When it comes to civic life, have you ever found yourself asking “What can I do?” or even “Why does it matter?” In an increasingly polarized society, many Americans have chosen to disengage and disconnect from shared civic life altogether. Citizen University, a Seattle-based non-profit, wants to change that.
A functioning democratic society relies on individuals to be informed of their rights and roles as citizens. The idea of teaching your family about their roles and rights might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Power is infinite: that’s something Eric Liu – author, founder of Citizen University and executive director of the Aspen Institute Citizenship and American Identity Program – wants people to remember.
Whether it’s on Twitter or at Thanksgiving dinner, Americans are finding themselves increasingly divided about politics and identity. But why? A number of scientific studies and theories can shed light onto why we gravitate toward an us vs. them mindset – and why abandoning that mindset might benefit us all.
In my professional life, I have taken an oath twice. The first time, I swore to do no harm and to use my medical training to help my patients as a pediatrician. More recently, I swore to serve the people of Colorado as the State Representative for House District 31. Very few legislators ever find themselves in this position; in fact, I am the only medical doctor in the Colorado General Assembly. With this distinction comes an immense responsibility.
Dood the Squirrel has traveled around the world, read countless books and even buildh is own rocket backpack. Now he's offering his wisdom and insight to the advice-seekers of Colorado.
“Libraries are the unsung heroes of our communities. Everyone who plays a part in making libraries possible is also making the world a better place."
