Community Service
We The Readers Monthly Book Club
Join a book club that meets every month to read and talk about books on community, history, and how our government works. It's a fun way to learn with others and share ideas about making our communities better.
Details
EligibilityOpen to all community members
FeesNot specified
HoursMonthly meetings at 7 PM
“Smile, breathe, and go slowly. ”
— Thich Nhat HanhRelated
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The Change Lab 2025 Annual Report: Building Civic Infrastructure Through Community Connection
“ THE CHANGE LAB A community of practice 2025 ANNUAL REPORT THE CHANGE LABthechangelab.net · A fiscally sponsored project of Impact Hub Houston · Page 1 of 2 We connect by serving and learning toget...”
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Social Connection in America: 2025 Survey Report on Community Bonds and Well-Being
“ 2025 Survey Report About This Project This survey will catalyze a broad and lasting impact—transforming how we define, prioritize, and support social connection in America. This survey is led by D...”
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From the Library
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What's New in the Commons LibraryStay updated with the latest resources added to help make activism smarter and stronger in your community.
Tips for Better Group Meetings and Decision MakingCraig Freshley's Good Group Tips is a comprehensive resource featuring over 100 practical videos, handouts, and articles designed to help groups make better decisions, run more effective meetings, and improve communication. The collection covers essential skills like active listening, managing accountability, setting agendas with clear timeframes, building trust through alignment of words and actions, and creating inclusive conversations. Each tip focuses on specific challenges groups face, such as how to say no effectively, how to define problems clearly before solving them, and how to ensure all group members have access to agenda-setting processes. The resources are designed for anyone leading or participating in group decision-making, from community organizations to workplace teams. Freshley emphasizes practical techniques like formal commitment processes, alternative solution development, and emotional intelligence skills that help groups work together more productively. The materials are freely available and include both written guides and short instructional videos with captions for accessibility.
The Rainbow Rule: A Better Way to Treat Others FairlyThe Golden Rule says 'treat others how you want to be treated,' but this can be problematic when people are different from you. The Rainbow Rule offers a better approach: ask people what they need first, then act. This article explains how the Golden Rule, while well-meaning, can lead to imposing your own preferences on others without understanding what they actually want. For example, giving a hungry person a rollercoaster ticket instead of food because that's what you might want. The Rainbow Rule requires two steps - asking first, then acting - making it more complex but more effective for diverse communities. This approach leads to better solutions, fewer conflicts, and more inclusive outcomes. The concept builds on the medical field's 'Platinum Rule' and encourages treating each person as an individual rather than assuming everyone wants the same things. While the Golden Rule works well among similar people, the Rainbow Rule is essential when working across differences in culture, background, and needs.
Art and Stories That Make a Positive Difference in CommunitiesThis collection of stories shows how art, entertainment, and creativity can help solve problems and make the world better. It includes examples like Harry Styles accidentally helping pay for therapy sessions, a Stephen Colbert joke that saved someone's life, and artists using their platforms to support important causes. The stories cover topics like mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, autism awareness, immigrant stories, and community building. Artists and entertainers are using their creativity to raise awareness, fund important services, and bring people together. From rainbow laser shows replacing banned Pride crosswalks to murals made from recycled bottle caps, these examples show how creative expression can create positive change. The content demonstrates that art isn't just entertainment - it can be a powerful tool for social good, helping communities heal, learn, and grow together.
Similar Services (6)
All servicesHigh School Civics ClassesFall classes called 'Reimagine the Square' teach high school students about fake news, bias, and civil discussion. In spring, students work together on projects to create their own programs about community issues.Portugal Travel Trip with Ambassador Allan KatzAmerican Public Square offers special travel trips to Portugal led by former U.S. Ambassador Allan Katz. These 11-night trips are only for APS members and include visits to museums, palaces, wineries, and historic places. You'll meet local leaders and artists, eat at fancy restaurants including one with a Michelin star, and stay in nice hotels. The trip is limited to 12-18 people to keep it small and friendly. The next trip is planned for Fall 2026. To learn more or save a spot, email erinn@americanpublicsquare.org.Civics Education for StudentsAmerican Public Square teaches students how to have respectful conversations about important topics. They offer classes in high schools about spotting fake news and understanding bias. College students can become interns and help plan programs. Students learn skills to discuss difficult issues with people who have different opinions. This helps build stronger communities and democracy. High school classes happen in the fall, with hands-on projects in the spring. College interns work on planning events and help other students get involved in civic issues.Courageous Conversations Campus ProgramCollege students learn how to have respectful conversations about tough subjects that people disagree on. They practice listening skills and talking with others who think differently than they do.Graduate Degree Programs in Public PolicyThis school teaches college students how to work in government and help their communities. Students can learn to make good rules and solve problems that help everyone. There are different programs that take 2-4 years to finish.Peace Advocacy and Policy WorkThis group helps women peacebuilders share their ideas with government leaders to prevent wars and solve conflicts. They write reports, organize meetings, and make sure women's voices are heard in important peace discussions around the world.
The Journey
30 connected resources across 5 levelsTrail depth
Level 1
Get CuriousRead, watch, exploreWe are building resources for this level
Level 2
Find Your PeopleMeet orgs, neighbors, groups11 resourcesYou are hereOrganizationNational Issues ForumsBrings communities together to discuss big issues facing the country and find ways to work together. Helps people have good conversations about important problems, even when they disagree.
OrganizationUniversity of Chicago Institute of PoliticsA University of Chicago center offering classes, events, and programs about politics, leadership, and democracy. Helps students and community members understand how government works and how to participate.
OrganizationUSC Dornsife Center for the Political FutureA USC center studying how to make politics work better for everyone. Helps people from different political sides talk respectfully and shares research to help fix problems in democracy.
+8 more at this levelLevel 3
Show UpEvents, meetings, volunteeringWe are building resources for this level
Level 4
Go DeeperTraining, sustained involvement13 resourcesLevel 5
Make Your MoveAdvocacy, organizing, creating6 resourcesFocus Areas