Cynicism is an affront to the civic heritage upon which our democratic republic was built.
Apathy cannot solve our common problems. The new citizenship movement is diverse in its approaches, emphases and organizations. The new citizenship movement focuses on practical problem solving and collaboration. It seeks to renew the vitality of our civil society and associational life, which have always been the foundation of our democracy. It builds upon a long history of community action and civic education in America, but it draws especially upon the innovative methods of many working at the grassroots in recent years.