Quantum Civics: Introduction to Active Citizenship for Emerging Leaders

Last fall, Brian Bell and I taught the pilot Quantum Civics (TM) course to a particularly thoughtful and committed group of Twin Citizens. For 10 weeks, we engaged in deep dialogue about civic values, solving public problems, and self-leadership, and as a result, produced strong relationships, compelling personal mission statements, and in-depth work plans for creating change in our local communities and institutions. This spring, we'll teach the second round of introductory active citizenship course on Tuesdays, running from March 16th-May 18th, and you're invited to participate!

Quantum Civics: Introduction to Active Citizenship is a 10 week course for emerging leaders where participants develop a deeper understanding of the themes, concepts and skills of active citizenship. Unlike other leadership courses that focus on the need for formal authority or titles in order to make a difference, or that “policy” is only something that happens in government, this program focuses on the opportunities and obligations that all individuals have to make a difference in an organization no matter their formal position or authority. This course is premised on the Citizens League’s belief that there are opportunities to practice active citizenship skills and be a more effective governing member in all types of institutions: work, community, school, government, faith, family.

In addition to learning these values, participants learn civic standards for decision-making and practical skills, e.g. effective listening and holding stakeholder one-on-ones, facilitating meetings, understanding the dynamics of power and problem-solving, and transformational relationship-building.

Participants will walk away with a personal mission statement and an individual work plan to achieve this mission and individual self-interest while serving the common good.

This course supports the Citizens League’s mission of building civic imagination and capacity in all generations of Minnesotans who can have an impact on public policy, connect with other active citizens and civic leaders, and contribute to the relevance and sustainability of the Citizens League.

Outcomes

• Connect with other leaders within the Citizens League, and an introduction to the role, mission and practices of the Citizens League.

• Develop a deeper understanding of the themes, concepts and values of active citizenship, and how these concepts are distinguished from other definitions of “citizenship”, democracy, and how individuals can serve the common good.

• Build a personal mission statement that speaks to individual skills and goals while incorporating these values of active citizenship into the places where individuals spend time and can have an impact.

• Learn practical skills in the context of active citizenship values, e.g. effective listening and holding stakeholder one-on-ones, facilitating meetings, understanding the dynamics of power and problem-solving, and transformational relationship-building. How can evaluation using these values help you to improve your institution and its ability to serve the common good?

• Develop an individual work plan based upon specific insights from this analysis and the practice of these skills during the course.

• An opportunity to track into additional leadership training, e.g. “Civic Organizing 101” at the Citizens League, and our on-going policy skill-building activities and internal leadership opportunities.