Civic engagement is at the heart of Coro’s work
As the elections on November 5 approach, we are reminded of the critical role thoughtful, committed civic leaders play at every level of governance. Coro was founded in the early 1940s to cultivate the courageous, values-based leadership that is essential to preserving and advancing our democratic principles. In response to the rise of authoritarianism, fascism, economic instability, and militarism, our founders asked these critical questions:
Can people govern themselves?
Can democracy arouse the kind of allegiance that totalitarian systems seemed to inspire?
Why are people so displeased with the governments they themselves have created?
From these questions, Coro created a program to foster “more effective citizen involvement and more capable political leadership.” Eight decades later, we continue to train, support, and connect leaders to ensure a thriving democracy and address society’s biggest challenges.
As we head into this election, we reflect on our work to strengthen and build the connective tissue of democracy — self-awareness, critical thinking, inclusion, communication, and collaboration. We understand that this work is not easy, but the bright vision of what is possible when we build this muscle as individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities, organizations, and government drives us forward. Let's hold on to this promise as we navigate this moment in our democracy, and consider our own civic engagement.
Coro training emphasizes the importance of asking hard questions, both of others and of ourselves, while critically analyzing and addressing the systems we interact with daily. As we approach the elections, we urge you to use your Coro skills to practice inquiry, lean into self-awareness, and stay engaged.
Thank you for your continued support and leadership.
With gratitude,
Natalie Samarjian, President and CEO, Coro Southern California
Laney Whitcanack, CEO, Coro Northern California
Paul Sorenson, UMSL Community Innovation & Action Center Co-Director, St. Louis Coro Fellowship
Selena Schmidt, Executive Director, Coro Pittsburgh
Garrett Lucien, Executive Director, Coro New York