By Rebecca Trout
The United States of America was founded on a bold, revolutionary idea: a government built on the will of the people. At the time, many doubted this radical experiment would last, yet nearly 250 years later, it endures. On the foundation of democracy, the United States has achieved extraordinary milestones—economic prosperity, national security, scientific innovation, and social progress. While far from perfect, the country has led the world in space exploration, technological breakthroughs, and medical advancements, while expanding human rights, albeit imperfectly and unevenly. Yet deep-rooted challenges like racism, intolerance, political violence, and income inequality have worsened, fueled by both neglect and willful malintent.
These issues act like waves eroding the shoreline, gradually undermining the foundation of our constitutional democracy. But, much like coastal erosion, there are ways to stem the tide. Democracy reform, civic innovation, and the relentless pursuit of justice and equality serve as essential counterweights, filling the cracks and stabilizing the foundation. Right now, the threats feel 
overwhelming, and the countermeasures seem too small.
Yet, before you fall back into doomscrolling, this article is not just another piece bemoaning America’s decline. Some of the most powerful counterweights were on display at this year’s All-America City Award event. Across the country, communities are sparking real change—improving lives and building vibrant, hopeful places. These efforts may seem like grains of sand, but when combined and multiplied, they have the potential to create a stronger, more resilient democracy that lives up to this nation’s highest ideals.
The Kids Are Alright
“Kids these days are apathetic.” “The youth don’t vote.” “They just live in their phones.” These narrow and negative views fail to capture the true spirit and engagement of today’s youth.
Take the third graders of Monrovia, California, who are already enacting their own policies after learning about local government. They’re participating in civic life now, rather than waiting until they’re old enough to vote. In March 2023, the City of Monrovia invited over 500 third graders to engage in civic activities through an educational tour of the city. They explored how the Community Center, Fire Department, Police Department, and City Hall serve the community. The students left with a newfound appreciation for government and, more importantly, they began learning how to apply democratic principles in their own lives.
After gaining insights into how city rules and regulations are created, students applied this thinking to enhance the safety and enjoyment of recess. Students issued surveys on what games were played the most, spoke to other students to see what areas were creating problems, and figured out how the rules could be applied. In true democratic fashion, the students wrote ballots and held elections on which rules to uphold. The result was a set of official playground rules, proudly displayed on poster boards.
Camilla, a student in Monrovia, shared this during the community’s presentation at the All-America City Award Event:
“We used everything we learned and kind of created our own laws. I am too young to vote, but now I understand what voting is and why it is important.”
But why stop at playground rules? In Danville, Virginia, students sought a greater role in shaping policy decisions for their schools and advocated for representation on the school board. Their efforts led to a groundbreaking change: the appointment of four teenagers as student representatives.
These representatives serve as vital liaisons, bridging the gap between the student body and the board, providing essential insights and perspectives for informed decision-making. Their responsibilities include attending regular open meetings and undertaking tasks like research and data collection as directed by the board. One of this year’s representatives shared:
“I worked on addressing transportation issues and answering DPS construction questions. I’ve used my voice this year as a bridge of communication and information, but for as much as I’ve done, I’d say I’m just getting started.”
The student representatives foster a more inclusive environment by amplifying student voices and actively involving them in governance. Their role goes beyond merely having a seat at the board table; it empowers them to be active contributors to the decision-making processes that shape their education and future.
But not all children meet societal expectations or get it “right” on their first try. In Newport News, Virginia, efforts are underway to ensure that youthful mistakes don’t lead to lives wasted behind bars. Until 2022, Virginia law restricted communities from operating certain youth diversion programs. However, Newport News successfully lobbied legislators to change the state code.
“Incarceration is a fundamental threat to democracy. You can’t participate in civic life if you’re locked up.” – Jered Grimes, Director of Juvenile Services in Newport News.
With the new state code, Newport News became the first jurisdiction in Virginia to establish a Youth Court, providing a restorative justice solution for early anti-social and delinquent behaviors. Young offenders, ages 11-17, are judged and sentenced by their peers, often resulting in community service, counseling, and restitution. This peer-based approach allows young volunteers to take on roles as defenders, prosecutors, and jurors, fostering learning, understanding, and dialogue. The only adult involved in the process is a practicing lawyer who serves as the judge.
Giovanni, a Youth Court Volunteer, shares his insights on the transformative effects of this juvenile justice innovation.
