NCoC: Discussions and Commentary

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Discussions and Commentary

NCoC engages in Research, Discussion and Solutions to real world issues. We apply this strategic approach in 6 primary civic focus areas, highlighted here.

NCoC believes addressing an issue occurs in three primary strategic phases: research, discussion, and solutions. The discussion phase is an important element in understanding challenges and animating research findings, as well as turning them into action plans and solutions in communities. This is why NCoC is committed to using our website as a platform for ongoing discussion and commentary about issues facing the civic sector.

Here, you will see a list of our featured discussions, broken down by focus area. Scroll over the title to see a brief description, and click to read the article and join the discussion.

For all featured discussions sorted by date, click here.

Civic Learning Discussions

Title	Date	Type
“Teaching America,” a Brookings Institution EventOn January 9, Brookings hosted a discussion of Teaching America: The Case for Civic Education. Contributing authors laid out their proposals for strengthening civic education in a discussion moderated ...	January 17, 2012	discussion
The Gardens of DemocracyAn interview with Eric Liu and Nick HanauerEric Liu is an author and speaker who served as a speechwriter and policy advisor to President Bill Clinton. Nick Hanauer is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Together, they have authored two books, ...	December 12, 2011	discussion
Are Our Schools Doing Their Part to Fulfill the Promise of the Constitution?A Civic Connector Commentary by Judge Frank DamrellThe “Civic Connector” is a daily online forum during the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship. The September 17 commentator is Judge Frank Damrell. Judge Damrell’s “Civic ...	September 17, 2011	discussion
Fiscal Literacy 101The Future of Economics EducationBeyond a cursory introduction to programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid in U.S. History, how many of us can say we cemented a basic understanding of our country’s economic policy from ...	June 16, 2011	discussion
Report finds significant decline in number of “Dropout Factories”A report by America’s Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises and Johns Hopkins University’s Everyone Graduates Center provides some of the first positive signs that America is making progress ...	November 30, 2010	publication
Closing the College Completion GapA Guide for Faith CommunitiesA degree beyond high school has become an essential element of opportunity in America and is a proven pathway out of poverty. However, the majority of our nation's young people, especially low-income ...	November 1, 2010	discussion
Target 2020: My Education. Our Future.by Decker Ngongang, Mobilize.orgMobilize.org believes the Millennial Generation should play an active role in the future of education in our country and that one of the single most important factors in reversing generational poverty ...	August 24, 2010	discussion
Education/Participation Gaps: A Case Studyby Abby Kiesa, CIRCLEEducational achievement has long been credited as the biggest predictor of whether or not a young person will be civically engaged. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement ...	February 23, 2010	discussion
An Inequitable Invitation to CitizenshipNon-College-Bound Youth and Civic EngagementThere has been considerable effort to engage college-bound students in public life, but much less attention has been paid to the 50% of youth that are not on the secondary education track. Philanthropy ...	December 8, 2009	publication
Paths to 21st Century Competencies Through Civic Education ClassroomsThere is an expectation that students will have mastered an essential skill set by the completion of their education. In an economy that is globally connected and rapidly changing, the required skills ...	December 1, 2009	publication

