The hottest Civic engagement Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Freedom. It's Meaningful

Points And Figures • 586 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. The United States acts as a huge opportunity zone where newcomers can rebuild their lives and pursue the American Dream.
  2. Freedom is deeply meaningful for people who fled oppressive systems, and gaining it can be emotional and life-changing.
  3. A campaign for Nevada State Treasurer is seeking participation and donations to support the run.

Once States Go Blue, They Only Fleece You

Points And Figures • 479 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Everyday people should get involved in local and state politics by running for office or actively supporting candidates, because taking action matters more than just complaining.
  2. The piece argues that when states shift to Democratic control they expand government and raise taxes, which is portrayed as taking money from families and eroding freedoms.
  3. Nevada could boost prosperity by cutting red tape and developing energy sources like nuclear and geothermal, and running or supporting like-minded candidates is affordable and practical.

My Day in the Socialist Snow Corps

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. The city recruited emergency snow shovelers at up to $30 an hour, attracting people who wanted both pay and a chance to help during the blizzard.
  2. The program was pitched as a collective, big-government effort but suffered from poor communication, confusing requirements, and bureaucratic disorganization.
  3. Participants found the experience mixed: it felt heartwarming to pitch in, yet the messy implementation and lack of clear information made the day frustrating.

Stanford Starts to Make Ammends: Lessons from the Pandemic

COVID Reason • 535 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🚌 Education Civic engagement
  1. Open dialogue is key to understanding different viewpoints and creating solutions. It's important to have respectful conversations, especially when opinions differ.
  2. Universities should promote healthy discussions and critical thinking. They play a big role in preparing future leaders to engage with tough topics.
  3. Recognizing past mistakes can lead to better decisions in the future. Learning from errors is essential for growth in both education and public policy.
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The America of Yesterday

Yascha Mounk • 5095 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. America used to be a place where people felt hopeful about their country and its future. Now, many people seem more cynical and distrustful of public figures.
  2. In the past, popular culture embraced humor and self-awareness, allowing for discussions about important issues without taking everything too seriously. Today, there's a sense of censorship and a judgmental attitude towards differing opinions.
  3. Despite the current negativity, there's still hope for America. The country has a history of bouncing back from difficult times, and there's a chance that a cultural renewal could happen in the future.

Horses and Cowboys

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. A good candidate or public servant should travel to rural communities and listen to people, because it’s about serving them, not promoting yourself.
  2. Being a successful venture capitalist (and a good campaigner) means outworking others, going where opportunities are, and acting as a supportive partner rather than making it all about you.
  3. Horses and cowboys are a strong American symbol of freedom and independence, and many worry that cultural forces are trying to redefine or diminish that heritage.

Across the Divide: What It Means to Be American

Papyrus Rampant • 138 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. People often have different views of history based on their experiences and backgrounds. This can lead to disagreements over what events mean and how they shape our identities.
  2. National stories are important because they give people a sense of belonging. These narratives help define what it means to be part of a nation and influence how people understand each other.
  3. It's okay to disagree, but we need to learn to accept our differences without hostility. True connection comes from love and understanding, even across political divides.

Friday brief: Concern as Northampton’s Guildhall statues set to move

NN Journal • 218 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. There's a plan to move statues from the Guildhall courtyard, which is causing concern among locals. These statues honor important figures in the town's history.
  2. The town council is being asked to move out of the Guildhall but still wants a say in what happens to the statues and the building's future.
  3. A vacant council building is set to be sold to a shoe manufacturer after previous plans for it fell through. This sale could lead to the creation of new jobs and restoration of the building.

A Great and Good Man

The Crucial Years • 10712 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Bill Moyers was a prominent figure in journalism and activism, known for his deep empathy and understanding of social issues. He exemplified what it means to be an engaged citizen and leader.
  2. His approach to interviewing was all about listening, which is rare in today's political landscape where talking often overwhelms conversation. This listening quality helped him connect with people and share meaningful stories.
  3. Moyers' legacy shows the importance of curiosity and reality-based understanding in navigating complex challenges, especially in today's times when society faces significant political and environmental issues.

47+ Reasons to Vote For Tim Walz

Remarkable People • 739 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Tim Walz is knowledgeable about many practical things that matter in everyday life, from technology to cooking. This shows he has a wide range of skills and common sense.
  2. He has a strong understanding of important social issues and engages with well-known experts and figures. This indicates he is well-connected and responsive to community needs.
  3. Tim Walz is presented as a relatable and down-to-earth candidate who knows how to tackle real-world problems. This makes him seem approachable and trustworthy to voters.