The success of the Youth Court has inspired other Newport News organizations to create programs aimed at reducing youth recidivism. Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas (VOACC) leveraged a city grant to develop the PeaceKeepers program, focusing on individuals transitioning out of juvenile detention by offering comprehensive workforce development support and trauma-informed case management services. Additionally, the Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program provides wrap-around services for youth exiting the juvenile detention center.
Monrovia, Danville, and Newport News demonstrate how involving youth in decision-making can empower young people and enrich democratic life. Sustained, creative engagement of youth is crucial to the future of our communities, and exploring civic innovations that leverage technology and fresh approaches is equally essential to this evolution.
Innovating Our Way to Better
The challenges facing our democracy are both real and urgent. We cannot expect the civic practices of 1776 to effectively address the needs of our vastly different world today; this is where civic innovation becomes essential.
CivicLex, a pioneering nonprofit based in Lexington, Kentucky, dedicates itself to enhancing civic engagement and community cohesion across five key areas: civic education, local news and reporting, improving public spaces, fostering relationships, and transforming civic participation. The organization collaborates with civic institutions to pilot and implement innovative governance approaches that center residents in the decision-making process, making participation a more rewarding and meaningful experience. Notably, CivicLex has partnered with local government to embed artists within city operations, creating new avenues for communication with the public.
Over the past three years, CivicLex has worked closely with Lexington’s Urban County Council to improve its council meetings and the public comment process. This initiative began with comprehensive research and partnerships with two local universities, engaging over 1,000 residents. As a result, CivicLex developed 11 actionable recommendations that are currently being implemented by the county council. You can read more about their innovative recommendations here and watch their winning AAC presentation here. This project has made public meetings and engagement more accessible and easier to understand for all community members.
In La Marque, Texas, the city is putting their money where their mouth is, relying on residents’ input to help decide and fund the city’s future with the help of civic tech.
In June 2021, La Marque received ARPA funds to support recovery and development after the COVID-19 pandemic. Seizing the opportunity to involve citizens in fund allocation, the city launched an innovative project aimed at democratizing decision-making, focusing on empowering young and diverse populations.
La Marque used the online simulation tool Balancing Act to facilitate public participation in budgeting. Residents ranked various projects based on their priorities, educating them on the complexities of budgeting while ensuring their voices shaped the city’s planning.
The top-voted projects highlighted community concerns for essential infrastructure and public safety improvements. This direct feedback provided valuable insights into residents’ priorities, allowing for a more targeted allocation of resources. Subsequently, the La Marque city manager proposed that the majority of the ARPA funds be allocated in line with community preferences.
A La Marque resident shared:
“Ultimately, the ARPA funds were allocated in a way that truly reflected the needs and priorities of our community. By inviting residents to have a direct say in how these funds were spent, we maximized their positive impact. This process not only strengthened our democracy but also helped build a stronger, more resilient La Marque for generations to come.”
Seattle, Washington, has shown innovation by intentionally engaging populations historically left out of decision-making. The city’s Community Liaison (CL) program was created to improve outreach and services to underrepresented communities, including immigrants, refugees, people of color, seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. CLs are trusted community leaders who provide in-language outreach and facilitate meaningful, culturally relevant engagement with their communities. The 49 Community Liaisons, representing 25 languages and diverse cultural backgrounds, are paid independent contractors.
According to one Community Liaison working with fellow Somali residents:
“They (Somali residents) now can navigate more easily to city resources through me and other community liaisons. They are now valued citizens in the city and that gives them hope that they belong to Seattle.”
For Tribal Nations and urban Native communities historically excluded from critical decisions, the City of Seattle is making strides. In 2021, in response to advocacy from Native leaders, the city created and funded an Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) to advise on policies, budgets, and projects impacting Indigenous populations. And in 2023, Seattle held its first Tribal Nations Summit to address key issues like housing, natural resources, and public safety.
While the legacy of exclusion remains, Seattle is working to not only give Indigenous populations a seat at the table but to have them help create it.
Innovation is essential to tackling today’s civic challenges. Cities such as Lexington, La Marque, and Seattle show that reimagining civic engagement strengthens democracy and builds more inclusive, resilient communities.
Inclusion and Belonging: Essential Ingredients
Investing in youth and civic innovation is crucial, but if we fail to fully embrace and include all members of our communities, this grand experiment of democracy will fall short. This year’s All-America City Awards highlighted communities dedicated to fostering inclusion and belonging for all residents.
Watkinsville, Georgia, a town of fewer than 5,000, values knowing neighbors and embracing differences. When political and social tensions began to divide the town, a city councilman formed “Unity in the Community,” bringing together elected officials and African American leaders to organize food and COVID-19 vaccination drives and heal strained relationships after the summer of racial reckoning.
