by Debilyn Molineaux, Coffee Party USA President

If you are reading this, there is a strong possibility you are civically engaged. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to increase engagement in our communities and how we can begin to feel like we all belong.

Today’s news, entertainment industry, social media and other “broadcast” sources produce tons of content about how different we are, who is at war with whom, who said the latest nasty thing about someone else and who has been sleeping with whom. And given the record numbers of economically challenged people and families, is it any wonder that many are just getting by and numbing out when the work day is complete?

But what would happen if we intentionally set out to be engaged? I believe our lives would improve if we focused more on our connections, common ground and engagement than if we did not. I’m curious about what impact could be made through a simple shift in focus and decision to be engaged.

But what does engagement look like? Maybe something like this?

Levels of Engagement - from bystander to active participant

1. Watching panelists, news, social media to become informed

2. Talking with people who are engaged, gaining first-hand stories and building relationships

3. Volunteering to make a change within a community or support a cause dear to one’s heart

4. Leading projects and encouraging others to volunteer

5. Connecting with other groups and projects to increase impact

6. Reflecting on interconnectedness, celebrating impact and/or progress

As stated in the opening...if you are reading this, you are likely already engaged. Which levels are you engaged at? Could you stretch yourself to the next level? Are there missing levels? (if so, please email me!!)

I take a stand for improving the quality and quantity of our civic engagement. I love that our combined experience with Coffee Party provides opportunities to participate at each level.

May our combined efforts result in a more perfect union and planet.

Coffee Party ON!