Trust in our neighbors and our institutions is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. When neighbors trust each other, their communities benefit in profound ways: high-trust communities are safer, more prosperous, and more inclusive of all their residents. However, trust in the United States has deteriorated for decades, exacerbated by skyrocketing polarization that makes Americans less likely to relate to and care about those different from them. This fragmentation makes our communities less resilient and more vulnerable.
Neighbors Lead is a project of Protect Democracy designed to work with local organizations to rebuild this trust from the ground up. We are seeking interested community members to serve as Civic Captains. Whether you’re an established leader or just starting to think about how you can make positive local change, we’re looking for applicants who are ready to grow their organizing and bridge-building skills, then use them to engage and serve their community.
This six-month community leadership pathway is built on a "relational-first" approach, empowering you to leverage your existing, authentic relationships, as well as the connections and networks of a local partner, to drive collective action. As a Civic Captain, you are a Fellow of the Neighbors Lead Program; you will be part of a network of local leaders trained in organizing and bridge-building. Your mission is to facilitate initiatives that address local concerns and foster belonging and agency within your community. To do so, you will collaborate with fellow Civic Captains to craft and develop your own projects.