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The Policy Circle advanced its mission to inform, equip, and connect women to be more impactful citizens by launching its new Faith and Civic Life focus. The initiative was officially unveiled during a symposium held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The event featured a fireside chat with Policy Circle Co-founder Sylvie Légère and Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin.
Gov. Youngkin shared his personal experiences of integrating faith into his public life, telling an audience of policy experts, faith leaders, and community members that he regularly prays about his legislative decisions. He emphasized the importance of empowering faith-based organizations to help address societal challenges. “Faith communities have a natural role in fulfilling duties of service,” said Dee Dee Bass Wilbon, founder of Bass Public Affairs, who leads a Policy Circle in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. “We should empower faith organizations to be part of the solutions for community problems.”
Virginia’s first family reflected on their belief that faith-based organizations are uniquely positioned to provide support to those in need, from food and housing services to mentorship and educational opportunities.
The symposium marked the launch of The Policy Circle’s new Faith and Civic Life brief, which explores how faith, civic engagement, and community-building intersect. Faith has long been recognized as a cornerstone of civic life, especially in the United States, where religious institutions have historically played a pivotal role in shaping social bonds and fostering civic responsibility. From Frederick Douglass’ faith guiding principles in the abolitionist movement to Julius Rosenwald’s faith guiding principles in the early 20th century, we see evidence of faith and civic engagement combining to create noble solutions in American society.
The Policy Circle's brief delves into this rich history, highlighting how early American communities, such as the Pilgrims and settlers, relied on faith-based networks to form the foundation of their civic life. As religious and civic organizations came together, they laid the groundwork for a tradition of service that continues today.
However, the brief also addresses the challenges facing faith-based civic engagement in modern society, noting a decline in social capital and participation in civic groups since the late 20th century. Faith-based organizations, like churches, mosques, and synagogues, often fill the gaps left by these declines, offering not only essential services but also fostering a sense of belonging and civic duty among their members.
The Policy Circle encourages women to gather in small groups to read and discuss the policy briefs, sparking conversations about the importance of community engagement. The organization stresses that civic participation is not reserved for policy experts but is accessible to anyone with a conviction to improve their community.
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