The National Civic League's mission is to strengthen citizen democracy by transforming democratic institutions. That is, our mission is to see that our vision of self-government and the creative and positive interaction between business, government, community groups and individuals is realized. This mission provides the framework for all of the National Civic League's work.

Assist Community Civic Renewal

NCL assists communities engaged in civic renewal by strengthening their capacity for collaborative problem solving. Through Community Services, NCL provides technical assistance, training and diagnostic tools for citizens to assess the civic health of their community. Technical Assistance includes strategic planning, visioning, facilitation, and training in healthy communities principles and practices. Tools include the Civic Index-Measuring a Community's Civic Health, and the Community Collaborative Wellness Tool.

Facilitate Mutual Support and Learning

NCL connects communities involved in civic renewal in order for them to learn from and support each other. Each year, NCL convenes several issue specific forums, thus continuing our longstanding tradition of promoting civic dialogue. NCL works with federal and state agencies, as well as foundations, to convene multi-site community building initiatives. NCL's publications and working papers support the work of community problem solvers through education and research. For the past 92 years, the National Civic Review, NCL's quarterly public affairs journal has provided thoughtful analysis of current trends and practical guidance for government officials, civic leaders and citizens alike. In addition, the National Civic League Press offers a variety of unique books and monographs to citizens, civic leaders, and government officials. NCL's world wide web site allows community problem solvers to share ideas, stories, resources, tools and collaborative processes. And, NCL's All-America City Conference annually brings together delegations from 30 communities. These All-America City finalists have established cutting edge collaborative problem solving efforts; the conference provides a unique environment for finalists to share ideas and to gain inspiration from each other's work.

Foster Innovative Community Building and Political Reform

NCL fosters innovation in community building and political reform by identifying best practices and conducting applied research. NCL's New Politics Program is documenting reform occurring at the local level and assisting grassroots leaders with information and convenings. NCL is exploring the means to overcome voter anger, impediments to voter participation and disincentives to voting. NCL advocates re-examining the entire political system and considering all serious reform.

Assist Local Governments

NCL assists local governments to increase their effectiveness by developing responsive partnerships with citizens. Through training, technical assistance, historically important publications, such as the Model City Charter, the Model County Charter, the National Civic Review, and newer publications-the Civic Index and the Civic Capital Assessment Tool-NCL is helping government work better with citizens and other sectors.

Recognize Collaborative Community Achievement

NCL recognizes and celebrates communities that cooperatively tackle challenges, bring together diverse voices, and achieve results. The All-America City Award, now in its 54th year, annually recognizes ten communities for their cross sector collaboration and achievements. The Award celebrates vibrant, resourceful places where neighbors pitch in together; places with a diverse collection of talents and people who dwell, not on problems of the past, but on opportunities of the present and possibilities of the future.

The All-America City Award brings wide exposure to exemplary grassroots problem solving efforts that can serve as models for other communities. The All-America City Award allows community problem solvers to share ideas, stories, resources, tools and collaborative processes, as well as provide inspiration to each other. By focusing attention on successful problem solving and community building efforts, the All-America City Award boosts the confidence of public officials and citizens in their own ability to change their communities into better environments for families and children.

The All-America City Awards competition is a life changing experience for those who take part, often engendering increased civic participation. Nationally syndicated columnist Neal Peirce writes that the All-America City Awards competition is "America's premier civic event." Former HUD secretary Henry Cisneros concurs: "The All-America City program continues to be the best effort in the nation to celebrate civic values and community teamwork." This year's three-day-long celebration will be held in Atlanta, GA, June, 2005. For information about attending this event see NCL's All-America City Award web page or call 303.571.4343.