NYC Civic Engagement Commission的动态

The Patman Center asked The LBJ School of Public Affairs alum and State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston) about civic leadership. Read his responses below. What motivates you to stay engaged in civic life? I'm a public policy geek at heart. But at a more personal level, I'm someone who is the happiest when I'm protecting others. I represent one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Most of my residents are immigrants and most have little political power or representation in government. I wanted to make sure that my community got the representation they needed and deserved. In recent years, the attacks on the Asian American and on the immigrant community as a whole have only continued to escalate in frequency and severity. What keeps me motivated to stay engaged in civic life is the ongoing and continuously increasing need to represent and to defend all communities, as well as the more than two million AAPI Texans who call our state their home. How can people pursue civic leadership in their everyday lives? The number one thing people can do is to learn about issues and speak up about things you care about. You should not assume that your concerns are the same as everyone else's and that you don't need to say anything. If there is an issue affecting your life, make that issue known and advocate for yourself and for others. For the sake of our democracy, get engaged, speak up, and demand change.

It has been a privilege to collaborate with The Aspen Institute and Citizen University for the release of the Academy’s newest report, “Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture." Rooted in the Our Common Purpose Working Group on Civic Culture, the report brings forward new strategies for addressing civic disengagement and fractionalization at a time when our shared values and sense of civic responsibility are more needed than ever. ? Give the full report a read and share with folks who might find these strategies helpful: https://lnkd.in/eHVHBrQU

"Civic Culture is the the sum of the countless choices millions of Americans make every day as we navigate how to live together. Civic Culture shapes how we treat one another, whether we care for our community, how we show up to solve common problems, and whether we are able to disagree without hating each other." So proud to have been a part of the team (alongside Eric Liu, Betsy Super, Caroline Jany, Natalie J. Valentine, Désirée Jones-Smith, Eunice Lin Nichols, and many many more) that helped bring to life "Habits of Heart & Mind"–a report on the what, why, and how of civic culture. If you work or serve in any facet of civic life, this report is for you.

In today's political climate, it is easy to focus on what divides us, viewing the country through an "us versus them" lens. But every day, local leaders and ordinary citizens across the country are working to build a stronger civic culture and mutually supportive communities. Today, my team at the American Academy of Arts & Sciences released?"Habits of the Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture," a powerful new publication that reminds us America is united by people who believe in its ideals and who balance their self-interest with the well-being of their community and country. The report is a call to action - for each of us to find ways to drive healthy conversations with neighbors, embrace participation in civic life, and invest in what makes us a strong, diverse nation. Read the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/ekxibUBs

This event will be an important discussion. With so many pressing demands on governments and community groups, the tendency to focus on short-term solutions can trump the needed long-term responses that can impact generational poverty. Policy plays an important role to make sustainable change.

Together We Can Change History! Join me and some of the most influential Social Justice activists from across the great State of Michigan for a proactive discussion on banning Modern Day Slavery ( indentured servitude) together we have the power and capability to Make A Difference! I’m honored to announce that I’ve been chosen to moderate this influential and important panel discussion. We’re beyond excited to welcome our distinguished guest speakers, State Representative Stephanie A. Young, Hakim Nathaniel Crampton and State Representative Donavan McKinney! In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial 'outside agitator' idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.” In 2024 I say that the time has come to make sure that injustice no longer continues to repeat itself. #History #empoweringcommunities #policychange #policymakers #changethenarrative #equity #braintraining #growth

Take action to impact the things that matter to you and your community. Join us for this insightful webinar to learn about the key forms of civic engagement, the impact of civic engagement, and ways to be more civically involved in your community - no matter where you live! ??Register HERE: https://ambar.org/pp4u6lv4

Reflecting on this report celebrating the habits of heart and mind in healthy civic culture. They connect so well to the INSTITUTE FOR POLARITIES OF DEMOCRACY INC whose mission is to advance healthy, sustainable and just communities. I am studying for an advanced certification with the Polarities of Democracy Institute, learning about the ten values that are central to a democratic society: ??Freedom and Authority ??Justice and Due Process ??Diversity and Equality ??Human Rights and Communal Obligations ??Participation and Representation The ten values are framed in five pairs intentionally as they are polarities: interdependent pairs that are in ongoing tension with each other. Bill Benet, who developed the theory suggests that if we can learn to leverage all five of these polarities, then we will experience the promises of democracy. I am reminded of bell hooks who said, "Dominator culture has tried to keep us all afraid, to make us choose safety instead of risk, sameness instead of diversity. Moving through that fear, finding out what connects us, reveling in our differences; this is the process that brings us closer, that gives us a world of shared values, of meaningful community." – Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope, 2003 When I am faced with someone who I perceive as trying to take away my freedom, or the freedom of anyone else, I do not often respond with love. I more readily respond with closing off, armoring up and preparing for a fight. I strive to pause. Create space. And practice choosing love. And seek connection across differences. As bell hook said: "The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others." – Outlaw Culture: Resisting Representations, 1994

Dr. Moumita’s dedication to justice serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we stand together. In today’s society, where challenges often seem overwhelming, her commitment to advocating for the marginalized inspires us all to take action. Each one of us has the potential to contribute to a more just world, whether through raising awareness, supporting those in need, or simply being a voice for the voiceless. Let us remember that justice is not just a legal term; it’s a moral obligation. By following Dr. Moumita’s example, we can cultivate empathy and understanding in our communities. Every small step counts, and collectively, we can create a ripple effect that leads to meaningful change. Together, let’s strive for a society where fairness prevails, and everyone’s rights are respected and protected. As we move forward, let’s carry the torch of justice, inspired by the work of advocates like Dr. Moumita, and remind ourselves that our efforts, no matter how small, can lead to a brighter future for all.