Civics Unplugged 🚀 (@civicsunplugged)

Here are our upcoming events in the next few months at CU?

💡 Our Civic Innovators Fellowship will run virtually from September to November, and applications are open now through September 1st!

📚 The Civic Innovation Academy is an in-person experience in Austin, TX from November 16th to 19th and applications are open now through September 29th!

💻 Stay tuned for updates on our Digital Rights Fellowship if you're interested in all things tech and civics.

🌎 Our Climate Innovators Fellowship will run virtually from February to April, with applications opening in December. This unique program will equip fellows with the substantive and technical knowledge to address climate issues and build skills and connections for a career in climate work!

Learn more and apply to be part of these awesome events at the link in our bio!

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Heading to college this fall and looking for your next read? Our alumni have a few awesome recs...

📔 Shreya (CU '23) recommends The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a poignant but easy-to-read modern classic! The story follows Santiago, a boy searching for treasure in the pyramids of Giza—while building relationships and discovering himself along the way. The Alchemist explores themes of perseverance and appreciating the journey, which makes it a perfect read for any incoming college students.

📖 Mariem (CU '22) suggests Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali. As the title may suggest, the book tackles identity and belonging through the eyes of Janna, a Muslim American teenager. Janna faces harassment from other students while struggling with balancing her romantic interests with her religious beliefs and navigating her parents' divorce. Saints and Misfits is a great dive into the raw, real teenage experience, so pick up a copy at your local library before heading off to school!

📚 Indrakshi (CU '21) recommends The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Even if you've read it in an english class before, this classic is well worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time! This book has a unique take on growing up, told from the perspective of a 16-year-old who has just been expelled from school. Widely considered one of the great American novels, The Catcher in the Rye is an awesome coming-of-age read.

📘 Lillian (CU '20) suggests On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden. A graphic novel set in space, this unique story about growing up and finding love is a must-read for anyone trying to find themself. Emotional, succinct, and poignant, On a Sunbeam packs a punch with its visual storytelling and relatable characters, making it a great book for anyone starting their next chapter (pun definitely intended).

Whether you want to challenge yourself with some tough topics this summer, or just kick back and enjoy a book with a relatable protagonist, we hope you'll enjoy these recommendations!

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Spotted! Our Co-Founder Josh Thompson doing what he does best, talk about Civics Unplugged. This past June, he testified at the Vatican on behalf of CU!

The event he spoke at, Humanizing Networks: Human Fraternity in the Digital Age, centered around discussing the Catholic Church's role in the future of technological ethics.

Years ago when CU came to life he posed the question: “Who will lead an intergenerational community that invests time, money, resources, love, and energy to build the largest mixed digital and in real life community around systems thinking and building?”

The answer: Civics Unplugged

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Hey fam! Check out Saoirse in her element, taking a break from the chaos and embracing the zen vibes of Mother Nature. 🌿🌸

Whenever Saoirse steps back into nature, she's reminded of not just the importance of taking care of the Earth but about how systemic it is in all aspects of our lives.

She's fighting for a planet that is more equitable in every way, you in?

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👀💡 Tired of feeling burnt out all the time? Don't stress!

It's not you, it's your time management skills! 🔥💼 We've got your back this Mental Health Month with tips on how to prioritize your time and tools to make the most out of every day.

Feel refreshed, relaxed, focused, and ready to take on the world. 🙌🏼💪🏼

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Are you tired of setting "Smart Goals" and ending up feeling dumb for not achieving them?

Ready to crush your goals? 🚀🌟 It's all about setting realistic expectations and taking actionable steps to achieve them. Tune in to learn some tips and tricks on how to set goals that you can actually achieve and feel proud of.

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Don't be a self-hater!! 👋🏼🧠 Say goodbye to negative thoughts and hello to a positive mindset! 💭💪🏼 It's all about changing your perspective. Why think "I'm lazy," when you can reframe to "I need more rest." It's all about the power of thought, and your mind is one powerful manifester. So, treat it kindly. We got more tips from where those came from.

