The Citizen Service

Reminder! The Plainfield Public Library has reopened, and the Plainfield Civic Trust will be holding its monthly trust meetings there once again, starting July 7th :)

At The Citizen Service, we remember Juneteenth—a day that reminds us that freedom is not just something we inherit, but something we strengthen through action.
The progress we honor today was made possible by everyday people who chose to step forward, serve their communities, and create change. That same opportunity belongs to each of us.
We believe stronger communities are built when citizens come together to solve problems, lead with purpose, and turn concern into action.
This Juneteenth, honor the legacy of those who came before us by taking the next step toward civic leadership. Join our Leadership and No-Blame, Problem-Solving training and become part of the solution. Click the link in our bio!
The future of our communities starts with what we choose to do today.

The Plainfield Civic Trust is excited to recommence meetings in the newly renovated Plainfield Public Library! If you are a Plainfield Trustee, resident of Plainfield and its surrounding area, or simply interested in attending a Civic Trust Meeting, make sure to stop by on July 7th at 6pm. Dinner will be served 🤭

Last week in Downtown Newark, we celebrated something powerful: Newark as a model Civic City—and a model we believe can inspire communities across America. A Civic City is not born; it is built by the people. By residents who step forward to lead. By educators who invest in the next generation. By institutions that embrace collaboration. And by public leaders who recognize that the strongest solutions come from working alongside citizens.

We would be remiss not to thank our long-time supporter, PSEG, and Calvin Ledford Jr., for allowing us the space to host a powerful and moving event. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to Newark Council President Larry Crump for taking the time to not only express your support for the Newark Civic Trust and the Civic City movement, but also for listening to the experiences of our Wilhelmina Holder Fellows, Nathan Duguid, Kalani Durham, and Lakita Lloyd.

To all those who attended, and all those who have walked alongside us over the years, the movement is only beginning! Newark has shown what is possible. Now it's time to bring the Civic City model to communities across America.

Say hello to our 2026 Wilhelmina Holder Fellowship graduates! The Wilhelmina Holder Fellows will undoubtedly carry No-Blame Power into every room they enter. They have shown all of us what it looks like to boldly seek out solutions, to lead with pragmatism and compassion, and to show up for your community without waiting for permission. Shout out to the Newark Civic Trust for welcoming these young civic trustees with open arms!

Big news 🎉

We’re proud to announce Newark native Rashawn Davis as Executive Director of The Citizen Service.

Rashawn will lead the charge in building something our country urgently needs: a movement where everyday Americans have the tools, confidence, and opportunity to work together to strengthen their communities—and our democracy.

This is how we rebuild trust.
This is how we find common ground.
This is how citizens lead.

Welcome, Rashawn—we’re ready.