In June 2018, Independent Sector and Stanford Social Innovation Review launched Civil Society for the 21st Century, an article series featuring some of today’s leading thinkers and practitioners exploring current issues in civil society.
Can smart cities – with a vibrant nonprofit community – help lead the way back to a more functional democracy?
Myung J. Lee, Executive Director of Cities of Service, says the town hall model of local government helps build trust because “citizens, elected leaders, and nonprofit organizations can most easily connect and work together to improve their communities.”
And what if city government doesn’t lead the way in this democratic revival? Lee asserts that nonprofit organizations can serve as bridge builders, fostering collaboration between city leaders and residents to achieve positive community impact.