Affecting Change

Points And Figures • 399 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Lots of political noise comes from people who never held elected office, so talking loudly doesn't equal the power to make change.
  2. People with real-world business experience should run for office. They can get real stuff done like modernizing outdated government systems and easing taxpayer burdens.
  3. Academic theories and ivory-tower analyses often sound impressive but don't work in practice, so measurable, practical results matter more than clever-sounding ideas.

Where Democracy Still Works

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1850 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Everyday local civic life — neighbors, schools, churches, and volunteer groups — is where democratic habits are actually practiced, and that sustains the republic when national politics are broken.
  2. People are building practical, local solutions like microschools, community relief funds, volunteer disaster response, and neighborhood microgrids that meet needs faster than distant authorities.
  3. These routine acts of trust and cooperation show democracy can be rebuilt from the ground up and remains alive in communities even as federal institutions struggle.

The Kollel and the Quad

What Is Called Thinking? • 146 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🚌 Education Civic engagement
  1. Both the Haredi kollel system and many humanities departments claim intrinsic value to block accountability while still drawing public subsidies.
  2. What began as narrow exemptions for elite practitioners has expanded into mass entitlement, protected by self-certification, ideological gatekeeping, and the romanticizing of poverty to excuse low standards and avoided obligations.
  3. A better model pairs deep study with civic duty; examples like hesder yeshivot and veterans-turned-scholars show that service and learning can reinforce each other, so intrinsic value should come with reciprocal public responsibility.

How the Democrats can fight back against MAGA

Noahpinion • 15764 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Democrats need to offer a clear and sensible alternative to Trump's economic policies. People are worried about inflation, and they want a plan to manage it.
  2. It's important for Democrats to protect democracy and free speech. They have to stand up against any overreach by political leaders who threaten these values.
  3. The party should move away from the divisive issues of the past decade and focus on what benefits everyone. Working towards collective goals can help regain voter trust.

Thankful for One Another.

Breaking the News • 1372 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. People across the country are working together in new ways to tackle challenges. It's great to see communities uniting to drive positive change.
  2. Staying positive and recognizing good deeds can help offset negative feelings in tough times. Focusing on what others do well can inspire us all.
  3. Every individual can contribute to their community and make a difference, no matter how small. Finding ways to get involved helps everyone feel more connected.

What It Actually ‘Feels Like’ in DC.

Breaking the News • 3911 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Washington, D.C. is a real city, not just a political stage. It has vibrant public spaces and a strong community that goes beyond politics.
  2. Crime rates in D.C. have actually been going down, contrary to popular belief. The city is becoming safer and more enjoyable to live in than it was decades ago.
  3. D.C. has seen a lot of improvements over the years, like cleaner parks and better public services. This growth has also created challenges, such as gentrification that displaces some residents.

Enacting Land Value Return in your hometown

Progress and Poverty • 923 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Find a local elected champion and build a coalition of nearby allies; motivated local people paired with the right official can win reforms without a huge grassroots movement.
  2. Do the homework: study local law (uniformity, classification, assessment rates, exemptions, millage), involve the assessor early, gather parcel and valuation data, map land values, and model a revenue‑neutral shift so you can show who wins and loses.
  3. Be pragmatic and start small with voluntary, revenue‑neutral local opt‑ins (split‑rate, universal building exemption, leases, or targeted capture), and use short policy briefs and clear visuals to convince busy politicians.

What Does It Mean to Have Gratitude to a Country?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Gratitude usually goes to someone who has done something for you, like parents or friends. But it's tricky to think about being grateful to a whole country.
  2. People can feel thankful to the U.S. if they've had good opportunities here, especially if they or their families emigrated. It's about recognizing the role the country played in their success.
  3. You can also be grateful for abstract ideas, like freedom or economic systems. Just like you can appreciate sunshine, you can appreciate what a country offers in terms of values and opportunities.

Understanding Mamdani's Vision

Can We Still Govern? • 511 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. He lays out an unapologetically left-wing, pro–big-government vision that rejects neoliberalism and promises City Hall will govern expansively and audaciously to restore public trust.
  2. His policy agenda is framed as expanding real freedom rather than just fixing pocketbook problems, with proposals like rent freezes and free childcare and a heavy focus on actually delivering results through strong implementation.
  3. He centers collective citizenship and the city’s diversity, calling for solidarity among residents and asking people to stay engaged and demand excellence from both public servants and themselves.

