Civic Life Today Magazine
Civic Life Today is a new digital magazine that will be comprised of nine issues. Each issue will take an in-depth look at an element on the Civic Circle, providing materials, ideas and inspiration for being civically engaged.
Our Current Issue: Listen & Learn
This issue of Civic Life Today examines the importance of listening and learning. This skill is critical; we consider it a super power that supports everything else in the Civic Circle. Listening and learning will help you truly understand root causes of issues you care about, take in multiple view points, and learn what’s already being done before you take action.
Get the Issue
Fill out these quick questions to view the current issue of Civic Life Today. In a week, we will also send you another short survey. Your responses will help us evaluate the value and impact of the magazine.
Past Issue: Voice
Using your voice is critical to advancing a cause you care about and it can happen in so many ways. From an intimate conversation over coffee to a very public protest, there are a spectrum of ways to use your voice. This issue of Civic Life Today examines this spectrum, shares first-hand accounts from contributors who are using their own voices to change conversations, and provides tools and resources for you to learn more and take action.
Get the Issue
Fill out these quick questions to view the current issue of Civic Life Today. In a week, we will also send you another short survey. Your responses will help us evaluate the value and impact of the magazine.
Past Issue: Purchase Power
This issue of Civic Life Today shares more information about what purchase power is, and how it’s been used in the past to successfully drive change. This could be shopping with small businesses that support social causes through their work. We share stories from experts and business owners, as well as tools you can use – resources, podcasts, books and even a personal action guide to help you create your plan.
Get the Issue
Fill out these quick questions to view the Purchase Power issue of Civic Life Today. In a week, we will also send you another short survey. Your responses will help us evaluate the value and impact of the magazine.
Living a Civic Life
As society changes, we are seeing an evolution in how people give back and get involved. People are activating and supporting issues in so many ways. Today’s engaged person may express their desire to do good through the purchases they make, how they vote, in what they share on social media, where and how they choose to work, and what nonprofit organization to support as a volunteer or donor. Our Civic Circle represents all the ways someone can be engaged.
At Points of Light, we connect people with opportunities to be engaged and help them discover their potential to make a difference. We believe every action matters and that civic engagement is critical to advancing causes that improve society for everyone.
We believe a person who lives a civic life has a greater sense of social responsibility, healthier relationships and is more inclined to want a just and equitable society.
The Civic Circle
The Civic Circle helps individuals connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. It is a framework that represents your power to lead, lend support and take action for causes you care about and to lead a civic life. Below, we define each bubble of the Civic Circle and will develop an issue to explore each of these areas.
Donate
This is your ability to contribute money, services or goods to support the welfare of others or to advance a social cause you care about.
Purchase Power
You can make decisions that reflect your values or advance a social cause or issue by choosing where you do and don’t spend your money.
Voice
You can use your voice to influence your family, friends, and others, to raise awareness for an issue you care about.
Work
You may decide to make choices about your employment based on the organization’s values and the purpose. In many cases, you may also use your workplace as a platform to advance social issues.
Volunteer
You may choose to give your time and talents inside and outside of your home to help your community or a cause you care about.
Vote
In democratic societies, voting is your opportunity to participate in the democratic process for national and local elections, supporting causes and candidates aligned with your positions.
Listen & Learn
We need to stay informed, think critically and educate ourselves before acting. The more informed you are, the better decisions you can make about how to best serve your community.
Service
You may commit your time, energy, & talent to public, national or military service.
Social Entrepreneurship
You may identify a need that has not been met by traditional institutions, structures and systems, and be able to lead creative and innovative solutions that drive change.