New models for civic engagement: Ben Warner at TEDxJacksonville

Summary

This inspiring talk emphasizes the significance of community engagement in fostering a thriving democracy. It highlights the disconnect between global awareness and local involvement, urging individuals to participate actively in local decision-making processes. The speaker shares transformative stories from various communities, illustrating how collective action can address social issues, bridge racial divides, and enhance the quality of life. The narrative calls for a reimagining of civic participation, where citizens move from passive observers to active shapers of their communities, fulfilling the democratic ideals of government by the people.

Takeaways

• 🌐 We live in increasingly globalized communities yet feel disconnected from each other, often being more informed about global news than our local neighbors or city officials.
• 📱 Despite technological advancements, we seldom engage with local public policy decisions that directly impact our lives.
• 🏛️ The founding principle of democracy was based on people coming together to create a new society, emphasizing the importance of civic participation.
• 🤝 Alexis de Tocqueville noted the significance of private citizens' roles in associations for the health of a democratic society.
• 🏢 While government and private businesses play crucial roles, they are not equipped to solve all societal issues, highlighting the need for a third sector.
• 🌟 The third sector, composed of nonprofits and volunteers, fills the gaps in societal needs, working alongside government and private sectors for community enhancement.
• 🗳️ Civic engagement is more than just voting; it's about actively participating in community decisions and problem-solving.
• 🔍 Communities must answer two key questions: what matters most (values) and who gets to decide (inclusivity of decision-making).
• 🌱 Civic engagement transforms communities by addressing disparities and inequities, as seen in Jacksonville's efforts to tackle race-based issues.
• 🌟 When people come together to engage in their communities, they not only change the community but also undergo personal transformation, gaining a sense of responsibility and pride.

Q & A

What is the significance of Alexis de Tocqueville's visit to America in 1831 as mentioned in the script?

Alexis de Tocqueville's visit to America in 1831 is significant because he was astonished by how people came together in associations to make the country work. He concluded that the health of a democratic society can be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in a democracy.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of local public policy decisions over global issues?

The script emphasizes local public policy decisions because they affect people's lives more immediately and profoundly. While global issues are important, local decisions have a more direct impact on individuals' daily lives, and often these decisions are overlooked by citizens who are more engaged with global news.

What is the 'third sector' referred to in the script, and why is it crucial for a community?

The 'third sector' is the community sector, an independent sector filled with individual volunteers and organized nonprofits that associate for the public good. It is crucial because it fills gaps in the societal compact, addressing needs that neither government nor the market can sufficiently meet.

How does the script describe the role of private businesses in the American experiment?

The script describes private businesses as a sector that, along with government, is expected to work together to create worthwhile communities and enhance the quality of life. It suggests that the market economy, guided by the 'Invisible Hand' of economics, is seen as a means to fill gaps in the social compact that the government cannot address alone.

What is the main takeaway from the speaker's experience with JCCI, as shared in the script?

The main takeaway from the speaker's experience with JCCI is the power of civic engagement. Despite initial doubts, the speaker witnessed how people from diverse backgrounds could come together, have meaningful conversations, and collaboratively shape public policy, leading to transformative changes in the community.

What are the two big questions that communities need to answer according to the script?

The two big questions that communities need to answer are: 1) What matters most (i.e., the values of the community), and 2) Who gets to decide what matters most (i.e., who has the power to influence the community's values and decisions).

How does civic engagement transform both the community and the individuals within it, as described in the script?

Civic engagement transforms communities by bringing people together to solve problems and make decisions that improve the quality of life. It also transforms individuals by moving them from being passive observers to active participants in community decision-making, fostering a sense of responsibility, pride, and connection with others.

What is the significance of the story about the 300 people meeting weekly for nine months in Jacksonville, as mentioned in the script?

The story of the 300 people meeting weekly for nine months in Jacksonville highlights the power of diverse groups coming together to address racial disparities. It demonstrates how sustained dialogue and consensus-building can lead to actionable recommendations and significant changes in community policies and practices.

Why did the speaker join JCCI, and what did they initially think about the organization?

The speaker joined JCCI because they were a social worker by trade and felt good about doing good, wanting to make a difference. Initially, they were excited but soon began to question their choice as the organization seemed to hold many meetings without immediate visible impact, making them wonder if they had made a mistake.

What is the script's message about the future of communities?

The script conveys that the future of communities will not be built by distant governments but by individuals connecting with each other and engaging in their communities. It calls for a new kind of conversation and experience that leads to the creation of communities that fulfill the promises of the past and the aspirations for the future.