Our Mission

The Theory

Our work is based on the work of Robert Putnam and John McKnight: That healthy democratic communities grow out of high civic engagement, with a high focus on the gifts and strengths of the communities and its citizens. Our work is to create conversations among diverse groups that have the power to shift our stance in the areas of concern to civic life. This shift of high civic engagement eventually shifts the paradigm:

• Good government does not create civic engagement; rather, government is a reflection of the citizenry. For example, good elected officials and effective police are the result of a positive civil society.
• Health equity for all is not just the domain of health professionals, but ultimately comes from citizens taking responsibility for their own health and the health of others.
• Active citizens create a strong local economy.
• Parents, communities and active institutions create educational equity and student achievement. We do not need more and better teachers.
• The media does not create the public debate - they are a reflection of the conversation we have chosen to have. Our silence and passivity creates the space for the media to profit from the woundedness of community.
• More money and better leadership do not give us the community we desire. Our leaders and professionals in health care, government, education and business are doing what they can to help. The next step forward will come from more engaged citizens.

It is the citizen’s connection to each other that needs to shift.