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Listen up for big learnings! CU alumni spilled the tea on the books that have empowered them and it's a total game-changer!🔥 Support small and head over to your local bookstore to grab your copies📚

📖 @saiorse_exton: Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel
📖 Allison: Factfulness by Hans Rosling
📖 @thezoejenkins: The Case Against Education: Why the Education System is a Waste of Time and Money by Bryan Caplan
📖 Jonah: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
📖 Lillian: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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What should you do if you get asked a tough question in an interview? Freak out, of course! JK, don't do that. Take a breath, you've got this.

You are here for a reason, you don't always need to justify your career path. Own it and believe it.

We'll make sure you're ready to answer all the questions thrown at you with confidence. Save this post so you're always on point for your interviews. You don't have to get ready if you stay ready 💯

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How does a person find themselves? Discovering yourself is a lifelong process! We asked CU alumni, Patience, what she loves to do to learn more about herself, her passions, and how they guide her to who she wants to be. Her responses were motivating and inspired us to get up & groove, write, and research.

How do you find your transcendence?

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At CU we don't believe in starting a non-profit only to have your name behind it! We want you to walk the walk. CU is combatting “nonprofit clutter” by helping our Fellows create projects for the right reasons and putting suitable systems in place!

Starting a non-profit for the wrong reasons AKA for ego, yourself, for college submissions and purely to get your name out there won't work.

We do things a little differently at CU. We care about making an impact for the greater good, not for recognition. When you apply for project support, we help you start projects that are intentional, meaningful, and unique.

If you're into this, make sure you follow us and apply for some of our programs! Have any Qs? Hit us up in our DM's ✌️

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Changing the world is never easy. Thankfully, with our strong community at #civicsunplugged anything is possible. We train every CU changemaker to be strong in their vision, convictions, and determination to get it done. Doing it together makes us stronger 💪

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This video makes our ❤️s happy. We asked some of our CU alumni what they took away from their time learning with us, and their answers are music to our ears.

Are you ready to fall in love with being a leader? We're ready to show you how.

Link to description: https://cucrew.notion.site/Biggest-takeaway-from-CU-83203fcc906a47c3a0b6d5c6e714043f

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Stop being an iPad kid.

You’ve watched the story time TikToks next to 5 minute craft videos in 3x speed. You’ve played Animal Crossing while trying to binge Euphoria. You’ve pulled out your phone when you’re with your friends because there’s a two-second lull in the conversation.

With the rise in accessibility of technology and constant exposure to over-stimulation, a lot of teenagers and young adults struggle to pay attention for even relatively short periods of time. This has severe consequences to physical, intellectual, and mental health, and is impacting nearly an entire generation of young people—yourself included, probably.

So what can you do about it? Touch grass. Literally.

It may be easier said than done for some people, but getting outside, and setting goals for yourself to limit your screen time can result in drastic improvements for your mental health, and your attention span.

Sources:

https://www.theoxfordblue.co.uk/tiktok-and-the-death-of-the-attention-span/

https://www.wyzowl.com/human-attention-span/

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Have you heard of the Alameda High School Strike? We've got you with this historic fun fact!

On March 6th, 1936 over 2,000 students went on strike in order to get their beloved Superintendent rehired. Their strength sparked a legacy of students making their feelings heard by faculty and people in educational power through walk-outs. It's your education. You have a voice in how it should be delivered to you.

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When we say we pay it forward, we mean that sh*t. Watch how our Pay It Forward mentality has some crazy ripple effects that truly have the power to change the world. 💪

Link 🔗: https://cucrew.notion.site/Pay-it-forward-culture-b0935f60f7824f2fa6474c55fd0cdfa5

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Civics Unplugged 🚀

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🗽 Gen Zers building the future of democracy 📚 New civics videos every week