Reach Higher for a Better Nation
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A ‘Stroke of Genius’ in Civic Life: What America’s Story says About the ‘Movement of a People’ in Advancing our Nation’s Standing
If you’ve been watching the March Madness championships, there’ve been a bunch of exciting games. The finals results are in, not just in overall winners, but also in TV viewership. Outside of politics, it’s clear that sports events get lots of attention in the grand scheme of things as a nation. We all like to… Read more
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Brainstorming for America: Turning Lows to Highs, Step-back to Comeback and Downtime to Primetime in Civic Engagement
It was the scrolling alert on the TV screen and smart phone. Lebron James crossed the 40,000 points scoring mark. It’s a first for a pro basketball athlete. But even before that hit the wire, there was the NFL scouting combine with a new record in the 40-yard dash. While the NFL season is in… Read more
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Breaking Down America’s Score in 2024: An Up-Close Look at What Makes Us Tick, As Others Abuse ‘False Hope’ or Shady Trick
It’s official, the ‘big game’ is coming to New Jersey. FIFA officials announced that the 2026 World Cup Soccer final will be played at MetLife Stadium in Secaucus. With soccer as the most popular global sport, according to the World Atlas, the rounds of matches leading to the finals are sure to draw major media… Read more
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A Promise to ‘We the People’ and Our America: New Year, New Wake-up Call on Working Shoulder-to-Shoulder for Social Impact
Well, the Top 10 list of best concerts in 2023 is out. Did your favorite artist make the cut? The obvious ones on the list come as no surprise, Pitbull, P!nk, Beyoncé Taylor Swift, and so on. But according to USA Today, U2 was the big winner. Their shows are seen less as a concert… Read more
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Get Smart on the Issues Thru Media and Civic Events: A Deeper Dive for America’s Best Days or Worst Nightmare
It’s the holiday season and word on the street is that Santa Claus is coming to town! As the ‘bearded one’ makes his way from yonder, many get into the cheer of the season. Meanwhile, others are excited ‘bout the College Football Playoff line-up, Beyoncé’s Renaissance movie release, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film or the… Read more
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Moving Towards Our Civic Destiny: 4 Ways to Take Action on the Block or Make a Difference in Your Hometown
Is this a good time for some holiday trivia as we move into the festive season? First question, after Halloween comes…Thanksgiving or Christmas? Well, the answer might depend on where you shop. Back in the day there was a sense that Christmas could wait until after Thanksgiving. These days, holiday decorations are on display long… Read more
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This is How You Do ‘Public Good’: To Prevent the Sinking of Democracy, Spreading of Demagoguery and Killing the Soul of the Nation
Well, word on the street and in sports media is that the NFL’s got a problem. The season’s primetime schedule includes many games featuring the NY Jets. But the injury to Aaron Rodgers has put the league in a bind. While that story got big media coverage earlier, it’s now eclipsed in pop culture by… Read more
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The Road Less Traveled in Social Impact: A ‘Retail Civics’ Guide to Tamp-Down the Miseducation in America
It’s back-to-school season! Many already begun taking notes and prepping for their first skills test in the classroom or on the field. Parents, teachers and admins might have fresh ways to make sure students are ready for the school year. There could even be a catchy phrase that’s kinda back-of-mind motivation, like one made popular… Read more
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A History-Making Reason for Being a Better Nation: Why Dr. King Had a Dream Rooted in the American Dream
Checked your calendar lately? As civil rights organizations and professional service groups wrap-up their national conventions, women’s World Cup soccer squads ramp-up their play. Teams from all over the world are competing for the grand championship of women’s sports. The US women who’ve already made history, have set their sights on making even more. But… Read more
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(Part 3) The Hometown Effect of ‘Field Work’ to Impact a New Season of America: Making Waves from Coast to Coast that Move Us to the Next Level
In the blink of an eye, America went from a moment of cheering to one of jeering. First it was with news of a perfect game in major league baseball by Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán. Such a feat happens few and far between. Then came word that the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action with… Read more
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(Part 2) The Hometown Effect of ‘Field Work’ to Impact a New Season of America: Making Waves from Coast to Coast that Move Us to the Next Level
Well, the results are in! After final exams the class of ’23 took the stage to receive their diplomas. As they look back over the past few years of Covid disruption, there’s a sense of relief and exhilaration. Each graduate might remember the touch-and-go moments that kept them sleepless at night or restless in the… Read more
