"In his Washington Post article on the new citizenship movement in November 1994, David Broder pinpointed the central question confronting American politics today: will "cynicism and apathy or citizenship and participation prevail at the grassroots?" Citizens in communities across the country are answering this question by their constructive actions every day. Cynicism is an affront to the civic heritage upon which our democratic republic was built. Apathy cannot solve our common problems.
The new citizenship movement is diverse in its approaches, emphases and organizations. But it is in general agreement on one overriding principle: "We believe that we as citizens must reclaim responsibility for and power over our nation's public affairs." This is how the Civic Declaration, which was signed on December 9, 1994 in Washington, D.C. by civic leaders from many diverse communities, organizations, and political perspectives, put it as they committed themselves to working together across their differences.
The new citizenship movement focuses on practical problem solving and collaboration. It seeks to renew the vitality of our civil society and associational life, which have always been the foundation of our democracy. It builds upon a long history of community action and civic education in America, but it draws especially upon the innovative methods of many working at the grassroots in recent years." 1
On Wednesday, November 11th, the Center for Leadership and Public Interest Advocacy presents "MAKING A DIFFERENCE: PROMOTING CHANGE FROM THE BOTTOM UP". The participants in the forum have brought about important change for others in a variety of different contexts. They will explore the possibilites and obstacles for change at the grassroots level and the commonalities and differences across different social spheres of engagement. These participants will reflect on the issues raised above and many more. Come to Gamble Auditorium at 7:30 to hear about their experiences and perspectives.
Moderator: Jean Grossholtz, Professor of Politics and Women's Studies, MHC
Panel Participants:
Jane Alexander ('81) - Director and Co-Founder of Women's Lunch
Place, Boston
Michaelann Bewsee - President, Arise, Springfield
Michelle Stephens - Asst. Professor of English as of 1999, MHC
(co-organizer of graduate teaching assistants at Yale)
Carlos Vega - Executive Director of Nueva Esperanza, Holyoke
(a community development corporation with focus on housing rehabilitation
and social services)
1 "The New Citizenship Movement: An Overview", from the Civic Practices Network
