Discussions and Commentary

NCoC engages in Research, Discussion and Solutions to real world issues. We apply this strategic approach in 6 primary civic focus areas, highlighted here.
NCoC believes addressing an issue occurs in three primary strategic phases: research, discussion, and solutions. The discussion phase is an important element in understanding challenges and animating research findings, as well as turning them into action plans and solutions in communities. This is why NCoC is committed to using our website as a platform for ongoing discussion and commentary about issues facing the civic sector.

Here, you will see a list of our featured discussions, broken down by focus area. Scroll over the title to see a brief description, and click to read the article and join the discussion.

For all featured discussions sorted by date, click here.

Ongoing Discussion Series are also generated on the following topics:
The Meaning of American
Can Engagement Strengthen the Economy?
Public Policy Chat

Discussions by issue area are here:
Title Date Type
Paul Loeb Explores the Soul of a CitizenWith over 135,000 copies in print, Paul Loeb’s Soul of a Citizen has become a classic handbook for budding social activists, veteran organizers, and anyone who wants to make a difference—large ... May 7, 2012
Fearless Founders Inspire Fearless CitizensWhen we look at the history of our great country, seven key political leaders and statesmen stick out as exceptional leaders in their time. These Founding Fathers took action and fought for their ideals, ... July 3, 2012
The Civic Acceleratorby Sara Johnson, Village Capital Program AssociateThis fall, Village Capital in partnership with Points of Light will launch the Civic Accelerator. This twelve-week program is an opportunity for nonprofit and for-profit ventures focused on civic engagement ... August 9, 2012
Civic Literacy - A Critical 21st Century SkillGuest post by Barbara Stein, Partnership for 21st Century SkillsThe morning of the 67th Annual Conference, NCoC offered guests the opportunity to network and participate in small group discussions with leaders in the field of civic engagement. This post by Barbara ... October 19, 2012
The Role of Citizen Does Not End With Your VoteLate last night President Obama took the stage in Chicago. To great applause he delivered his victory speech and with it an important message: it may be November 7th, but our civic duty is not over. November 7, 2012
CECP Releases Giving in Numbers: 2012 EditionCECP’s Director Margaret Coady answers our questions on their latest reportThe Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) is an international forum of business CEOs and chairpersons focused exclusively on corporate philanthropy. We interviewed CECP Director Margaret ... November 13, 2012
We are CitizensLast night, the President offered a powerful reminder of the values, privileges and rights that bind us together through our role as citizens. In his State of the Union Address, the President called upon ... February 13, 2013
Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2012 By the NumbersAre Americans Bowling Alone?Group participation is a central component of community involvement and broader civic health. Volunteering and Civic Life in America, presented in partnership between NCoC and the Corporation for National ... February 26, 2013
Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2012 By the NumbersHigh levels of neighbor engagement means strong communities. How often do we talk with one another, help each other out, and how much do we trust the people in our communities? Our latest data shows there’s ... March 14, 2013
Get Ready for Global Youth Service Day, April 26-28A guest blog from YSA (Youth Service America)Global Youth Service Day celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities each day of the year through service. Read more about GYSD and how you can get involved here. March 25, 2013
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