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(Part 1) The Hometown Effect of ‘Field Work’ to Impact a New Season of America: Making Waves from Coast to Coast that Move Us to the Next Level
Is it too soon to talk training camp? Might depend on whether you play the game or not a fan of the game. With the WNBA things are jumping-off now, while for the NFL it’s only a few weeks away. Both leagues recently had the Draft where newcomers got picked for their dream spot. The… Read more
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What Kind of America Would You Like to See and Live In? Charting a 3-Year Course to Get Us from Here to There or Somewhere Near
It’s been three years since Covid-19 was first declared a pandemic. When NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced initial steps to manage the expected surge of cases in the State’s health system, many were unsure where we were headed. Recently, we got word the U.S Department of Health’s pandemic declaration is set to expire soon. So… Read more
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Wish Upon a Star in Civics & Community: A Lit Approach towards ‘A New America’ of Social-Edge Issues Over Wedge Issues
Heard about the new craze in the tech world? It’s a feature that allows you to chat with an app using a few keywords, and have it give you an answer. There’s concern among biz leaders and education administrators of the potential impact. Some worry about students turning in classroom assignments they didn’t write or… Read more
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The Hottest Field of Dreams in America: For Having a Good Handle of the Issues Whether Cross Country or Cross Cultural
If you missed the news (or maybe you’re not a fan)… we’re living in two Americas! The most basic example is AFC vs NFC. As people gear-up for the Superbowl, we find folks rooting for one side or the other, Kansas City or Philly. For some, this event is the ultimate ‘field of dreams’ in… Read more
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The New Year Do-Over Checklist: Paging Those In Town & Country Who’re Ready to Do America Some Good
It was the most thrilling World Cup soccer final in history! But don’t take my world for it, just checkout the video highlights. Two countries vying for top-dawg international status in the sport, ended-up with penalty kicks determining the winner. Ok, in terms of excitement, the Peach Bowl game between Georgia and Ohio State is… Read more
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Where Do We Go From Here? Let’s Get Real Clear on Moving Dreams & Culture into Next Gear!
This is a spoiler alert! The latest Black Panther movie is in theaters, as the Wakanda nation went through some changes while making new moves. First, they spent time regrouping after the passing of their beloved leader T’Challa (previously played by Chadwick Boseman). There was internal squabbling within the inner circle (i.e. among their caucus,… Read more
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The Corner Store Debate: A Window into What’s Poppin’ in America and Why Some are So Polarized
Some folks can’t stop talking about Pickleball! It’s said to be the fastest growing sport in America. As a cross between tennis and ping pong, even pro athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James have invested in upstart teams. But this might not be something you’ll hear discussed at a campaign debate between political candidates… Read more
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Siding With America and the Dream: Let’s Get Past Civic Battle Scars Like the Founding Fathers Did After the Revolution
It sounds like Apple has done it again! There’s a new set of iPhones on the market starting from the basic upgrade to the most sophisticated pro edition. From glancing over the release notes checklist and public comments, there’re some who’re excited about the new features. There’re others (even those from the Samsung world) who… Read more
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Major Turn in How We Roll as ‘We the People’: Gotta ‘Color Your World’ to Rock the Game on Today’s Issues
It’s being billed as the ‘next battle of the ages.’ In one corner is ‘Game of Thrones’ and in the other ‘Lord of the Rings’. The media shops that produce these mega programs now have spin-offs catching fire in the streaming world. This lines-up with recent news revealed by Nielsen’s TV ratings on how overall… Read more
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4 Things to Unite us as a Nation: Taking a page from America’s Journey of ‘Hope & Change’ That’s Hard to Deny
The Beyoncé buzz is spreading! With her latest album release, some say it’s got a throwback vibe. Others are connecting with the hip-hop flava while many love the club energy. And that’s just a drop in the bucket of what’s posted on social about her ‘Renaissance’ project. But there’s something else with queen Bey’s music… Read more
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Independence Day Rewind for the Culture: Let’s Make Things Plain So Folks Aren’t Played the Fool Anymore!
Doing it for the good of America!
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America’s Got a Root Cause Problem: We Gotta Go from An Outdated Way of Seeing the Constitution to An Updated Way of Living Our Best Life!
