State Humanities Councils

Since 1998, the Project on Civic Reflection has been a key partner for state humanities councils who are developing programs of humanities-based reading and discussion on civic issues. This collaboration is a natural one, as civic reflection uses the rich textual resources and distinctive interpretive practices of the humanities to help citizens think and talk together. We build the capacity of councils to offer these discussions through a combined strategy of facilitator training and coaching, program development, and evaluation and outreach.

How We Help

• Train scholar-facilitators to lead humanities-based discussions
• Create humanities resources for council programs, including collections of readings and discussion questions (such as The Civically Engaged Reader and Hearing the Call across Traditions)
• Lead model discussions for council boards, staffs, and publics with expert facilitators
• Consult on program development and coach facilitators
• Promote council programs through this website and our e-newsletter
• Evaluate reflection programs and assist with data collection and case-making
• Connect state councils with civic engagement networks to forge new partnerships

Notable Programs and Major Initiatives

We have worked closely with state humanities councils on the following programs and initiatives:

• The Meaning of Service, Illinois Humanities Council
• Making a Difference, California Council for the Humanities
• Community Conversations on the U.S. Military Buildup in Guam, Guam Humanities Council
• Shifting Ground: Religion & Civic Life in America, New Hampshire Humanities Council
• Fences and Neighbors, New Hampshire Humanities Council
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Remembrance and Reconciliation, Maryland Humanities Council
• Reflect: Community Readings and Conversations, Humanities Montana
• Thoughtful Giving, Maine Humanities Council
• The Art of Association, Federation of State Humanities Councils

Our facilitation workshops, model conversations, and program consultation have won high praise from partnering councils. As one council staffer put it, "Civic reflection provides a unique and rich educational experience. It's the humanities put into practice in the best possible way."

Contact us for a full list of trainings, discussions, and collaborations, and for more information on how we can support your state humanities council's important work.