Corporate Citizenship Discussions

Title	Date	Type
Bringing Your Values to Work: Recent Data on Employee Engagement from CECPby Margaret Coady, CECPThe analysis of corporate giving trends make clear that companies continue to invest in programs that allow employees to bring their values to work. In light of CECP’s 2011 “Giving in Numbers” ...	December 6, 2011	discussion
When addressing public problems, is our goal always building consensus or finding common ground? Should it be?A Civic Connector Commentary by Bobbi SiltenThe “Civic Connector” is a daily online forum during the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship. The September 20 commentator is Bobbi Silten, Chief Foundation Officer of Gap Inc. and ...	September 20, 2011	discussion
Citizenship for the 21st Centuryby Stanley Litow, IBMThe ideals of citizenship and volunteerism were deeply embedded in America’s founding documents, and recent legislation, public initiatives, and corporate investment have given these values renewed ...	October 6, 2010	discussion
Is Corporate Philanthropy the same as stealing?In a Wall Street Journal opinion article, Philosopher Jamie Whyte equates corporate philanthropy to theft. He outlines the implications corporate philanthropy has on shareholders, who are not guaranteed ...	July 23, 2010	discussion
Corporate Citizenship Highlight: B CorporationsAs part of our discussion “The Case for Corporate Citizenship,” NCoC is highlighting some ways corporations are engaging employees, giving back to communities, and integrating civically responsible ...	July 8, 2010	discussion
Corporate Citizenship Highlight: PhilanthropyAs part of our discussion “The Case for Corporate Citizenship,” NCoC is highlighting some ways corporations are engaging employees, giving back to communities, and integrating civically responsible ...	June 30, 2010	discussion
Corporate Citizenship Highlight: Pro bono volunteering As part of our discussion “The Case for Corporate Citizenship,” NCoC is highlighting some ways corporations are engaging employees, giving back to communities, and integrating civically responsible ...	June 22, 2010	discussion
Corporate Citizenship Highlight: Employee Volunteer ProgramsAs part of our discussion “The Case for Corporate Citizenship,” NCoC is highlighting some ways corporations are engaging employees, giving back to communities, and integrating civically responsible ...	June 14, 2010	discussion
The Case for Corporate CitizenshipCorporate responsibility has become a key driver in securing stakeholder interest, consumer trust, and employee loyalty, and many corporations are stepping up accordingly to demonstrate their leadership ...	May 27, 2010	discussion

Online Engagement Discussions

Title	Date	Type
How Do We Ensure Information Validity?A Civic Connector Commentary by Jim NewtonThe “Civic Connector” is a daily online forum during the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship. The September 19 commentator is Jim Newton, Editor at Large of the Los Angeles Times. ...	September 19, 2011	discussion
What’s Trending in #Congress?New Report Shows Capitol Hill Uses Social Media ExtensivelyMost Members of Congress have thoroughly integrated social media into their communications operations, and are using new media tools to gauge public opinion, communicate with constituents, and reach new ...	August 2, 2011	discussion
Can Social Media Reinvigorate American Democracy?There is no question that the rise of social media has impacted the way that American and global citizens interact with one another. The rapid transfer of ideas and perspectives across geographical boundaries ...	July 13, 2011	event reflection
Citizen Superheroes: Is There an App for That?Technology plays an increased role in the way citizens respond to community emergencies and, in some cases, fight back against crime. With so many ways (and likely many more to come) to engage, it ...	February 22, 2011	discussion
’Tis The Season For Solicitationsby Karlo MarceloTechnology and online engagement provide easy access and low cost ways for nonprofits to solicit donations. Mobile apps, celebrity campaigns, and bell ringers have all tried to capitalize on technology ...	December 20, 2010	discussion
Is 2010 the new 1517?In a TEDxPotomac talk, Craig Newmark referenced the reformation of the church based on the work of Martin Luther and suggested this decentralization was occurring again, nearly 500 years later, based on ...	May 20, 2010	discussion
eCitizenship... LiterallyMan uses Twitter, flickr, blogs, video to share naturalization experienceDavid Chen took both eCitizenship and his naturalization ceremony to a new level when he used social media to share his experience of becoming a U.S. citizen. David used Twitter, flickr, personal ...	March 19, 2010	discussion
Social media aids in Haiti earthquake relief and responseFrom Twitter organizing to Google maps to text-to-give donations, the widespread use and application of social technology is altering and facilitating the modes through which Haitian earthquake relief ...	January 15, 2010	discussion
Social Innovation in Civic LifeA 2009 NCoC PanelThis panel at the 2009 National Conference on Citizenship explored the role of social innovation in civic life.	September 25, 2009	video
Social Media and A New Model of Civic Engagement by Nick TroianoWhile there remains a vibrant debate over whether social media is creating new activists or just enhancing the tools used by existing ones, it is clear there has been a fundamental change in the way citizens ...	July 7, 2009	discussion

