Civic Engagement is about both process and results. It engages diverse constituencies in decision-making; promotes and sustains a platform for action and policy change; and advances social and economic equity.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation support for a Civic Engagement Learning Year provides practitioners with the opportunity to engage in a learning community and gain resources and tools needed to organize communities, build movements, and engage the public decision-making process to positively affect their neighborhoods, families, and lives.  

The foundation sponsored 42 grantee organizations from across the country to embark on a Learning Year to create new connections, build networks, and strengthen the field. The organizations involved in this effort include art-based projects like American for the Arts; educational university institutions like Stanford; community-based organizations like Center for Community Change, United Neighborhood Center of America, Everyday Democracy, and Youth Noise; and funders like 21st Century Foundation and Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement.

During the Civic Engagement Learning Year, participants formed learning groups to exchange information and gain insight about other groups.

The working groups explored a range of topics, including those focused on race and equity, power and community, communications and technology, and innovative and emerging practices in deliberative democracy.

PolicyLink will send updates on learnings and best practices that resulted from these working groups. Sign Up to stay informed.