Mission

The mission of the National Civic League is to advance inclusive civic engagement and promote innovations in democracy to make decision-making more participatory, equitable, and effective.

The National Civic League recognizes that democracy must evolve if it is going to survive. The design of our public institutions dates to the early 20th Century and doesn’t facilitate collaboration between officials and residents. We need forms of democracy to meet today’s expectations and challenges.

The National Civic League led this kind of transformation in democracy before, and we are positioned to do it again. Founded in 1894 by Teddy Roosevelt, Louis Brandeis, and Mary Munford, the Civic League championed the democracy innovations of the Progressive Era and helped institutionalize them into our systems of government.

Today, we are leading this democratic transformation in several ways:

• Researching and measuring participatory democracy innovations.

• Delivering innovative programs that assist communities and show impact.

• Tracking and convening organizations to strengthen democracy.

• Recognizing communities that leverage inclusive civic engagement to address local issues.

• Providing everyday opportunities for Americans to learn about and engage in deliberative democracy.

• Delivering thought leadership through research and publications.

Vision

The National Civic League envisions a nation with a healthy democracy, built on equitable, engaged, thriving communities.

Learn more about the National Civic League.