Political Involvement Discussions

Title	Date	Type
Keynote Panel on Civility and Political Discourse66th Annual National Conference on CitizenshipThis panel was convened at the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship on September 22, 2011 in Pheonix, Arizona by NCoC and the Bipartisan Policy Center.	September 22, 2011	video
What’s Trending in #Congress?New Report Shows Capitol Hill Uses Social Media ExtensivelyMost Members of Congress have thoroughly integrated social media into their communications operations, and are using new media tools to gauge public opinion, communicate with constituents, and reach new ...	August 2, 2011	discussion
Can Social Media Reinvigorate American Democracy?There is no question that the rise of social media has impacted the way that American and global citizens interact with one another. The rapid transfer of ideas and perspectives across geographical boundaries ...	July 13, 2011	event reflection
Government: right-sized and in the right roleBy Karen Baker, California Secretary of Service and VolunteeringIn this guest post, Karen Baker explores the important role each sector can plan in tapping individual civic energy for social good in communities. “A multi-sector approach is based on the idea ...	May 17, 2011	expert commentary
Change Is Possible—Though Not Instantby Scott Beale, CEO, Atlas CorpsOn April 21, 2011, Atlas Corps, Civic Enterprises, and NCoC hosted a panel discussion entitled “The Road to Democracy: My Reflections on the Egyptian Revolution.” Three Egyptian women shared ...	April 26, 2011	discussion
The Necessity of Civilityby David B. SmithThe mission of our 65-year-old institution has always been to promote active citizenship, and we have often built atop that foundation to focus on specific strategies from time to time. In our current ...	December 29, 2010	discussion
A New Political Culture?by Karlo MarceloYesterday a new movement called No Labels was launched founded on the credo of “Not left. Not right. Forward”.� This movement is about changing the culture of American politics, through ...	December 14, 2010	discussion
Providing Authentic Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Local Governmentby Leon AndrewsWhat makes youth civic engagement “authentic?” How can cities move beyond token levels of youth participation in local decision-making toward efforts that truly prepare and empower youth to ...	September 1, 2010	discussion
Celebrating 90 Years of Women’s Suffrageby Elisabeth MacNamara, League of Women VotersAugust 26th is Women’s Equality Day and which signifies the 90th anniversary of the constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. As we approach what could be a pivotal 2010 election, ...	August 26, 2010	discussion
Serve America Act: One Year LaterIndividuals recognize Edward M. Kennedy legacyLast April, President Obama signed a large piece of federal legislation to support service and civic engagement initiatives, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The Act received truly bi-partisan ...	April 26, 2010	video

Social Capital Discussions

Title	Date	Type
Dear Shay, What It Means to Be an American...by Josh Fryday (Dad)A letter from father to one-year-old son regarding his rights and responsibilities as an American citizen.	January 13, 2012	op-ed
The Gardens of DemocracyAn interview with Eric Liu and Nick HanauerEric Liu is an author and speaker who served as a speechwriter and policy advisor to President Bill Clinton. Nick Hanauer is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Together, they have authored two books, ...	December 12, 2011	discussion
Gerda Weissman Klein: A true story of liberation and becoming American The transcript of a speech given by Holocaust survivor, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and Citizenship Counts founder Gerda Weissman Klein at the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship, ...	October 10, 2011	discussion
Power in the Spoken WordPropaganda, Hate Speech, and Civic EngagementIn a world where violence and sorrow often prevail, how do we create an environment where hate cannot flourish? This was a central question for discussion at a leadership summit titled “What You ...	August 8, 2011	discussion
Can the United States Remain United?Some have said that America’s dynamic is beginning to shift, as communities become more homogenized and the nation becomes more fragmented than ever before. This was a central point of discussion ...	June 23, 2011	event reflection
Capes + Masks + Tasers = Today’s Neighborhood Watch?The role of a “Citizen Superhero” in fighting crimeHollywood has long been obsessed with superheroes but now sometimes-caped crusaders are meeting us in real life to take on crime in communities. Have neighborhood watch participants evolved into Citizen ...	February 10, 2011	discussion
Giving thanks to communities on ThanksgivingThanksgiving is more than just turkey and football and holiday shopping. We think of today's holiday to be a family affair, first celebrate between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians. The ...	November 22, 2010	discussion
New Generation Of Veterans Gains Strength And Support From One AnotherLove for country, service and sacrifice are certainly at the heart of military service, and the 2010 Civic Health Assessment found that veterans are more likely to be involved in their community than ...	November 4, 2010	discussion
Closing the College Completion GapA Guide for Faith CommunitiesA degree beyond high school has become an essential element of opportunity in America and is a proven pathway out of poverty. However, the majority of our nation's young people, especially low-income ...	November 1, 2010	discussion
Is Journalism an Act of Service?Rick Stengel remarked in his NCoC speech last month in Washington, DC that “journalism itself is an actual act of service…In a democracy you need a robust exchange of ideas.” If ...	October 19, 2010	discussion

