With the elimination of civics courses in schools and the rise of fear-driven political campaigns, many U.S. citizens may be left in a constant state of anxiety about the nation's direction. This anxiety can lead to impulsive decision-making and focusing on short-term solutions, undermining the pursuit of meaningful, long-term change. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial for overcoming these challenges.

For tips on how to drive change through civic engagement, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the founder of Street Civics, Dan Jasper.

Dan explores the civic transformation of the U.S. in recent decades, highlighting how these shifts influence the political landscape, citizen advocacy, and the importance of self-care in civic engagement.

This episode is a special edition of the Good Citizens Election Season Survival Guide designed to help restore common sense and sanity in a crazy world…

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Dan Jasper — Advocacy for Civic Engagement:

Civics is a critical element missing from our education system. {3:41}

Long election cycles benefit special interest groups and create weariness in citizens. {8:23}

A multi-faceted approach to civic engagement. {17:15}

How to make substantial changes through advocacy. {31:12}

Meet Our Guest:

Dan Jasper founded Street Civics, a practical and leading resource for activists, organizers, and citizen advocates when he noticed an information gap in civic education. 

Dan has worked at the local, state, national, and international levels for decades and has nonprofit experience working with organizations focused on global affairs, sustainable development, social justice, poverty alleviation, climate change, and peace-building issues. She empowers us with his gift of teaching civics in a user-friendly way that calls people to action.

“What has happened in the climate around us is that everybody is operating in fear. They are no longer assessing the candidates down ballot.” - Lisa Cypers Kamen 

For more discussion on civic engagement and citizen advocacy head over to www.harvestinghappiness.com!