Great resource; Teaching America, Case for Civic Education; David Feith/Rowman Littlefield/

Any Civics instruction and/or participation should focus on the involvement of many voices, differing opinions or similar opinions to ensure that a real majority is knowledgeable about the issues, even if one's opinion differs from your own. Civics and civil discussion/participation must be modeled in school settings and other venues. Too many of our media outlets are not objective sources of information, as journalism was initially designed. We must empower students, as well as community members across America, if our democracy is to thrive and survive!

Brian Fujito is right about the power of storytelling -- especially to lift up new possibilities and change perceptions about the capacity of the public to be part of the solution. Here's an example of people with less education and lower incomes encouraging their peers to volunteer. One shared: "If I could volunteer 24/7, I would. You find out who you are when you give." http://www.youtube.com/user/commonknowledgegroup

Civic commitment, social entreprenurship, etc rests on the intensity of the human experience that results from a emotional connection between citizens. It prompts us all to reflect on place, need, and potentional solution in society. Without emotional connection, without empathy, real change will not happen. Instead you have charity.