on- the-spot engagement strategies to capture real-time feedback and foster in-depth discussion among existing groups and organizations. While past practices dictated a top-down, bureaucratic management process, today residents help inform the city’s fiscal responsibilities and management initiatives through active discussion and interactive workshops.
ere trategic lanning an econo ic evelo ent eci ion were once in or e e clu ivel hi h le el o cial an to ay o So e ille yea co ehen i e lan incl e o e than age o co unit e er value an reco en ation to et t e roa a or our evelo ent uture. it a well roun e civic engage ent trateg cit anage ent neit er tart nor en wit nici al o e n ent. t i a contin o cycle an e chan e o i ea an be t actice that a e o erville tronger a a co unit .
age S Civic Capital A Case Study
a ton i inia ha lon been a eco ni e lea e in ci ic en a e ent ith ch e o t atin bac to the i ei htie All-America City an continuing to t i a . a ton i a t ree ti e ll erica it war winner e on trating t at it i never content to re t on it laurel . 3x Winner of the All-America City Award he e elo ent o a ton c lt e o en a e ent wa gui e t e re i e t at govern ent cannot an in ee ho l not ol e all a co nity i e on it o n an a belie that be e e lt co e hen e i ent a e a t o the ol tion.
a ton t o al eco nition o the nee to en a e it e i ent be an in the w en a ro o e roa evelo ent cau e controver in t e co unit urring t en city ana e obe t . eill . to b in e i ent to ethe to n a co o i e. he e i ent o n con en th o h con e ation in i in a itional en a e ent e o t .
Soon the city c eate a ei hbo hoo ce an ta e it ith ille acilitato . acilitator wor e i e i e wit e i ting an e erging lea er to el t e convene grou o re i ent an evelo neig or oo lan . o en ure t e lan i not u t beco e a i h li t o o e city n in the ei hbo hoo ce ta ht nei hbo hoo lea er ow to olicit volunteer an write grant . e cit t en create an un e a all cale neig or oo grant rogra o re i ent coul i le ent i ea t e agree
VIRGINIA u on. o receive grant lea er a to ocu ent neig or oo con en u on t e ro ect an rovi e a atc t at coul co e in t e or o volunteer our ro re i ent .
hile the t nei hbo hoo o ect e e all cale o e ti e la e o ect ith ore tran or ational i act e erge . e l ort a ton neig or oo wante a co unit center or t eir out to ave a a e lace to recreate an a e or one to HAMPTON con e t a clo e chool into a nei hbo hoo cente . eill tho ht abo t the e e t he eali e thi a a e nin o ent. he city o l ne e be able to n e e y nei hbo hoo i h li t yet i the city i ly ai no it o l n o all the oo ill evelo e t roug t e citi en engage ent wor to ate. i le i to i ue a c allenge. eill co i e to eno ate the ol chool into a nei hbo hoo cente i the nei hbo hoo o l co it to ta it ith ol ntee . e i ent o e to the challen e. he city ha one it art an t e were eter ine to o t eir . eig or oo ri e woul not allow t e to uit. u t a ew ear a ter t e ol ro o ition t e . . o a enter o ene .
he . . ho a ente i till o e atin to ay. n act it a en ance a e t at o ever ot er co unit center in t e cit . e center i till largel run t roug volunteer co it ent an cit lea er elieve it i t i volunteer
he to y o a ton c lt e o en a e ent i a a te o an a ticle by ity Mana e Ma y ntin bli he in the all ition o t e ational ivic eview
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irit t at a a e t e . . o a enter t e o t activel u e cit acilit . e neig or oo a a true en e o owner i re i ent are ull inve te in it ucce .
oin beyon i olate o ect the city o ht to in tit tionali e en a e ent. h o h ann al allocation o n o both the all an la e cale ant the city e ecti ely in tit tionali e a ean or active an u taine neig or oo engage ent. e cit create a neig or oo co i ion to hel e ie the ant an en e that all a ea o the city e e ecei in o e a ention th o h the e e o t . nli e t a itional boa an co i ion electe by city co ncil th o h a i le e e ion o intere t a a ton eig or oo o i ion a oint ent re uire e on trate gra root e erience an connecte ne wit re i ent in t e i trict to w ic t e a licant wa a l ing.
he city al o c eate a yo th co i ion to en e an acti e yo th oice in en a e ent e o t . roug t e a ton out o i ion oung lea er learn i ilar ill a t eir a ult co nte a t an a ini te a all cale ant o a o t ent to a e a i e ence in t eir c ool an neig or oo . e neig or oo an out co i ion ave een e elo ental o n o the city lea e hi both at the nei hbo hoo le el an city i e.
