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The Rhode Island Foundation helped bring together more than 60 community foundation CEOs and senior leaders from across the country for a day-long brainstorming session designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration in strengthening civic health at the local level.

Hosted in partnership with CFLeads and the National Civic League, the event featured thought-provoking presentations, peer-to-peer exchange and practical strategies leaders can implement in their communities.

“With over 900 community foundations across the country—rural, urban and suburban—we serve communities across the political spectrum. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to share strategies, build connections and strengthen civic life,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Sessions focused on advancing trust, civic participation and local problem-solving. Topics included:

• Defining and practicing civic health in local contexts
• Communicating civic health to stakeholders and residents
• Measuring civic health with reliable tools and data
• Funding strategies to sustain civic health initiatives
• Developing local action plans tailored to each foundation’s community

The get-together is just the latest in a series of actions the Foundation has taken to address the deepening divisions in our society, an increasing loss of faith in institutions and a growing sense of isolation and loneliness.

The Foundation's new Five-Year Action Plan elevates civic engagement as a pillar of one of its Community Priorities – Civic and Cultural Health. In addition, it recently worked with the National Civic League to develop the Action Guide for Improving Civic Health in Rhode Island, which provides a set of tools and strategies for people to use to promote and enhance civic health.

“The erosion of vital community connections will ultimately undermine our ability to address the crucial challenges that impact our daily lives – issues ranging from public education and affordable housing to health care and environmental justice, and beyond,” said Cicilline.

“Strengthening civic health requires community-wide commitment. We are encouraging local organizations and civic leaders to get involved in building stronger connections, fostering civic participation and advancing trust in the Ocean State,” said Cicilline.

To support this work, visit Fund for Civic and Cultural Life.