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A community-based app and social campaign. We help changemakers grow into civic leaders. We help change makers grow into civic leaders.

08/13/2026

Life is a team sport. We get through challenges and build great things together.

As we head into a busy fall, we're reminded that building the world we want to see takes all of us. Charles, a volunteer who attended our Shaw info session last year, shared some of that wisdom with us.

Excited for what's ahead here at DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative and our work with the Civic Dialogue Friendlies.

08/04/2026

Can we find common ground?

Three-time Trump voter Dave shares his experience participating in our Civic Dialogue conversations, where he has had the opportunity to speak with liberals about his views as a conservative, explain the reasoning behind his beliefs, and listen to perspectives different from his own.

If you have something you’d like to say to people on the other side of the aisle, click the link below and join the conversation.

The Civic Dialogue Project is bringing together people with different perspectives for guided conversations focused on listening, understanding, and human connection. Join a free online info session to learn how it works, ask questions, and decide if it feels right for you.

Want to learn more: https://civicleadershipproject.org/civic-dialogue-friendlies

07/24/2026

Happy International Self-Care Day! ❤️

If you’ve been following us, you know how much we encourage self-care. Today, we wanted to reshare some of the self-care practices we’ve talked about in the past.

One of our favorite images is Alfie wearing an oxygen mask because it reminds us of an important lesson. When life becomes difficult, it’s easy to take pride in pushing through without slowing down. But just like on an airplane, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help anyone else.

The same is true with self-care. If we neglect ourselves for too long, we won’t be able to show up as the best version of ourselves for the people around us.

So today, take a few minutes to do something that helps you recharge. Journal, exercise, spend time with friends, read a book, or simply take a moment to slow down. Whatever it is, invest in yourself so you can continue showing up for others.

Happy International Self-Care Day!

07/18/2026

Am I good enough? Will I actually be helping? How will I connect with someone so different from me?

These are all NORMAL questions we have when starting a volunteer role.

But as Liz Anderson shares, being open minded truly goes a long way. Don't let fear get in the way of building beautiful relationships in the community!

Liz is the Director of Great Streets & Retail at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development. Over her career, she’s volunteered with local organizations as an AmeriCorps member, a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), and in her faith community. We hope her story inspires you to try something new (and maybe even intimidating) that could help your community.

07/04/2026

One of the best parts of the 4th of July is how communities come together to celebrate with block parties, BBQs, fireworks, and more! This 4th of July, we will be thinking about service and how we can build a better community and world by working with our neighbors.

We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July with your family and friends! 🥳

06/18/2026

What we need more of.

Last Friday, I joined Pastor Delonte and Just Peace Ministries for their first Peace Walk of 2026.

The Just Peace Ministries Peace Walks are “a citywide network of faith communities, grassroots organizations, and civic agencies that work together to prevent gun violence through weekly community walks. These gatherings address the emotional, spiritual, and material needs of neighborhoods impacted by both community and police violence.”

What stood out to me most was how genuine the experience was. Neighbors were greeting one another, and everyone approached each other with genuine curiosity and appreciation.

It was especially meaningful to hear so many people tell us how grateful they were for something like this. Just a reminder that CONSTANT EFFORTS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

So get out and try to do something positive in your neighborhood today, because we can all play a part in building communities that work for everyone.

06/15/2026

As Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) points out in this clip, disagreement is not the problem. In fact, it’s a healthy and necessary part of a functioning society. The challenge is learning how to engage with one another respectfully, even when we see things differently.

America faces serious challenges, but a better future is possible. No matter our politics, we share a responsibility to build communities where people can work together, learn from one another, and seek the truth. That’s how we move forward.

Our Civic Dialogue Friendlies are bringing people with different perspectives together for a series of four one-on-one online conversations focused on getting to know one another as people and then discussing the issues that are important to us. Click the link in our bio to join a free online info session or talk to one of our team to learn how it works and decide if it feels right for you.

06/09/2026

What if disagreement made you closer instead of driving you apart? Professors West and George have been doing this for years: fighting hard over ideas, then going to dinner! Disagree Better shows us it's possible.

We hope to make more relationships like these possible through our civic dialogue project. We’re bringing together people of different political beliefs for a series of 1-on-1 conversations on Zoom.

The goal is not to convert one another, but to see one another as humans and better understand where our beliefs come from. Our ability to work together to better our communities and the world starts with seeing one another as humans, neighbors, and friends – not enemies. DM us to learn more.

06/03/2026

When was the last time you truly felt heard? Mónica Guzmán, host of the podcast A Braver Way (Braver Angels) shows us how to discuss divisive topics while making sure the other person feels heard.

You can develop these skills with us by joining our Civic Dialogue Project. In a supportive environment, one-on-one or in small groups, we'll bring together people of different beliefs to get to know one another as people, neighbors, friends. Then we’ll tackle important policy issues together, seeking to build mutual understanding, respect, and trust. DM us to learn more!

06/02/2026

Getting through hard times takes all of us working together. It's something our country has done before, and something we can do again. Anyone can make a difference and join in.

Tom, our executive director, shares how he saw this spirit in his parents, who both served in WWII. His father served in the Pacific and his mother joined the Women’s Army Corps and was sent to England, France, and Germany.

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