The Time for Action is Now
Political scientist Rachel Kleinfeld says democracies heal when everyday people choose to move toward one another — not away. We cannot wait for Washington or a single leader to fix what’s broken. Renewal begins locally, with neighbors rebuilding trust, holding each other accountable to our best values, and creating small victories that ripple outward. Every American has a part to play: telling our stories, building cross-group relationships, showing up for community life, and refusing to see any neighbor as an enemy. Hope is not passive. Hope is a practice — and it grows when we act together.
Creating Belonging & Civic Muscle
The Rippel Foundation reminds us that strong communities don’t just happen — we build them by creating what they call the Vital Conditions for Well-Being. These include things every person and every place needs to thrive: safe neighborhoods, reliable transportation, good schools, meaningful work, a healthy environment, and chances to shape the future of our community. At the center of all this are two powerful ideas: Belonging — knowing “I matter here, I’m part of this ‘we,’” and Civic Muscle — practicing how we listen, decide, and act together. When these grow, people move from feeling alone and powerless to feeling connected and capable. And when they weaken, fear rises and democracy suffers.
Resources for Belonging
Learn more about the Vital Conditions
Gather neighbors to build belonging:
Learning to discuss issues among individuals and groups:
Resources and Networks to Strengthen Civic Muscle
Organize or join a Civic Hub in your community:
Learn about Statewide Citizen’s Assemblies:
Learning Resources
Explore Christian motivations for respecting and working with diverse groups:
Watch Challenge 2.0 Episodes on Building Belonging and Civic Muscle:
See the policies that most Americans agree on – The Grand Bargain:
