CityClub Programs

CityClub is a network of engaged citizens who work together to boost civic engagement through knowledge, connection, trust and action. We serve 47,000 Washingtonians, and our programs are broadcast statewide to1.3 million households. A trusted convener dedicated to passionate nonpartisanship, CityClub organizes over 60 annual programs—community dialogues, political debates, educational forums, on-line initiatives and awards competitions—in collaboration with over 100 regional partners.

	Forums CityClub forums offer direct access to experts and leaders and feature a diversity of perspectives across political ideology, race, professional and cultural background, generation and class. Forums, typically held over lunch,  address timely issues, inform public policy and include audience questions and opportunities for citizen action. Signature events include our annual Year in Review, Legislative Preview, Annual Meeting and our free election debates. Our health care series provides a year-long review of topics around a central theme, this year addressing the cost of care. Together these annual forums represent CityClub’s founding focus on keeping citizens informed about current events and issues of vital concern to public policy and governance. Learn more!
	Jefferson Awards CityClub is proud to host our state’s Jefferson Awards in partnership with KING5 TV. Initiated in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., this “Nobel Prize” for public service is a nationwide effort recognizing the highest ideals and achievements of volunteerism in the U.S. Five Washington State Jefferson Award winners are selected and celebrated annually and one is chosen by popular vote to represent our state at the National Jefferson Awards. Nominations are accepted each year starting in December. Learn more!
	Community Matters Campaign Each fall CityClub hosts a series of themed programs which culminate in citizen recommendations for public policy development. The 2011 campaign was focused on the ingredients of great citizenship and engaged over 21,000 participants. This year's campaign, "Civil Civics," examines civility in political discourse. Take the "Civil Civics" poll and let us know what you think! Learn more!
	Living Voters Guide CityClub and the University of Washington have pioneered a community-generated online voters’ guide on statewide ballot measures to foster voter education, deliberation and civil discourse in uncivil times. Used by nearly 25,000 state voters over two election cycles, the Living Voters Guide offers promise as a tool to increase digital democracy and elicit broad public input for policy development. Learn more or visit the site!
	Youth Civic Education Awards In May 2012 CityClub launched its newest initiative to increase the visibility of civic education renewal, reward excellence in existing civic education programs that serve middle or high school-aged students, and build a statewide network of practitioners and resources. The initiative features a Youth Civic Education Awards presented each fall, participation in a workshop showcasing the winners as mentors for other youth educators, and a website documenting the winners’ work to serve as a resource for youth civic education practitioners and best practices in civic education. Nominations are accepted each year starting in the Spring. Learn more!
	Greater Seattle Civic Health Index In collaboration with the National Conference on Citizenship, CityClub published the first report on civic health, measuring civic engagement for the first time in 2010. The index documents voting, volunteerism, philanthropy, political voice, group membership and neighborliness in our region compared to national standards. The Greater Seattle Civic Health Index is a foundational study with recommendations to boost regional civic vitality. An update will be released in 2013. Learn more!