Civic Journal

Minimal text graphic on a light background reading: “Looking for a way in.” A reflective image about civic participation, entry points, and engagement.

Who’s Missing From the Conversation?

What started as a week of practicing conversation turned into a different question:why aren’t more of us showing up to have these conversations at all?

Who’s Missing From the Conversation?

What started as a week of practicing conversation turned into a different question:why aren’t more of us showing up to have these conversations at all?

Staying Grounded When It’s Hard

If we want a healthier political culture, it won’t come from better ideas alone. It will come from how we show up with each other.

Staying Grounded When It’s Hard

If we want a healthier political culture, it won’t come from better ideas alone. It will come from how we show up with each other.

A seal for The American Experiment-250 Years-1776*2026

A Seal for the American Experiment @ 250 | Civi...

At 250 years, the American Experiment invites more than celebration—it invites reflection.

A Seal for the American Experiment @ 250 | Civi...

At 250 years, the American Experiment invites more than celebration—it invites reflection.

family wearing Civic Roots T-shirts

What Are We Teaching for Democracy?

I attended a civil dialogue event expecting to reflect on school vouchers. Instead, I left thinking about something bigger: what students are learning about democracy itself, and what happens when...

What Are We Teaching for Democracy?

I attended a civil dialogue event expecting to reflect on school vouchers. Instead, I left thinking about something bigger: what students are learning about democracy itself, and what happens when...

Children wearing “Educate to Participate” shirts, representing future voters learning through observation and civic experience

Valuing Future Voters

We talk a lot about saving democracy. About protecting it. Defending it. Preserving what has been built. But there’s a another question underneath all of that: Who are we preparing...

Valuing Future Voters

We talk a lot about saving democracy. About protecting it. Defending it. Preserving what has been built. But there’s a another question underneath all of that: Who are we preparing...

AE250 commemorative seal featuring a circular, minimal design symbolizing the American experiment in self-government at 250 years.

Liberty at 250: The American Experiment We Are ...

Also published on Substack 3/22/2026 In 1776, a group of colonists made a radical claim.They argued that legitimate government comes not from kings, bloodlines, or conquest—but from the consent of...

Liberty at 250: The American Experiment We Are ...

Also published on Substack 3/22/2026 In 1776, a group of colonists made a radical claim.They argued that legitimate government comes not from kings, bloodlines, or conquest—but from the consent of...