Giving and Volunteering Discussions

Title	Date	Type
Mandatory service for the unemployed? Discuss.A recent, hotly debated proposed law in Georgia would require out-of-work residents to perform at least 24 hours of community service with a nonprofit in order to receive unemployment benefits. Supporters ...	December 15, 2011	discussion
Heart of the NationAn interview with John BridgelandJohn Bridgeland is the CEO of Civic Enterprises and former Assistant to President George W. Bush, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Director of USA Freedom Corps. He chairs NCoC’s ...	November 14, 2011	discussion
When addressing public problems, is our goal always building consensus or finding common ground? Should it be?A Civic Connector Commentary by Bobbi SiltenThe “Civic Connector” is a daily online forum during the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship. The September 20 commentator is Bobbi Silten, Chief Foundation Officer of Gap Inc. and ...	September 20, 2011	discussion
’Tis The Season For Solicitationsby Karlo MarceloTechnology and online engagement provide easy access and low cost ways for nonprofits to solicit donations. Mobile apps, celebrity campaigns, and bell ringers have all tried to capitalize on technology ...	December 20, 2010	discussion
Giving thanks to communities on ThanksgivingThanksgiving is more than just turkey and football and holiday shopping. We think of today's holiday to be a family affair, first celebrate between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians. The ...	November 22, 2010	discussion
New Generation Of Veterans Gains Strength And Support From One AnotherLove for country, service and sacrifice are certainly at the heart of military service, and the 2010 Civic Health Assessment found that veterans are more likely to be involved in their community than ...	November 4, 2010	discussion
Is Journalism an Act of Service?Rick Stengel remarked in his NCoC speech last month in Washington, DC that “journalism itself is an actual act of service…In a democracy you need a robust exchange of ideas.” If ...	October 19, 2010	discussion
Citizenship for the 21st Centuryby Stanley Litow, IBMThe ideals of citizenship and volunteerism were deeply embedded in America’s founding documents, and recent legislation, public initiatives, and corporate investment have given these values renewed ...	October 6, 2010	discussion
Is Corporate Philanthropy the same as stealing?In a Wall Street Journal opinion article, Philosopher Jamie Whyte equates corporate philanthropy to theft. He outlines the implications corporate philanthropy has on shareholders, who are not guaranteed ...	July 23, 2010	discussion
Volunteering in America 2010CNCS study finds largest single-year service increase since 2003The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) released their annual Volunteering in America (VIA) survey; it indicates that while volunteerism rates have been affected negatively by the economic ...	June 15, 2010	discussion

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Should Americans Have to Earn Their Citizenship? @ericpliu asked at #NCoC (http://t.co/jrRkbUO2) & now in the Atlantic: http://t.co/IYBUCBmI 2 days ago reply

The awesome program, @CityYear, is hiring an Executive Director for its New York corps! http://t.co/8IfbJobm #jobs #service #nyc 3 days ago reply

Will Millennials Make a Difference in the Florida Primary? @PolicyMic | Jake Horowitz http://t.co/GdgIW6A2 4 days ago reply

Congrats to @StrongerDemocracy on hiring a new executive director, Peter Hardie: http://t.co/6VzkwHg6 4 days ago reply

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A Journey That CountsJanuary 24, 2012 America: Built to LastJanuary 24, 2012 Leading organizations release alarming new study on civic healthJanuary 17, 2012

Josh FrydayJanuary 13, 2012 The Hon. Peter G. PetersonJune 16, 2011 Scott BealeApril 26, 2011