Music, Spoken Word, Inspiration and Reflection, Voter Registration, Civic Matchmaking

10:00 a.m. Doors/donuts + coffee
10:30 a.m. Program begins
12:00 p.m. Civic matchmaking fair/community hour/refreshments

On the first Civic Saturday in Highland Square, singer-songwriter and Citizen University alum Kate Tucker will offer reflections, we’ll hear poetry from Jason Blakely, music from Jenny Baird, community announcements from you, and we’ll gather in Civic Circles to share our thoughts on how we can build a stronger Akron together.

Stay after the program for the Civic Matchmaking Fair to meet your neighbors, enjoy free refreshments from local purveyors, and connect with Akron organizations including Summit County Continuum of Care, League of Women Voters, Project Learn, Shelter Care, South Street Ministries, Akron Cooperative Farms, International Institute of Akron, County of Summit ADM Board, Rubber City Reuse and more, joining us to offer resources, and ways to volunteer and support their impactful work.

Civic Saturday is FREE, please RSVP on Eventbrite: bit.ly/civic_saturday

At Civic Saturday we’ll explore questions like:

Why does this experiment of democracy matter to us?
How do policies made by people in government impact our daily lives?
What power do we have as individuals to influence these policies?
Why is voting so important?
How can we come together when the nation seems so divided?
What does my neighborhood need?
How can we organize our resources to meet those needs?

Why Now?

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 comes face to face with realities of deep injustice, disconnection, loneliness, and cynicism. So many people are disappointed, disillusioned, angry, or just checked out. But we don’t have to be. We can come together and figure this out.

Throughout history, all over the world, people have developed powerful practices for gathering to find inspiration and meaning, to deepen a shared sense of purpose, and to change circumstances for the better. As Akronites, we continue in that tradition with Civic Saturdays. We hope you’ll join us for the first Civic Saturday Akron!