“This is a time of rapid change in communities around the world. Never in our history have there been more massive demographic changes, differences in socioeconomic well-being, and such alarming environmental and social challenges. And never before has there been such a lack of confidence in the ability of our leaders to address these challenges.” —John Parr, President, National Civic League, July 1994
These words were written nearly 32 years ago as part of a Foreword to a book called Collaborative Leadership: How Citizens and Civic Leaders Can Make a Difference, by David Chrislip & Carl Larson.
Most Americans would probably echo these same sentiments today, and we certainly face many monumental challenges. At the same time, Americans’ perceptions often ignore the progress made over the past three decades, with crime rates, greenhouse gas emissions, poverty, and other negative indicators lower now than they have been in over 30 years.
At the same time, differences in socioeconomic well-being have widened and confidence in the ability of our leaders has certainly fallen, particularly regarding leaders at the national level. Belief in the effectiveness of our democracy is at an all-time low, and concerns about political polarization are keeping many people from getting involved.
The good news is that a large proportion of people are still engaged in their own communities and generally trust local governments. It is this work at the community level that’s reducing crime, greenhouse gases, and, ultimately, poverty. And most of the activities at the National Civic League are aimed at inspiring and spreading this good work.
I hope you’ll join us by becoming a member of the League so that we can advance civic engagement and democracy innovation together.
