public square, commons

The CivicMinded Companion

public square (commons) - any place--physical, electronic, or metaphorical--where citizens gather to express their opinions and exchange views about community concerns. >> FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY, SOAP BOX, BLOG, SOCIAL CITIZENS

>> Connections <<

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution



Puget Sound Off - "a youth-driven website which provides Seattle area youth with a forum for discussion, artistic expression, and action as a way to empower and encourage them to develop a strong public voice." A project of Engaged Youth/Center for Communication and Civic Engagement, Seattle - "exploring how informal online environments can effectively engage the citizenship and learning styles of younger generations."



The Public Square at the Illinois Humanties Council "fosters debate, dialogue, and exchange of ideas about cultural, social and political issues with an emphasis on social justice. Our programs promote participatory democracy by creating space for public conversations."