CivLead 1.1.13

CivLead: A Framework for Sustained Constructive Engagement Toward a Better Society

This initiative aims to educate and motivate individuals to uphold their commitment to social justice and the pursuit of societal improvement.

Inspired by the words of John Lewis, it encourages organizing one's life to "make good trouble," emphasizing resilience and hope. As Lewis articulated, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime."

The primary objective of CivLead is to foster the habit of engaging in daily activities that contribute to social change, including:

• Self-education
• Personal reflection and grounding
• Collaboration with others
• Daily actions in personal life
• Collective activism

Analogous to physical training, where alternating periods of activity and rest build strength and skill, cultivating civic engagement necessitates regular practices of learning, action, and reflection. This continuous effort aims to strengthen our moral capacities and civic skills essential for combating racism and fostering societal progress.

The Vision:

If a critical mass of individuals commits to ongoing education, skill-building, and collective effort, societal prospects will be significantly improved compared to current realities.

The specific number of participants required remains uncertain; nonetheless, the imperative direction is clear—that active engagement must be pursued.

How Can One Participate in CivLead?

Start by selecting one small or large activity within each category daily. Commit to completing these tasks, check them off once done, and optionally share your progress with friends or a dedicated group aligned with similar objectives.

Origins of CivLead:

CivLead is developed by the Civic Leadership Project (http://www.civicleadershipproject.org) and its DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative (http://dcTutorMentor.org). The DCTMI endeavors to place volunteer tutors or mentors with the 60,000 students in Washington, DC, experiencing reading challenges or other educational needs. The Civic Leadership Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, DC, committed to advancing civic and educational transformation. Addressing the pressing challenges faced by our communities and nation requires cultivating a robust civic culture through tangible projects and practices like DCTMI and CivLead—initiatives that foster cross-sectional collaboration and civic skill development aimed at societal betterment.

The Original Concept Behind the App:

CivLead originated as a free application inspired by Corinne Shutack's 2017 article, "75 Things that White People Can Do for Racial Justice."