Topic: Civic Engagement

How to Politically Engage when You Feel Like Shutting Down
Can “transformational advocacy” transform our politics — and ourselves? A longtime democracy activist lays out what’s needed
By Sam Daley-Harris
Run To Run Your Election!
Think you have what it takes to make democracy work? Committee of Seventy’s CEO on how and why you should become one of 5,100 elected poll workers this year.
By Lauren Cristella
Hey, Philly! It’s Time to Review Mayor Cherelle Parker
In 2023, we asked citizens to play the role of employer ahead of the mayoral primary. Now, it’s time for our 100th mayor’s one-year review.
By Courtney DuChene
Why I Won’t Celebrate MLK on January 20
A Kensington community leader refuses to share the Civil Rights icon’s celebration with an inauguration that validates the January 6, 2021 insurrection
By Dr. Bill McKinney
Citizens, Your Local Government Needs You!
15 ways to engage constructively and make an impact in 2025 from a former city manager working to build better democracy through civility
By Diane Kalen-Sukra
How to Help Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene
Can you fly a plane? Decipher a home insurance policy? Donate a couple of bucks? Eight ways Philadelphians 600 miles away from storm-impacted North Carolina can offer effective aid
By Courtney DuChene
Ali Velshi Reminds Us True Citizenship is a Muscle
The MSNBC host and Citizen board member says it's never too late to celebrate Citizenship Day, honoring those who have made the conscious choice to become American citizens
By Ali Velshi
How to Embrace Your Political Enemy
Penn students traveled all over Pennsylvania this summer to prove political empathy isn’t dead. (And find out what they learned at a Citizen event on September 17.)
By Natalie Pompilio
A Special Episode on Citizenship
In the latest episode our podcast, former mayors Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Kasim Reed of Atlanta revisit past guests for a reminder about what really matters in America today

College Credit for Campaign Work
L.A.’s Occidental College offers a “campaign semester” for students who do election work full time. A longtime university president urges local colleges to do the same
By Elaine Maimon