Two years ago, our Leadership Strategy Team, made up of Board members, Jackson Leadership Fellows and staff, brainstormed about how we could complement our current activities and increase our impact. The team identified political depolarization as an area to explore, particularly as it connects to the Jackson values and values-based leadership. This small but mighty team began to engage with other organizations and experts in this arena. Meanwhile, breakdowns in our civil institutions escalated.
Through our outreach, we connected with Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and began a fruitful collaboration to address Washington state’s civic health. The Lt. Governor gathered a group of people from across the state to discuss the depth of the problem; participants agreed on the need to act.
In response, the Jackson Foundation, Office of Lieutenant Governor of Washington State, UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, and The William D. Ruckelshaus Center, created the Project for Civic Health.
To collectively problem solve how to strengthen our state’s civic health, the partners recently gathered over 175 people for a day-long summit, including local and state elected officials, community leaders, journalists – and numerous Jackson Leadership Fellows and Board Members. Jackson Fellow and author Mónica Guzmán was key, kicking off the conversation and moderating a panel of changemakers.
We just published an Op-Ed in The Seattle Times highlighting this effort together with our partners.
The day tapped into something bigger, and we heard a thirst for continuing this activity.
Please join us! See the Project for Civic Health webpage to learn more.