Building Civic Muscle with Civity: How Intentional Relationships Transform Communities
- RESOURCES
- Jan 28, 2020
- 1 min read
Do you wonder how communities across the country can move beyond polarization and “us vs. them” dynamics - and build a culture where people of different backgrounds truly belong and work together?
In this powerful 60-minute webinar, Malka Ranjana Kopell and Palma Joy Strand of Civity explore how intentional relationship-building - what they call civity practice - can strengthen community resilience, rebuild trust, and deepen civic engagement.
Drawing from research-informed strategies and real-world examples, this session unpacks how everyday actions rooted in empathy, respect, and curiosity can help communities bridge divides and collaborate more effectively. Whether you're a community leader, organizer, educator, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation offers practical tools you can start using right away.
Watch to learn:
What “civity” means: A practical framework for engaging across differences with respect, empathy, and intention
Why relationships are civic assets: How trust-building strengthens communities and supports collective problem-solving
Actionable skills: Techniques like intentional relational listening to improve conversations and connection
How to engage across differences: Tools for navigating conversations around race, politics, class, and culture
Real-world impact: Stories from leaders using civity practice to foster inclusion and collaboration
This webinar is ideal for anyone interested in civic engagement, strategic communications, public relations, cultural change, ethical advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or philanthropy.
See the description directly on YouTube for the full list of references and resources on building civic muscle with Civity, including the megastudy on the Strengthening Democracy Challenge from Stanford University.
