36 Questions for Civic Love is a tool created by the National Public Housing Museum, based on psychologist Arthur Aron and Detroit-based organizer Grace Lee Boggs’ work. According to the NPHM, “Civic Love is one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. It is a belief in the idea that we’re all better off, when we are all better off. We manifest Civic Love through all kinds of actions—volunteering, marching, speaking against systemic injustice, making reparations—and always with the love itself is the emotional heart of the work.”
This activity allows participants to explore how Civic Love has appeared in their lives and how they can apply the lens of Civic Love to their communities.
Things to Think About
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For the Facilitator
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Participants may think of community in varied ways and have different frameworks in mind when they consider what/where their community is.
- How will you encourage a shared and open dialogue amongst the group
The aim of this activity is to encourage an open space where participants can share as deeply as they choose and analyze their past and current experiences in community.
- What physical location will be most helpful in creating a hospitable environment?
- What norms will you need to make the space feel accessible to all participants?
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For the Participant
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This activity will rely on willingness to explore, share, and be in community with others.
- How will you challenge yourself to be open with the group?
Hearing others’ past or current experiences and positions and sharing our own can be difficult and can bring up unexpected feelings or emotions.
- How will you take care of yourself during this activity?
Members of the Princeton University community use the 36 Questions for Civic Love over dinner. Photo by: Lydia Owens.
Instructions
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For the Facilitator
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Begin by grouping or pairing all participants. Provide each group with a copy of the 36 Questions for Civic Love.
Direct participants to go through the questions at their own pace, trying their best to hit all of them and not to shy away from “deeper” material.
Optionally, facilitators can set a halfway timer to signal when participants should move from the first half of the questions to the second half.
Facilitators can join groups or round out pairs to ensure that everyone has access to a fulfilling conversation.
There is no specific time limit for the event, but 1.5 to 2 hours is the suggested time to give participants space for all questions.
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For the Participant
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Move through the questions in your own time, but do try to engage with as many as you are able.
Challenge yourself to be bold and authentic in your answers and leave your comfort zone in the questions you select and the response they generate.
Measurement
What are some signs that might let you know this activity was meaningful for participants?
- Keep an eye out for robust conversations and note moments where you as a facilitator are needed to support or reengage any conversations.
- Consider if a feedback form or anonymous survey would be helpful in gathering additional information from participants. How can they share their experience with you?