Civic Saturday Akron

Liberty and justice for all. Of the people, for the people, by the people. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These words reflect the essence of the American creed...aspirations that have survived generations of change and growth.

Citizens past and present have made strides to make more true the idea of a democracy that works for all of us. Some of them we read about in history books, and many more are unnamed; everyday people who cared - and who took responsibility - for their own, and our shared communities.

And still, these aspirations have not yet been fully realized. The gap between this country's creed and deed (the way things are) is wide. A mandate of democracy, freedom and self-determination - juxtaposed with realities of deep injustice, disconnection, loneliness, and cynicism. So many people are disappointed, disillusioned, angry or just checked out. We don't know how, or we don't feel up to consistently living like citizens; claiming and enacting the creed, together. But if we want to hold onto our freedom, that is what we must do.

Throughout history, all over the world, people have developed powerful practices for gathering together to find inspiration or meaning, to deepen a shared sense of purpose, and to affect change. As Akronites, we continue in that tradition with Civic Saturdays.

Your neighbors in Highland Square invite you to our second Civic Saturday Akron, a non-partisan neighborhood gathering in celebration of community and shared civic power. Started by Citizen University in Seattle, Civic Saturday is "a civic analog to a faith gathering" - intended to deepen our understanding of democracy and the power we have as residents of this community and this country.

We’ve seen fellowship naturally build connection in a church context, so we use the church model to gather our neighbors and strengthen community. Though Civic Saturdays are not religious - nor are they meant to replace any other faith practice - they are a spirited, connective, and repeating experience geared towards building faith in one another and in our democracy.

At Civic Saturday we’ll explore questions like:

• Why does this experiment of democracy matter to us?
• How do policies enacted by people in government impact our daily lives?
• What power do we have as individuals to influence these policies and effect change?
• Does my vote even matter?
• How can we overcome disillusionment, cynicism, and fear?
• How can we come together when the nation seems so divided?
• What does my neighborhood need?
• How can we organize collective civic power to meet those needs?

What to expect at Civic Saturday

On the first Civic Saturday in Highland Square, singer-songwriter and Citizen University alum, Kate Tucker, will offer reflections, we'll hear poetry, songs, community announcements, and we'll gather in Civic Circles to share our thoughts on how we can build a stronger Akron together. Stay after the program to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors, and connect with Akron organizations in a civic matchmaking fair where representatives from local non-profits can help you find direct support and resources, or ways to volunteer and support their impactful work.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

981 W Market St, 981 West Market Street, Akron, United States