n the city ace a a ntin b et ho t all. ith illion o th o c t to be a e the al e ca ai n a e e i ent to ei h in on hat e ice e e o t i o tant to otect an w ic t e were willing to cut. e conver ation a e re i ent to t in a out t e cit b et ch a they o l a ho ehol b et atin e ice acco in to hich e e nee an w ic were want . ecor er tran cri e re i ent in ut an rinte it out to are wit re i ent e ore t e en o eac eeting. eeting re ult were u li e on line an are wit t e council outlining w ere t e a orit o a ton re i ent t oug t cut were nece ar .
al e ha been e in the yea ince. n the oce a cce lly e to a e the co nity enti ent to ai e ta e to a oi the e ction . e i ent e e a e hethe t e woul u ort rai ing ta e an i o ow uc an or w at ur o e . t t e en o t at yea en a e ent nea ly e cent o the blic e e e o t o a i ni cant ta hi e. ith thi hi h le el o oc ente blic o t the co ncil ai e it ate ith li le o o ition or con ternation. ll t e council e er w o ran or reelection t e ne t c cle co orta l won e ta li ing t e true value o t e roce . ccor ing to it anager ar unting
The reason I-Value works—or, frankly, any of Hampton's engagement efforts have worked—is that people fundamentally want to be a part of the decisions that impact them. Engagement never guarantees that everyone will be happy with the result. That utopia doesn't exist. However, engagement does produce better decision making and, more importantly, better feeling about the process used to make decisions. When residents know they have (and how) to make a choice to influence decision-making, they inevitably feel better about it.
age National Civic League Civic Index
The Civic Index is a self-assessment tool for measuring a community’s civic capital – the formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities that communities use to make decisions and solve problems. You can use this tool in a small group - with partners, community members or others to spark conversation about community strengths and areas in need of improvement. If you’re using this with others come to a general agreement on the community you’re talking about.
Community: ______Date:______
Note: Many of the statements below ask about inclusion of diverse perspectives. By diverse perspectives, we mean the views and experiences of those from different racial, ethnic or religious backgrounds, different socio-economic statuses, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical and mental abilities, long-term residents and recent immigrants, etc. Every community has diverse perspectives, the key is to understand and engage the diversity in your community.
We don’t This is a This is a This is have this challenge moderate a real Put a check mark under the response that best reflects your rating for each factor. for us strength strength Consider the full diversity of the community, not just those you usually engage.
Engaged Residents We have many resident-initiated and resident-led community/ neighborhood organizations and activities In community meetings, people tend to work collaboratively to solve-problems; instead of being critical and confrontational Neighborhood councils and community groups reflect the community’s diversity and regularly work with city officials to provide input into decision-making It is easy to find residents to serve on local boards and commissions, or run for office Inclusive Community Leadership We have a wealth of trusted, respected leaders across all-sectors and levels
We have programs to develop leaders from all backgrounds, ages and sectors; especially those from traditionally marginalized communities Local leaders work together, build consensus, and set aside their own ego to focus on getting things done for the whole community Leaders and community members face challenges head-on, instead of ignoring tough conversations or decisions
Government advisory boards, commissions reflect the full diversity of the communityand exercise real decision-making power Collaborative Institutions We work with other communities to address local and regional challenges
Local government, nonprofits, philanthropies, schools, civic associations and businesses collaborate effectively to solve community problems We have many trusted organizations that bring people together to resolve pressing conflicts and challenges. We have regular, established opportunities for information-sharing and decision-making across various sectors www.nationalcivicleague.org Put a check mark under the response that best reflects your rating for each factor. We don’t This is a This is a This is Consider the full diversity of the community, not just those you usually engage. have this challenge moderate a real for us strength strength
Embracing Diversity, Equity Services and opportunities are provided equitably to all groups and neighborhoods
We have policies to fight discrimination in all forms
Immigrants, new residents and under-represented groups actively participate in community events and discussions We honor, value and highlight the contributions of the community's full diversity in our public spaces We are taking ongoing steps to discuss, learn about, and help address historical barriers to participation, inclusion and employment Authentic Communication We have many trusted, civic-minded sources of information and news in the community
Local government and other groups provide information in the languages that people speak and in ways that are culturally appropriate There are many ways to communicate with and get information from government (i.e., 311, social media, text, local events, etc) We have authentic two-way communications between members of the community, the government and other institutions Culture of Engagement We have a culture of engagement; we expect our government and other institutions to engage the full community to guide decision-making Government agencies, nonprofits and other institutions work to learn from residents and other stakeholders before creating new programs We make an extra effort to ensure traditionally underrepresented groups are engaged as part of community decision-making Government, nonprofits and other groups engage people in accessible, comfortable or familiar locations, and at convenient times for residents. Local government and others engage community members in an ongoing fashion, not just when they need buy-in or quick feedback We have formal discussions about difficult issues like race, immigration, drug addiction, etc. Shared Vision and Values We have a strong sense of attachment to, and pride in, our neighborhoods and community
Our community strategic planning efforts include the full diversity of the community to help identify a common vision People have a clear sense of what makes the community unique and a shared vision for what we want to become in the future Local government and nonprofit actions clearly align with the community’s shared vision
Exceptional 32 - 27 Count checkmarks in these columns Strong 26 - 20 to nd your overall score + Average 19 - 13 Limited 12 - 6 Needs improvement 5 - 0 Civic Capital Score moderate+real strength tally check your score against the chart to the left www.nationalcivicleague.org Facilitator Instructions
This facilitator’s guide helps hold a one-hour self-assessment of your community’s civic capital with the Civic Index. We suggest having conversation in a small group of 10-15 people. This symbol marks text to be read aloud, instructions to the facilitator are included in boxes
Introduction (5 minutes)
Today we’ll be using the National Civic League’s Civic Index. The Index measures the civic capital of the community – the capacities, conditions, skills and ways of working together that enable a community to address important issues and make decisions in a collaborative manner. This fourth edition of the Index is the result of decades of work in communities. The Civic Index has seven components, and 32 different factors (questions).
We want to have this conversation because ______. We’re interested in better understanding ______. We will take what we learn and ______. Explain how you will use what you learn through this conversation.
Using the Civic Index (15 minutes) You’ll rate our community on seven components of civic capital. You can define community in many ways. • For today, let’s think about our shared community as ______?
• When rating different factors, think about the full diversity of the community – not just those whom you interact with most frequently. Try not to dwell too long on each question; go with your best sense. We’ll have time to discuss our thoughts after this first round.
• Let’s take 10-12 minutes to rate the community; then we’ll break into small groups to discuss ways to move forward and strengthen our civic capital.
Small Group Discussion (15 minutes)
In groups of three, take a few minutes to discuss your answers. You’ll be answering four questions.
1. What surprised you or made you think?
2. What are the one or two categories where the community is strongest?
3. What are the one or two categories where the community needs the most work?
4. What are some small steps that we could take as a community to build our civic capital in those areas that you think need the most work?
In your small groups remember You don’t need to come to consensus – you’re trying to learn from each other and see where you might have similar or differing views. If you see things differently, ask: “What makes you say that? What are you seeing that I might be missing? Full Group Discussion (20 minutes) 1. Strengths
1. “What’s one component you believe is particularly strong for the community?” Why did you say that?
2. “Show of hands – how many of you identified that area as a real strength?” Why did you say that?
3. “Did any of you see it differently?” “Why did you say that?”
Repeat questions 1,2,3 as time allows to get a sense of the strongest components
2. Challenges
1. So switching gears, “What’s a component (area) that you thought really needed more attention? “Why did you say that?”
2. “Show of hands – how many of you identified that as an area where we need to pay more attention?” “Why did you say that?
3. “Did others see it differently?”
(Repeat questions 1,2,3 as time allows to get a sense of weaker components
3. Actions
“Given our strengths and areas that need more attention – what are some of the actions you identified that we could take to move forward?” “If we took that action, how might it improve things in that category/area?”
“Did anyone identify any actions that residents could take?”
Get a list of 4-5 actions.
Next Steps (5 minutes)
1. Thank the group. Let them know how you will follow up with them (email, another meeting, etc)
2. Share how you intend to use what you learn (share with those in the organization, combine with insight from other conversations, share with other groups, or with your board)
3. Collect each of the sheets so that you can tally the “scores” and look at individual differences.
4. If you are part of a coordinated effort, tally the Civic Capital scores from each participant to find a group average. Share the group average, identified strengths and weaknesses, as well as, key actions with the rest of the team. National Civic League Civic Index
Small Group Discussion Questions
In groups of three take a few minutes to discuss your answers to the Civic Index questions and potential next steps. Please take notes about different group members’ perspectives so that we can learn from your conversations.
1. What surprised you or made you think?
2. What are the one or two components (categories) where the community is strongest? What makes you say that?
3. What are the one or two components (categories) where the community needs the most work? What makes you say that?
4. What are some small steps that we could take as a community to build our civic capital in those areas that you think need the most work? How could we leverage our strengths to help us make progress in these areas? What role can you imagine for residents? Nonprofits and other groups? Local government?
www.nationalcivicleague.org What makes some communities better able than others to solve the tough social, political, economic or physical challenges they face?
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Civic Capital
The formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities communities use to make decisions and solve problems
WWW.NATIONALCIVICLEAGUE.ORG