“Community leaders realized they had to find a bold courage… to meet head-on the spirit of hatred before it could take root in the community.” – The Rev. Joseph Nunnally, senior pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Watkinsville
At the height of the George Floyd protests, the city partnered with Bethel Baptist Church, a historic African American congregation, for an open dialogue with the police chief. This exchange gave the community a space to mourn Black lives lost and address injustices, embodying the values of reconciliation, peacefulness, and mutual respect.
As the Watkinsville AAC delegation shared, “We won’t always agree, but we need to be able to disagree agreeably.”
A key element of a strong democracy and vibrant civic life is pride of place—a shared identity that residents are proud to claim. In High Point, North Carolina, many residents struggled with this, feeling disconnected and lacking a sense of belonging.
Historical disinvestment and geographical fragmentation created a need for a unified narrative that could bridge divides and foster a sense of community. To address this need, a taskforce of key stakeholders spent over a year conducting extensive research and community engagement alongside CivicBrand. They held “activation events” across the city—engaging businesses, nonprofits, breweries, after-school programs, and co-working spaces. Additionally, they hosted over ten focus groups and captured community voices through podcasts and documentaries.
The result was a set of four brand pillars, serving as guiding principles for ensuring that all decisions reflect the city’s new, collective identity. As a result, residents now feel a stronger connection to High Point, with increased participation in civic life across diverse communities.
During High Point’s presentation, a young man named Doug, initially skeptical, offered this poetic reflection:
“They tell me a revolution has happened in the city. Planted in prayerful revelation. Written in prophecies manifested into substance of things once hoped for, evidenced by new beginnings of garden now planted by those who know our land well enough to simply listen. So, ask me again if I believe now in High Point’s all American mission. I’ll say. Welcome home.”
In High Point, long-time residents felt disconnected from civic life. In contrast, newcomers in Roanoke, Virginia, struggled to belong.
To support its immigrant and refugee population, Roanoke launched the Welcoming Roanoke Plan to tackle challenges like disconnection, language barriers, and limited job opportunities. Key initiatives included the Language Access Plan, offering on-demand interpretation and translation services to ensure equitable access to city resources.
The My City Academy empowered immigrants and refugees by teaching them about city services and fostering leadership skills for civic engagement.
“The My City Academy helped me feel like part of the city and not a foreigner.”
– Roanoke Newcomer at the 2024 AAC Event
Roanoke also organized cultural events, such as the Nowruz celebration, to build community and bridge cultural divides. Additionally, the city worked with Afghan residents to make recreational services more culturally inclusive.
These efforts earned Roanoke the Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, recognizing its commitment to inclusion and community-building.
If any city understands how to create a sense of belonging among a diverse population, it’s Edinburg, Texas.
“We know what you may have heard about the border area, immigration, the border wall controversy. But that is not who we are. We are a city of engagement, democracy, and inclusivity.” – Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr.
Since its population doubled after 2000, Edinburg has prioritized welcoming and integrating its new, diverse residents.
Through cross-sector partnerships and resident-led initiatives, Edinburg has developed a vibrant festival scene, becoming a regional hub for events like the Filipino Festival, Juneteenth Jubilee, Frida Fest – A Women’s Empowerment Festival, Edinburg UFO Festival and Conference, South Texas International Film Festival, and Los Muertos Bailan Festival, among others.
But for Kala Kasba, who emigrated from India, it’s about more than just fun.
“For me, these festivals are not just about entertainment, but about belonging. They’re about feeling seen, heard, and valued in a community that embraces every ethnic group, every tradition, and every story. In a world where division sometimes overshadows unity, Edinburg stands as a beacon of hope.”
When the pandemic brought the bustling festival scene to a halt, Edinburg adapted, hosting virtual festivals, concerts, and film events to maintain community connections and support its creative industries.
When communities commit to being intentionally inclusive, they create a culture of belonging and thrive not by avoiding differences, but by embracing them.
In times of widespread political rancor, policy stagnation, and continued injustice, it’s easy to become despondent, to throw one’s hands up and surrender to the incoming tide. But this year’s All-America Cities and communities across the country are offering an alternative ending. The choice is simple: come together, innovate, and act on the challenges of our time, and the grand experiment continues. Vilify, retreat into corners, and stagnate, and the foundation crumbles. The daunting yet powerful truth is that the choice is ours to make.
Rebecca Trout is the Director of the All-America City Award & DC Office at the National Civic League.
