Are You an Everyday Citizen?
5,000 women are coming together to engage in an open and honest conversation about what it means to be a US citizen today.
by Beverly Winterscheid and Lindsay Fahey
Why is it that when presidential candidates are authentic and tell their truth, hundreds of thousands of people across the country turn up for their rallies? When asked, people say:
“He says exactly what’s on my mind.”
“The other politicians are afraid to tell the truth”
“He speaks for me.”
Regardless of whether we agree with their version of the truth, their honesty and candor is captivating. But why?
Could it be that we, as modern American citizens, have lost our ability, or perhaps even our will, to contribute our voice and actions in settings that we think will make a difference in our daily lives?
It’s become clear that clicking the “like” button is simply not enough to make a difference in the personal and professional communities that matter most to us. But to have effective action, we must have clear voice. And to have clear voice, we need a sounding board.
What does citizenship mean to you? Not theoretically. But practically.
What does citizenship look like in your daily life?
Is it showing up at the polls to cast your vote? Or is it the small actions you take to make the communities you live and work in a little bit better each day like attending a town meeting? Or brainstorming ideas to turn an abandoned lot into a city park? Or something private at home?
How is your view of civic engagement the same or different from others across the country? And what can we learn from our unique life experiences — whatever our backgrounds and communities are — that can strengthen each other and American society as a whole?
The Everyday Citizens movement is asking this question to diverse women who are U.S. citizens around the world — and needs your help to spread the word.
A vibrant, diverse group of women citizens are gathering, hosted by the Center for Nature & Leadership — from first-time voters to life-long natural-born citizens, Native Americans to new immigrants from around the world, Californians to Clevelanders, grandmothers and other women who want to think critically and engage — in thoughtful discussion about their role as citizens today.
The goal is to engage 5,000 women from four generations, in all 50 states from diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds by November, 2016.
By bringing together a diverse set of voices, Everyday Citizens will facilitate collaboration among citizens across the country by offering small mastermind groups on hot button topics or regional issues to further inspire participants to move from voice to action.
Why limit this critical discussion to women right now?
In the U.S., women are considerably more likely to be registered to vote and to go to the polls than men, so they make a big difference. Yet, their lives are typically filled with more responsibilities, frequently juggling multiple jobs with family responsibilities. When women do get involved civically, they prefer more personal, social and private forms of activism, such as online advocacy.
Where will this discussion take place?
Since 77% of U.S. women over 18 use Facebook, Everyday Citizens will launch as a closed Facebook group. This insures critical mass of diverse opinions in one place so people can experience, be inspired and provoked by the thoughts of others, in space without outside intrusion.
What you can do right now?
1. Share your voice by joining the movement.
2. Help us to reach deep into diverse communities to spread the word.
3. Help guide the movement and join the Everyday Citizens Advisory Board.
Together, let’s take this opportunity to engage in a open and honest conversation about what it means to be a citizen, celebrate the diversity of thought and action, and get clear on how we want show up in our own lives and the communities we care most about.
