At the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), one truth continues to emerge again and again through both research and lived experience: the ways we show up for one another matter.
The actions we take in our communities — whether volunteering, attending a local gathering, checking in on neighbors, or simply creating space for conversation — shape outcomes for individuals, neighborhoods, and our democracy as a whole.
That’s why we’re proud to join and help amplify TogetherTuesday on Tuesday, June 23. This initiative from GivingTuesday is designed to celebrate and encourage small acts of connection, generosity, and community participation.
At a moment when many people feel disconnected or divided, TogetherTuesday is a reminder that civic life is not abstract — it leads to powerful feelings of trust, belonging, and care.
This idea is deeply connected to NCoC’s work across the country.
For example, through our Civic Health Index, we continue to gather and elevate data that helps communities better understand the relationship between civic engagement and community outcomes. We’re especially excited by the recent Ohio launch and the growing momentum in additional states that will be rolling out new civic health efforts in the months ahead.
And through the American Conversation Project, we’re empowering communities and organizations to bring people together across the country to rebuild a civic muscle that helps communities thrive — the practice of coming together in conversation, listening past assumptions, and finding common ground. In fact, the day after TogetherTuesday, our team will activate at the Points of Light Conference to continue these conversations about participation, belonging, and civic renewal.
We hope you’ll join us on June 23 by taking one small action to support your community — and by sharing it with others. Because when people participate, communities thrive.
Here’s how members of the NCoC team are engaging in small actions to strengthen community and connection:
“On TogetherTuesday I’ll be out of town at Points of Light steeped in civic engagement conversations, but I regularly connect within my community. Last month, as part of Discovery Day in Lexington, MA, I spent 5 hours inviting people to put a pin on a map to mark where they or their families came from before landing in Lexington, which resulted in a meaningful display of diversity and a reminder of how many journeys can be represented in one community. This week I’ll be moderating a conversation about civic health and how to build healthier, more resilient communities.” —Cameron Hickey
“My daughter and I will be bringing groceries to the Hells Kitchen Community Cupboard. It’s a small pantry outside a health care center not far from where we live. There is so much need in this city, and this is one small way we can help people put food on their tables. But what is great about the HKCC is that it also offers people a place to meet their neighbors, form relationships, and gain a sense of community.” —Edna Ishayik
“I just moved, so I plan to intentionally invest in one local relationship or community space each month. I believe stronger communities are built through small, repeated acts of connection, curiosity, and participation.” —Kate Barranco
“One simple local action I will take in my community is to stay intentional about looking for small, practical ways to support others in everyday moments — whether that’s helping a neighbor, supporting an older adult as they navigate a service, volunteering at my community center, or stepping in when I see someone could use a hand. These small moments may seem minor, but I’ve seen how much they matter. They build trust, strengthen relationships, and help make the community I live in feel more connected and supportive.” —Lisa Matthews
“I help maintain public conservation land in my community. I volunteer to pick up trash, clear brush, and make sure the trails are kept in good shape for everyone to use.” —Kaitlyn Dowling
“This TogetherTuesday, I commit to serving at Pan de Vida, a client-choice food pantry in my home community of Little Village, Chicago.” —Rubén Álvarez Silva
“Very few events bring people together like the World Cup. It unites people from all around the world, even for those that don’t follow soccer. This TogetherTuesday, I’m inviting friends and neighbors over to watch the evening matches!” —Myra Miranda
“I am so appreciative of the anchoring force of libraries in communities. When my kids were younger, visits to the library were a weekly ritual and I continue to go solo. I’m known at my city library as the ‘baking lady’ since I brought the library staff brownies for Library Appreciation Week and a big cookie sampler for the holidays. I’m going to do another baked goods drop to express my gratitude for the library.” —Christine Koh