The Free Press Presents: America at 250

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3579 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. America is celebrating its 250th birthday, and it's a time to appreciate the country's achievements and freedoms. It's important to reflect on both the good and bad aspects of the nation's history.
  2. Despite some challenges, many Americans still believe their lives would not be possible without the opportunities this country provides. It’s a diverse place with people from various backgrounds.
  3. Throughout the year, there will be events and podcasts discussing America's history and freedoms. This is a chance for everyone to celebrate and engage with these topics together.

Joe Biden's final act is a message for boomers

Jeff Giesea • 638 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Joe Biden's recognition of his age highlights the need for younger leaders in politics. It's important for the older generation to acknowledge when it's time to step aside.
  2. As demographics shift, more younger workers are entering the workforce, creating a chance for change in leadership. This can help keep America competitive and engaged in global issues.
  3. Trust in institutions is low, so reform is needed. Fresh ideas and perspectives from younger leaders can help rebuild trust and improve how things work.

A Small Tip Jar for the Administrative State

Bet On It • 216 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Allow taxpayers to use a small part of their taxes to raise or lower the pay of specific government employees each year, with caps, limits on percentage changes, and a short written reason.
  2. The system acts like tipping to create individualized accountability, encouraging faster, kinder, and more responsive service from bureaucrats who currently face little personal feedback.
  3. It won’t fix major structural problems, but it’s a cheap, practical way to improve how government feels to citizens, increase everyday accountability, and reduce populist frustration.

Living in the Lie

Unpopular Front • 243 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Endless public lying and the pressure to pretend it’s true are deeply demoralizing and can be more oppressive than overt terror.
  2. Small, persistent acts of living in the truth—like self‑organized groups or local associations—can build an independent social sphere that undermines attempts to atomize society.
  3. Avoid getting stuck in propaganda spaces when you don’t have to and instead seek or create other forums where people meet and act together, because voluntary associations turn isolated individuals into a visible, shared power.

The Dawn of a New Civilization

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 7578 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. The emergence of the Aenean civilization represents a shift from ambition-driven actions to thoughtful and cautious progress. This new mindset respects both history and the fragility of our future.
  2. Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump symbolizes a collaboration between futurism and populism, which aims to take humanity beyond Earth and face existential threats together.
  3. The Aenean spirit understands the importance of balancing dreams of exploration with the reality of potential risks. It seeks to ensure humanity's survival through deliberate actions rather than reckless pursuits.

Hyperbole For Sale

The Liberal Patriot • 2279 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Election cycles are often filled with hyperbole and attempts to manipulate negative emotions
  2. Political discourse is increasingly polarized, with extreme rhetoric on both sides
  3. Reject political hyperbole by seeking out neutral information and engaging in civil discussions

About my smashed shed

Jeff Giesea • 359 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Events happen that we can't control, like storms or trees falling, but how we react to them can make a difference. We can shape some outcomes by our actions.
  2. American democracy is fragile right now, much like a damaged shed. It needs rebuilding and improvement to feel secure again.
  3. Choosing to engage in democracy and work together for reforms is essential. It's up to us to strengthen the system for the future, especially for the next generation.

The debt-laden Christchurch City Council NZ seems to have a spare $50K to splash out on a rainbow pedestrian crossing.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Christchurch City Council is considering spending $50,000 on a rainbow pedestrian crossing despite being in significant debt. This is seen as controversial given their financial situation.
  2. Rainbow crossings may not comply with regular traffic safety laws, posing potential confusion for both pedestrians and drivers. Standard zebra crossings are designed for clear road safety.
  3. There is a suggestion that the council should allocate funds to more pressing social issues, like supporting women’s shelters, instead of spending on symbolic projects like a rainbow crossing.

Ain't No Party Like an Administrative Burden Party

Can We Still Govern? • 251 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Turning boring admin chores into group “Admin Night” sessions makes them less daunting, more productive, and builds social support.
  2. Companies and tech often shift costs onto customers with self‑service systems and chatbots, making administrative burdens widespread across public and private services and extracting people’s time and money.
  3. Grassroots gatherings can raise awareness and create momentum for policy change, because reducing these time taxes needs incentives for firms and regulators to value people’s time.

Monthly Roundup #27: February 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Trust your instincts about people. If something feels off, it's often right to be cautious.
  2. Effective communication is important. It's better to express your true feelings rather than making up excuses.
  3. Having a strong sense of agency can help you take control of your life. Imagining what actions a more capable person would take can inspire you to act differently.

