About the Civic Collaboratory

The National Civic Collaboratory started in 2011 and is a mutual aid society composed of civic catalysts (like you!) who are leading with original, dynamic approaches in their work. The National Civic Collaboratory is a place to build relationships, cultivate collaborations and to get inspired by the work happening all across the country.  

At our meetings held in cities around the US, innovators share cutting-edge projects and form norms of collaboration as they support one another in their work. The heart of this model of gathering is the Rotating Credit Club. At each Collaboratory convening, a few members take turns presenting projects, major initiatives, or challenges they are working on. The group then provides not feedback or critique, but specific and firm commitments of help. These acts of mutuality and reciprocity create a compounding effect of trust and collaboration.

Members of our high school Youth Collaboratory join us for much of the convening, providing an opportunity for intergenerational learning and collaboration.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

At Citizen University, our mission is to build a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship across the country, which we do by convening and supporting networks of civic catalysts. One of our core tenets is that power + character = citizenship. The format of the National Civic Collaboratory, particularly the practice of mutual aid, is a prime example of power + character in action. This platform provides an opportunity to help shift the current paradigm of individual achievement towards collaboration and shared success, while connecting hundreds of innovative leaders from across the nation. United, not necessarily by thought, but by a shared set of values that include responsibility, trust, and purpose. 

Citizen University is a national civic organization working to build a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship across the country. 

We envision a great civic revival across our nation — our dream is a country in which Americans are steeped in a sense of civic character, educated in the tools of civic power, and are problem solving contributors in a self-governing community. Our work is to spread the belief that a strong democracy depends on strong citizens, that we all have the power to make change happen in civic life and the responsibility to try. Founded in 2012 by Eric Liu and Jená Cane, we are a recognized leader and innovator in the field of civic engagement, working at the intersection of the public, private, and independent sectors, to democratize the practice of civic power.

Our programs work to build a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship across the country using our framework of power + character = citizenship. We design programs and projects that teach civic power and civic character. We then activate and teach civic catalysts to spark the spirit of democratic renewal where they live, equipping them with the skills and resources to bring these programs back to their communities.