FAQs

We want all of our members to authentically engage in the Civic Collaboratory. There are many ways to actively participate in the Collaboratory experience to forge relationships and collaborations. You could…

• Share a personal story to build connection with a fellow member.

• Invite someone who has been quietly observing to share their thoughts on the conversation.

• Make meaning of what you’re hearing with those in your small group. 

• Give a Quick Pitch! This is a chance to share an announcement with the group. It could be an event, a call for partners, an open position you’re hiring for, etc. 

• Make a commitment of support to a member presenting a Rotating Credit Club project and help move their work forward. 

• "Go through the Airtable to learn about fellow attendees." We'll provide short profiles of all participants in advance so you can get a sense of who will be at that particular gathering.

• "Try to arrive early and take advantage of all the opportunities to meet people and participate in any available tours or field trips." Host partners or fellow Collaboratory members will sometimes offer a special opportunity for members to take part in. This has included a tour of the US Capitol, the KAL Flight 007 Experience at the Reagan Library, among others! 

• "Don’t sweat it! Everyone is very friendly and approachable so just start a conversation."

The Civic Collaboratory is a business casual space, with people often adding a little more flair for Thursday’s Welcome Reception and Dinner. 

You really only need yourself! But many members will bring something (a notebook, a digital notepad) to Friday’s meeting to capture ideas and information. We’ll share everyone’s emails in the post-gathering communication, but you’re welcome to bring business cards if you’d like.

A slice of our 200+ Collaboratory membership attends any given gathering, so there will be brand new members, people who’ve been members for a few years, and longstanding members all joining us. Additionally, students in our high school Youth Collaboratory program meet alongside us and engage as full participants at National Civic Collaboratory meetings. Plus you’ll always see a few guests joining for a one-time engagement. 

The Cambria Hotel is a 8 minute walk to the venue. For those wanting to walk to the venue together, we will gather together in the lobby. A schedule is provided in the Get Ready to Gather pre-Collaboratory email and Collaboratory agenda. 

Members coordinate their own transportation to and from the airport. 

The Rotating Credit Club is a core Collaboratory activity! It is an opportunity to work in collaborative and networked ways to advance the civic and democracy field. Each time we gather, a few members present a project or initiative that will catalyze civic participation and a healthy democracy. They step into the vulnerability of asking for help from the Collaboratory community. Members respond to these asks for help by making commitments of support - from offers to pilot new curriculum to connections to funders. Circulating resources in this way has bolstered many civic initiatives over the years!

See the RCC in action here!