A Note from the Executive Director
Thank you for the warm welcome to the Executive Director role here at The Civic Circle. I am delighted to start this role following the successful campaign, The Next 250, and the celebration of the semiquincentennial. I am optimistic that we can continue the positive momentum and continue to meet our mission.
The Civic Circle’s Seven Steps to Democracy are the core of our civic arts curriculum, but they also serve as a practical roadmap for this transition. As I step into this role:
- I’ll LISTEN, both to seek full understanding and perspectives;
- I’ll LEARN more about the truth and best practices for civic arts youth engagement;
- I’ll CHOOSE through sound decision-making, and will respect the collective choices and decisions from community members, partners and advisors;
- I’ll JOIN by being a service-oriented participant with our team, board, and community partners;
- I’ll SPEAK up and advocate for The Civic Circle and our mission and goals;
- I’ll ACT to implement our goals and organize a local movement around youth civic arts and democracy education;
- I’ll LEAD with a service leadership mindset.
In the coming weeks, my priority and focus will be on the first two steps: Listen & Learn.
As another part of our transition, I am thrilled to welcome my colleague Rio Liu into the role of Program Director. Liu is a professional dancer and actor who is committed to mentoring young students to find and nurture their artistic voices. “As Program Director, I’m excited to help lead programming that empowers people to engage thoughtfully in civic life while advancing The Civic Circle’s mission,” says Liu.
I would like to thank Eliza Newlin Carney for her vision, action, and leadership in founding The Civic Circle, the board members for their commitment to building local support for civic arts, and the democracy supporters here in Montgomery County and beyond who strengthen our community. I also remain grateful to The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County for its ongoing support.
– Katherine Wise –
We are excited and grateful to announce that The Civic Circle is a recipient of a $9,000 City of Takoma Park Community Quality of Life grant, which will support our next Youth Democracy Fest.
Takoma Park’s Community Grants Program provides funding for projects, programs and events that contribute to the livability of Takoma Park, engage diverse populations, and strengthen the community’s commitment to the arts, humanities and sciences. This grant will enable us to gather as a community and hear directly from youth artists. Thank you to the City of Takoma Park!
We are also happy to share that we received a $2,000 Community Grant from Takoma Foundation to support our overarching mission.
The Takoma Foundation makes grants that promote a socially, environmentally, economically and culturally healthy Takoma Park community. The Foundation focuses on Community Connection, Youth Empowerment, Anti-Racism and Inclusion, and Support for Vulnerable Populations through the Community Grant. Thank you, Takoma Foundation!
We want to thank everyone who came out to support The Civic Circle at the Big Train Baseball field last Friday, July 10! Civic Circle board member Kathleen Schmermund Pavich threw the first pitch, and everyone who bought a ticket pitched in to support youth civic arts. We also want to give a big thank you to Big Train for hosting and supporting us. Thank You!