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
Federal Reserve Governor Sarah Bloom Raskin Discusses the Importance of NCoC ResearchAt the 67th Annual National Conference on Citizenship, Federal Reserve Governor Sarah Bloom Raskin participated in a panel discussion exploring the link between civic engagement and employment. These are ... October 22, 2012 expert commentary
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 Invisible Dream: Creating a New Conversation about the American Dream and What It Takes to Achieve It Event Reflection by Alice MurphyThe Public Agenda and the GALEWiLL Center for Opportunity and Progress recently released new research documenting how the American citizenry regards the American Dream. Keep reading for highlights of the ... October 15, 2012 event reflection
The Parties Versus the PeopleAn Interview with Former Congressman Mickey EdwardsMickey Edwards served Oklahoma and America for 16 years in the United States Congress and currently directs the Rodel Fellowships at the Aspen Institute. He is the author of a new book, “The Parties ... August 14, 2012 discussion
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
A Lesson in Civic Health Sitting Down with Two Secretaries of StateAt the National Association of Secretaries of State Summer Conference 2012, Kristen Cambell, Chief Program Officer for NCoC, hosted a workshop about the role that Secretaries can play in being champions ... July 31, 2012 discussion
Join the Civic Data ChallengeNCoC launched the first-ever Civic Data Challenge to bring new eyes, new minds, new findings, and new skill sets to the field of civic health. The Challenge is part of our larger effort, in partnership ... July 17, 2012 civic health index
Giving USA 2012: Who Gave, How Much, and To Whom in 2011?Event Reflection by Ashby GainesOn Friday, June 29, the Hudson Institute released reports on charitable giving rates at their Giving USA event. Summer Associate Ashby Gaines offers her reflections. July 24, 2012 event reflection
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
Book Release: Citizenship: What Every American Needs to KnowWith a presidential election just four months away and growing concern over America’s civic knowledge deficit, Citizenship offers citizens the tools they need to take part in thoughtful civic ... June 29, 2012 discussion
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