On Tyranny free resources

Thinking about... • 854 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. You can access free cards and posters that summarize lessons from 'On Tyranny'. You can print these resources and share them easily!
  2. The author encourages people to share the lessons freely, whether digitally or in person. It's important to spread knowledge about resistance and politics.
  3. There are also messages available for sharing on social media, promoting the lessons and their relevance for both individuals and educators.

Seattle's Most Remarkable Day

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
💾 History Civic engagement
  1. Seattle's citizens wanted a railroad to connect them to the rest of the country. After being rejected by the Northern Pacific Railroad, they decided to build their own railroad instead.
  2. On a notable day in 1874, the community came together to start building the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad, marking a moment of pride and determination.
  3. Although the railroad never reached its ambitious goals, it opened new opportunities for Seattle, particularly in coal supply, showing how local efforts can make a big impact.

They So Want To Be Heroes

Points And Figures • 1359 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. To be a true hero, you need to fight for a good cause based on strong principles. It's not enough just to act; your actions need to be rooted in what is right.
  2. Many people today think they are being heroic but are actually harming society. For example, defending illegal immigration or certain changes in sports can lead to bigger problems.
  3. Wasteful government spending is not an act of heroism. Many politicians defend this spending while enriching themselves instead of helping the citizens.

Obama on the male malaise: 8 takeaways

Of Boys and Men • 533 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. We need to change how we talk about boys and men. Instead of focusing on what's wrong, we should highlight what's right about them and support their growth.
  2. Having more men involved in boys' lives is really important. Dads and male role models help boys learn and grow in positive ways.
  3. It's crucial to fix the bigger issues affecting boys and men, not just blame them for problems. By supporting them, we also help everyone, including women and girls.

The Cooperative Competitor

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. People can work together really well when they’re on the same team, but they also compete hard when they’re on opposing teams. This mix is unique to humans.
  2. Political discussions often reflect different views on oppression or civilization. Each side uses language to show belonging to their group while pushing against the other.
  3. Our politics seems too focused on competition right now, which hurts cooperation. We should try to use our words to listen and understand rather than just to pick a side.

What Is To Be Done? Chronicling Our Future, as It Is Being Built.

Breaking the News • 1564 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. People are actively thinking and organizing for a better America after the recent election. They are focused on community-driven efforts and finding ways to reconnect with each other.
  2. A lot of initiatives are happening at the state and local levels, rather than just in Washington, D.C. It's these grassroots movements that often lead to real change.
  3. Learning from history is key. Past movements show that big changes come from the bottom up, and citizens working together can create a positive shift in the national mood.

Links for November

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Hosting a public conversation about science funding and peer review can open up important discussions about how science is evaluated and funded. It's a chance to explore the role of philanthropy in the scientific landscape.
  2. Encouraging a culture of giving through student donation matching can help support effective charities like the Against Malaria Foundation. This initiative could inspire similar efforts in other countries.
  3. Working as a researcher in a library can significantly enhance productivity compared to traditional open-plan offices. A shorter commute and quiet study environments can lead to better focus and more accomplishments.

‘The Bond of our Common Humanity...’

Breaking the News • 1244 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Jimmy Carter believed that unity and compassion among people can overcome fear and prejudice. It's important to focus on our shared humanity.
  2. Carter's grandson shared that the current political system has flaws that lead to division and extremism. He emphasized the need for civil discourse and understanding.
  3. Stories have power, and sharing personal experiences can bridge divides. We should connect over our common goals of peace and stability, no matter our political differences.

Election Countdown, 11 Days to Go: Reasons to be Brave.

Breaking the News • 1500 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. People should be brave and confident in their beliefs, especially during political campaigns. It's important to face challenges with determination and pride.
  2. Leadership and hope are powerful motivators for citizens. Most Americans want to strive for a better future together rather than succumb to negativity.
  3. Collaboration across political lines is essential. It’s crucial to focus on unity and the things we stand for, rather than getting lost in division and despair.

December 31, 2025

Letters from an American • 53 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement
  1. Deep gratitude for community support after a difficult year, and recognition that this support enabled continued work.
  2. A call for people to share how they helped preserve American democracy and what they hope for in 2026, urging everyone to keep building momentum.
  3. A tone of tiredness mixed with hope and confidence that the American people can build a better future, plus warm new-year wishes.