The Benefits of Engaging in Civic Reflection

People report that the chance to talk with colleagues on a human level— free from a focus on deadlines and budgets, without an action plan or pledge card confronting them at the end—is both precious and enlightening. Participants say that they return to their civic activities with a renewed sense of purpose and community. They tell us that civic reflection has had a profound impact on their professional and personal lives.

Participants in civic reflection enjoy:

• Improved relationships with colleagues
• Fresh perspectives on their day to day work
• Heightened commitment to and understanding of civic engagement.

As one participant puts it, "We are better than we were before."

What Organizers and Facilitators Say

A humanities council used civic reflection to create a sense of connection among younger professionals in a large city with a history of racial and class conflict:

Ours is a politicized city; there are many barriers to creating a unity, understanding, openness and cooperation. Many participants reported that civic reflection discussions have allowed them to meet their neighbors and understand them better. For some, it has really broken down a sense of isolation in the city. I am very proud of this and happy that the council has gained a younger and appreciative new audience.

A regional grantmakers association used civic reflection to build community among members of its affinity groups:

Many of our participants spoke strongly about the sense of community they gained from civic reflection. They also mentioned how some of the thoughts and ideas from civic reflection carried over not only into their work, but into their entire lives as they kept their reflections in mind.

An urban community service organization with a diverse staff used civic reflection as a staff and board development tool:

Civic reflection affirmed the culture of our organization and strengthened our belief in our commonality. Despite our widely varying interpretations, our shared commitments manifested themselves throughout the process, and the depth of our conversations changed our perspectives permanently. We have applied what we learned to both our programs and our personal lives.

A group of mental health professionals in a small New England city used civic reflection to start a meaningful conversation about their vocation as a form of civic engagement:

This program was remarkable in the degree to which individuals were free to come together and discuss important questions without having to quantify their growth or justify their involvement. The lack of distracting bureaucratic requirements led participants to act as adult learners who took responsibility for their growth. In some ways, the program was minimalist in that it relied on a few salient elements: food, fellowship and texts. In other ways, it was expansive in that it allowed participants to shape the course and quality of the discussions. This balance was essential to its success.

What Participants Say

From a grantmaker:

The act of reflection in and with a community of peers is one of the most important acts that grantmakers can take to inform our work and worth, and yet it is the one responsibility that we fall short on many times.

From a member of a women's organization:

It was easy and relaxed, yet complex. It was inspiring and will continue to inspire my work.

From a member of a donors' organization:

I connected with colleagues I may not have otherwise had an opportunity to interact with in such a way. Civic reflection helps build professional social capital!

From an AmeriCorps member:

We all learned so much about ourselves and each other. There were tough questions, no easy answers, and tons of synergy. It gave me new meaning for a favorite quote: "Diversity: the art of thinking independently together."

From a teen in an urban theater program:

In the discussion you would think certain topics don't relate to you in any way, but by the end you get the sense that everything connects.

From a Rotarian:

It is the most valuable experience I've had in Rotary. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys genuine dialogue and critical thinking!

From a staff member of a social service organization:

We paused and took time to reflect, and because we did that, we are better than we were before.

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