The Governance Stress Test: 007 🌿🏛️

Today’s Stress Test:
Does the system enhance collective engagement through active participation mechanisms?

“Social capital is strengthened when individuals actively engage in civic activities.”
—Robert Putnam

“Participation is at the heart of democratic processes and community building.”
—Mary Parker Follett

“Participation without redistribution of power is an empty and frustrating process for the powerless.”
—Sherry Arnstein

There’s a MASSIVE difference between actively helping steer the ship and merely being allowed to comment on the itinerary. Many systems claim to want Engagement (local town hall, corporate all-hands, community forum, etc.) but…honestly they just suck at it.

QUESTION FOR YOU:
When systems fail to get people to actively participate, what is usually the biggest roadblock?

👇 Vote below or reply with a story.

#GovStressTest #CivicEngagement #CommunityBuilding #SystemsThinking #CivicTech

Want to raise your voice? We’ll show you ways to get past the gatekeeping.

Join our free training about government public meetings and how you can watch, understand, and speak up about the issues that matter to you. The next training is Wednesday, April 8, 12:00–12:30pm PT.

Register at https://luma.com/jeo6t6fi?utm_source=lwvsf-social

#SFpol #SanFrancisco #SFBayArea #CivicEngagement

Under certain conditions, communities don’t just participate in change — they generate it.

But that raises a harder question:

What are those conditions?

Because “co-owning solutions” sounds simple.
In reality, it depends on trust, time, and resources many places don’t have.

Maybe the real divide isn’t people.
It’s systems that make collective action possible…or quietly block it.

https://associationredefine.substack.com/p/casa-do-impacto-where-change-has?r=6l8ed8

#Democracy #SocialInnovation #CollectiveAction #Community #CivicEngagement #PublicGood

In online discussions about current events, we're seeing lots of references to the history-making 2017 US Women's March -- and we have a documentary about that!

Resisterhood is a joyfilm film that follows 6 Americans from different walks of life who all participate in the 2017 Women's March. The film explores the many different ways they get involved in their communities and the different forms that civic participation can take.

If you want to put current events into recent historical perspective in your classroom, inspire civic engagement, or just educate yourself, our Resisterhood Learning Guide is designed to help you do exactly that!

The 56-minute educational cut is available to watch for free on Vimeo.

Check out the trailer to see why we love this inspiring film and get your free Learning Guide at the link

https://journeysinfilm.org/film/resisterhood/

@histodons

#WomensMarch #Protest #Activism #CurrentEvents #Movies #NoKings #Education #Homeschooling #Documentary #CivicEngagement #Democracy

City of Raleigh Government Event Guide: Tuesday, March 31st Edition

Stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in your city. The DoRaleigh City of Raleigh Government Event Guide for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 features key public meetings, advisory board discussions, and community conversations. Whether you’re interested in public transportation, art initiatives, or public safety and technology, there are multiple ways to get involved.

🏛️ City of Raleigh Government Meetings & Events

🚍 Raleigh Transit Authority Route Committee Meeting

🕚 Time: 11:00 AM

📍 Category: Boards and Commissions

Join the Raleigh Transit Authority Route Committee as they discuss updates and planning around public transportation routes across the city. This meeting is a great opportunity to stay informed on transit developments impacting Raleigh residents.

🎨 Public Art and Design Board Meeting

🕔 Time: 5:00 PM

📍 Category: Boards and Commissions

💻 Location: Virtual

The Public Art and Design Board will meet to discuss ongoing and upcoming public art projects that shape Raleigh’s cultural identity. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend virtually and stay connected to the city’s creative initiatives.

👉 Access the virtual meeting via the official City of Raleigh website.

👮 Community Conversation with Raleigh Police Advisory Board: RPD & Technology Use

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Category: Boards and Commissions / Community Workshops

This important community conversation will focus on how the Raleigh Police Department uses technology in public safety efforts. The session provides a platform for residents to ask questions, share feedback, and better understand evolving policing tools and policies.

👉 Registration required – secure your spot through the City of Raleigh portal.

📌 Why You Should Attend

Engaging with local government meetings helps you:

Stay informed about decisions affecting your community Voice your opinions and concerns Connect with city leaders and fellow residents Play an active role in shaping Raleigh’s future

🔗 Stay Connected with DoRaleigh

For daily updates on local government meetings, events, and things to do in the Triangle, visit DoRaleigh.com and follow us on social media.

Post your community News, Events, and you can request placing a Paid ad on our Submissions Page.

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