It’s the graduation season as young and older prepare to move to the next level. Kindergartners to first grade, elementary to middle, middle to high, high to college and college to the real world. There’s a real expectation that some things will change while some other things remain kinda the same. This might be a… Read more
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#HometownStrong Comebacks from the North to the South of America: What’s it Gonna Take to Have a ‘Socially Healthy’ Civic Life Beyond Red Flag News Stories
If you’ve ever watched Steph Curry warm-up before a game, it’s a kinda pre-show itself. He’ll do drills in dribbling one, two or more balls at the same time. He’ll take 3-point shots from different spots on the court. He’ll even take some from almost the half-court line. It’s as if he’s getting ready for… Read more
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How SAIC’s Civic Life Tourney Empowers Local Players & Game-Changers, Where Success at Being Community Best Is a Real ‘Sizzle’ Test!
Who knew Rock music is America’s favorite genre? According to results of a CBS News poll, 32% of Americans pick Rock as first choice, followed by Pop at 15% and then Hip Hop at 14%. Those results apply to a general audience of any age. For those under 30, Hip Hop’s mainstream, #1 all the… Read more
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The Emerging Hometown Debate on How to Make Culture Relevant Beyond Hashtags, Street Protests and Viral Slogans/Videos
Guess What Some Americans Used to Do to Bring Smarts, Swag and Status to their Social Game?
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What Black History Month Might Mean for a 2026 America: 4 Keys on Having Next Level Civics at the Forefront of Culture
Who’s ready for the call? Well, it depends on whether you watch the Superbowl for the commercials, the halftime show, the game itself or some combo. After a teaser on social media, the halftime show’s producers were hyping it as the best 12-minute music collab on stage. That’s less than a quarter in football play,… Read more
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(Part 2 of 2) America as The Social Capital of the World: But Are We on a Slip-Slide in Democracy as a Nation Towards Our Worst Instincts and Bad Side?
It’s a new year and by now Santa Claus made it back to his digs in the north. As folks settle-in for the winter months, there’s a flurry of sporting events that help us deal with short days and cold nights. For football fans, this season’s slate of bowl games kept them on edge due… Read more
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(Part 1 of 2) America as The Social Capital of the World: But Are We on a Slip-Slide in Democracy as a Nation Towards Our Worst Instincts and Bad Side?
Just after Halloween and before moving into Thanksgiving mode, word hit the airwaves that international travel restrictions would be lifted. It was one of the most welcomed news in months. Family members who were kept apart across the miles could visit one another again. When the first in-bound flight landed at JFK, it was sheer… Read more
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Thanksgiving and The Pilgrim’s Journey to America: What It Means Today for Having a Strong Voice in the Streets or Corporate Suites
Some retailers are beginning to worry if the Christmas holiday shopping season is gonna be a boom or bust. There’s been news of supply chain issues and ships stuck at sea waiting to be unloaded. One test-case for the holiday season will be the Black Friday gift-buying grab. But first there’s Thanksgiving Day when many… Read more
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The Sliding Scale of America’s Standing at Home and Abroad: Running Out of Trust or Filling-up on Hate Moves us Farther Apart
Can we build trust as a bridge, and momentum to crossover the cultural divide that needs civic repair?
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A Civic Leadership Assignment: Get the Best Score for a More Socially Healthy Way of Life as a Culture-Setter
It’s that time of year again! As classrooms and boardrooms return to their regularly scheduled programming, some think this go-around is gonna be different. There’re those focused on the back-to-school drill of lessons, labs and laps around the field/pool. And for others there’s the back-to-the-office skill that’s been working from home when the workplace was… Read more
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(Re)United by Civics in the Real World: With a Winning Spirit in Culture to Move Past Partisan Hang-ups and Social Flare-ups
Who’s ready to beat the virus? There’s growing concern that we’re not quite out the woods yet with Covid-19. The delta variant rate of spread is a cause for concern in many parts of the country. Why it’s become such a political football might take some time to unpack. But how about we focus on… Read more
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When History Calls: How Moments in Time Became Movements of a People
Maybe where you are, it’s one of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer. When the July 4th holiday rolls around you know that fireworks gonna be flying and temps gonna be soaring. When it’s behind us we’re in the dog days of hot weather. On those lazy days you just don’t feel like doing… Read more
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Smart Civics 101 and We the People: Influencing Culture in the Classroom, at Work or Your Field of Dreams
The tassels and caps are flying! Whether it’s in middle school through college or trade school, many graduates are taking their last strolls before leaving campus. With Covid being less of a factor there’s room to laugh, hug and for some maybe even twerk their way to the next stage in learning, work and life.… Read more
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Voices of Change in Communities: Fresh Hope and Clear Vision for a New Day in Civic Engagement
It’s the verdict people were waiting for from coast to coast. Some 25 million watched to see where things would come down regarding the death of George Floyd. The jury turned in a guilty verdict for the case. As the judge read the counts which surprised many, folks wondered if it was justice or a… Read more
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A Shift to Move Past Race, Gender and Equity Social Hangups that Will Have Us Thinking.. What a Change!
