FINDING HOPE AND LIGHT can feel elusive in dark times, but at The Civic Circle, our students tend to show the way. Young as they are, the students in our workshops (Grades 3-5) know there is war in the Middle East. As they explored the first “step to democracy” in the Civic Circle program this fall—respect and peaceful conflict resolution (Listen!)—students wrote a song called “Dandelion Seeds” with visiting teaching artist Nick Newlin about their longing for peace. Here is an excerpt:
Fighting in the East
What can we do?
I’m going to start by joining with my friends …
… If I start
With a little kindness
Love will spread
Like dandelion seeds
As we approach this year’s giving season, we invite you to join us in a campaign we’re calling The Civic Spark: Lighting the Future. Please mark your calendars for a very special gathering on Sunday, December 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to help The Civic Circle grow the next generation of peacemakers and civic problem solvers.
We extend thanks to our Co-Hosts Jeffrey Slavin and Margo Reid, and to our special guest, Michele Waxman Johnson, who serves in Governor Wes Moore’s administration as Executive Director of the Maryland 250 Commission, which is leading our state’s 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding (the Semiquincencennial!) We’ll also have singing, refreshments, and creative activities, and we thank Arts on the Block for inviting us to gather in their beautiful headquarters at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring. Mark your calendars, and reserve your spot today by contacting [email protected]!
OUR CIVIC SPARK CAMPAIGN also includes a Civic Circle “Dine Out Tuesday” dinner at All Set Restaurant & Bar in downtown Silver Spring, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 5, any time between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Join civic friends for a fun night out! A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Civic Circle. Reserve your table HERE or by clicking the QR code below. (And don’t forget mention “The Civic Circle” to your server.)
ALTERNATIVE GIFTS ALSO LIGHT the Civic Spark when you join us for the Takoma Park Alternative Gift Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Alternative Gifts of Greater Washington, the fair allows you to give a meaningful holiday gift in the recipient's honor to The Civic Circle. Please mark your calendars so you can join us for this heartwarming community event. (Below is a photo from last year's fair.)
THE SPARK THAT KICKS IT ALL OFF is GivingTuesday, which this year takes place on Tuesday, November 28 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.) On GivingTuesday, and throughout our Civic Spark campaign, we’ll be raising funds to help underwrite our AmeriCorps team member, and help ensure that our programs continue to thrive. If you would like to help empower the next generation to understand and participate in democracy, and lift youth voices through the arts, please click HERE.
