Ways we bring the public in
From civic assemblies to reimagined town halls, every Civic Genius program is built on the same idea: give everyday people a real, structured say in the decisions that affect them.
PHOTO — FULL ASSEMBLY ROOM FROM ABOVE, ROUND TABLES
Civic assemblies
A randomly selected, representative group comes together across ideological and demographic differences to learn about, deliberate on, and recommend solutions to a public policy question. An assembly brings in the voices policymakers rarely hear.
PHOTO — STUDENTS DELIBERATING IN A CAMPUS LECTURE HALL
College civic assemblies
The same lottery-selected, deliberative model run on campus — with students, faculty, and staff deciding questions their institution actually has to answer.
PHOTO — RESIDENTS AT A NEIGHBORHOOD TOWN HALL, HANDS RAISED
Civic consultations
When a city needs public input on a decision, we design and run the whole engagement: a citywide survey, facilitated focus groups, and deliberative town halls, synthesized into findings decision-makers can use.
PHOTO — MEMBER OF CONGRESS SEATED AT A SMALL GROUP TABLE
Reimagined town halls
Constituents are selected by lottery, discuss the issue in small groups, weigh the trade-offs of real policy options, and give their member of Congress concrete feedback in the room.
PHOTO — PARTICIPANTS LAUGHING OVER A SHARED WORKSHEET
It’s Your America
A citizen problem-solving initiative that brings together Americans from across the political spectrum to learn about, discuss, and tackle critical national issues.
PHOTO — SCREEN-TO-SCREEN CONVERSATION WITH A MEMBER OF CONGRESS
Citizen Panel Initiative
A partnership with the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation and Voice of the People. Constituents learn an issue, weigh real proposals, and meet their member of Congress to talk it through.
PHOTO — PRINTED GUIDE OPEN ON A KITCHEN TABLE
Genius Guides
Built-for-anyone roadmaps to understanding government and what you can actually do about it — from town council to Congress. Free to read, built to be shared.
PHOTO — SOMEONE WATCHING A WORKSHOP ON A LAPTOP AT HOME
Civics for Everyone
Live events and video you can join from anywhere: advocacy workshops, issue explainers, expert interviews, and conversations with people who have made a difference.
Not sure which fits your community?
Tell us about the decision in front of you and we’ll help you choose the right process.