What a game (times 2)! First it was the NCAA men’s semi-final game that came down to three seconds and a buzzer beater from Gonzaga. Then it was the women’s championship game which also came down to a last second shot. But that time it didn’t drop in the basket. The thrill of victory and… Read more
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What We Learn from the Founding Fathers that Might Help us Deal with Cancel Culture and the Cultural Divide
Well, Perseverance has landed! That’s one way to describe the news when the mars rover made it to the far-out planet. We saw a collective sigh of relief and at the same time exhilaration of accomplishment in the reaction of the mission control team. Ever wondered what that feeling must be like? Their work involves… Read more
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Getting to the Heart & Soul of Roots & Culture as a Nation
A Better Sense for the American Journey through the lens of the ‘Black to America’ Story
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A Shot of Hope for Change to Get Past the Pandemic, Social Protests and Post-Election Drama!
Who’s ready to talk playoffs? Or maybe it’s the buzz around new TV shows that’s on some people’s minds? In college football the national championship game is set to be a kinda north vs south. In pro football, there’re a couple teams in the mix that hadn’t made the playoffs in years. Even with almost… Read more
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(Part 2) After We Vote: How We Move on From the Elections and Bring Change Whether Win, Lose or Flaws.
The holiday season is here! It’s usually a time of fun moments and festive cheer. But as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, there’re shifts and changes we’ve had to make when compared to past years. This is also a time that the ‘Year-in-Review’ news programs get rolled out. Some of us will do our best… Read more
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After We Vote: Where is History, Civics & Culture Gonna Take us As the U.S.A.?
How do you know if someone represents you or your issues? That’s the sort of question citizens face every time they vote. We’re trying to make a decision based on a combination of factors of person, party, platform and policy proposals. Sometimes a candidate might get support from celebs or other public figures to help… Read more
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The Ultimate Breakthrough in Next Gen Civics: When You’re Ready for Change and Realize America Can More Fully Live Up to Its Ideals
The countdown clock is off and running! Every four years the nation gets to vote for the highest office in the land. This time, it’s being billed as the most important decision in a generation, maybe even in our history. The conventions are done, the debates are ramping up along with the campaign ads to… Read more
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From the Office of ‘Citizen America’: To Bring Change in Each Classroom, Company, Community and County/Parish Along the Way for a Better Nation
Is the new school year gonna be cancelled? “Betta not” were the words from parents who’ve been dealing with the upheaval since Covid-19. “It needs to” were the words from those who feel 2020 gotta be cancelled. There’s been so much ups and downs, sad news and painful situations that they’ve had enough. Those who’re… Read more
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The Next Big Hometown Push from the Ground Up After Street Protests Fade
Folks Getting Locked-in on Squashing Biases, Reforming Systems and Living Their Best Life
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Back to Life Better: Writing a New Chapter in History, Civics & Culture that Sets the Stage for America’s Rebirth in Social Enterprise
Wanna have a #HometownStrong comeback on your block, boulevard, borough or boardroom? Gotta get through the ‘hometown rebound’ pre-season!
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The Chance to ‘See America In Color’ or ‘See America In Conflict’: Which Will Folks Choose for a Higher Level of Citizenship?
It’s midnight in America! What will folks see when the dust clears or at sunrise? That’s a question many are asking after events of the past few days and weeks. All this has been happening while dealing with the global Coronavirus pandemic. It’s also happening as the nation prepares to celebrate another Independence Day. People… Read more
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The Community Dance: Economic Restart, Hometown Rebound and the Road Back to Reopening Main Street
What’s it gonna take for ‘Hometown Rebound’ after Reopening Main Street?
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America Pride Override: 3 Ways Where Civic Engagement Brings Change on the Soup Lines and Troop Lines
Where were you when…? That’s a question often tied to major life moments. Whether on the local or national scene, there are social change markers when shifts happened in our day-to-day living. This may be where we find ourselves during the Coronavirus pandemic as cases spike and news of infections hit closer to home. At… Read more
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6 Categories of Scholarships, 17 Award Levels & Major Hometown Recognition for NJ Public School Students, Educators and Community Officials
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