Civic Impact Academy Case Study

Background

Civility Localized’s Civic Impact Academy is a 14 week hybrid cohort program that bridges local government, nonprofit, and community leaders to move ideas from passion to action. The program builds civic literacy, social capital, and leadership skills while empowering participants to create sustainable, community driven change. Each cohort seats 20 participants, 10 government and institutional leaders, and 10 community leaders and culminates in the Community Design Challenge, an actionable plan presented at graduation.

Challenges

Communities often face barriers to meaningful participation in local decision making such as limited access to policymaking, low institutional trust, divestment from  civic literacy, and weak social capital. These barriers can lead to lower voter turnout and a lack of representation in public systems, and ultimately lower quality of life. The Civic Impact Academy addresses these challenges by providing practical tools, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities between government and community leaders to build empathy, shared understanding, and civic confidence.

What We Did

Civility Localized designed, promoted, and facilitated a 14 week hybrid academy experience that connected community leaders and government professionals across the Charlotte region. The program combined in-person and virtual sessions to equip participants with practical civic engagement tools, advocacy training, and peer collaboration opportunities.

Learn more at www.civicimpactacademy.com