The nation’s democracy crisis seemed to reach its nadir Wednesday, as riotous mobs took over the Capitol in a horrific attack that ended with five people dead. Yet as with so many of the crises our nation has faced in recent months–the pandemic, the racial justice reckoning–a seed of hope was hidden in the wreckage. After the Capitol was finally cleared, lawmakers resumed deliberation with bipartisan calls for unity and condemnations of violence. For Civic Circle students,…
The year 2020 brought many challenges to our community, our nation and our world, but a bright spot for The Civic Circle came the week of July 4th. That’s when Congressman Jamie Raskin interviewed Eliza Newlin Carney, The Civic Circle’s founder and president, for his “Local Heroes” series. Here’s how Congressman Raskin summed it up in a recent blog post: Episode 14: Eliza Newlin Carney Star-spangled journalist and songwriter Eliza Newlin Carney, President and Founder…
What is a civic holiday? Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas or Kwanzaa, chances are your holiday traditions are rooted in universal values like generosity, community, resilience, forgiveness, love and hope. Throughout 2020, we have had many opportunities to reflect on how our simplest actions, such as mask wearing or standing apart, might affect others. We have been made keenly aware of the suffering and need both laid bare and intensified by this pandemic. We…
For The Civic Circle, 2020 has been one long lesson in civics, as well as in resilience, truth-telling, connection, and the power of community. The pandemic has raised questions that go to the heart of our civic rights and responsibilities. Americans are asking: how can we exercise our personal freedoms while advancing the common good? This question is central to the civic songs and lessons that The Civic Circle shares with youth. This year’s racial equity reckoning…
Thanks to the many generous donors who made The Civic Circle’s GivingTuesday campaign a success. We exceeded our $2,000 target, raising just over $2,400 in contributions via both Facebook and PayPal. Special thanks goes to the Civic Circle board, which stepped up in a big way both with contributions, and with help sharing the campaign. If you wish that you could have participated, never fear! Our Facebook campaign, which is HERE, will remain “live” for…