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Democracy Only Works When We Do

Less division, more action.

America needs a stronger civic culture, and we're working to build it. Join the movement – no matter how much you know or where you stand on the political spectrum.

Civic Genius is proud to be a program of the National Civic League.

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It's Your America

Learn. Collaborate. Act.

Working together across differences to create solutions for your community? Totally possible. Extremely fun.

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Woman at kitchen table watching a Civic Genius online event on her laptop.

Learn

Does it ever seem like the system is built for insiders? We know the feeling. That's why we're creating everything you need to understand the issues and make an impact. Our tools are for people who want to be involved and need to know where to start.

Citizen Panel event participants with a member of Congress

Connect

You've seen those town halls where everyone yells and no one listens? We don't do those. Our events give you a chance to have real conversations with elected officials, experts, and people just like you who want to get things done.

Citizen Panel participants talking about nuances in policymaking

Unite

Conventional wisdom says Americans are hopelessly polarized, but we know that's not true – Republicans, Democrats, and independents have plenty of common ground. If you care more about solutions than politics, this is the place for you.

Democracy is still upon its trial. The civic genius of the people is its only bulwark.
William James

Events

Apr

Chicago Financial Future Town Hall

April 11, 2026 This in-person deliberative town hall invites Chicago residents into a thoughtful, small-group conversation about the city’s financial future. Participants will learn about…

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Featured Post

Learning to Overcome Conflict: Global Insights from Political Adversaries

April 2, 2025

At a time of intense political and social polarization, many of us are struggling to figure out how to live and work together. Because the challenge feels uniquely difficult, the answers feel uniquely distant. The reality, though, is that people around the world and throughout history have faced similarly polarized realities, and some have managed to muscle through and create something better on the other side. Last month, Civic Genius spent two weeks with two exceptional South African leaders who... Read More

When Conversations Turn Extreme

We love a strong opinion. Bold ideas take us forward, solve problems, and challenge us to make our country work for everyone. Even views that might strike us as extreme can move the ball in a positive way. But extremism can also lead us in the opposite direction, and getting back on track isn’t easy. That’s why we’re excited to release a handy guide for navigating conversations that turn extreme. There’s no quick fix, but if you’re willing to put in the time, you can nudge these conversations somewhere productive.

The Common Ground of the American People: Highlights

Can Republicans and Democrats agree on anything? Absolutely. We joined our partners at Voice of the People to unveil nearly 150 policy ideas that get broad support.

Childcare During Covid: Parents Speak

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed millions of Americans out of work. Many dropped out of the workforce when their jobs evaporated. But for others, another force was at play: the childcare crisis.

Citizen Panel Event w/ Rep. Raskin (MD-8)

In a unique survey, people agreed on ways to deal with gerrymandering, curb the influence of money in politics, and make elections better represent the will of voters.

Reopening Public Spaces: Is It a Partisan Issue?

We spoke with a Columbia University researcher who is documenting the experiences of New Yorkers to understand the pandemic and help us fight the next public health crisis.

Citizen Panel Event w/ Rep. Malinowski (NJ-7)

In a unique survey, majorities of Republicans and Democrats agreed on government reform, campaign financing, lobbying reform and more.

Citizen Panel Event w/ Rep. Morelle (NY-25)

In a unique survey, majorities of Republicans and Democrats agreed on whether to offer undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship, what to do about the status of “Dreamers,” and more.

Citizen Panel Event w/ Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1)

In a unique survey, majorities of Republicans and Democrats agreed on government reform, campaign financing, lobbying reform and more.

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Democracy only works when we do – so let’s get started. Sign up to get tools, news, and invitations to special events that will help us all build a stronger future.