Profiles in Service: Exploring Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is proud to share Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth, the first magazine from the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement. This inspiring publication highlights how Virginians are strengthening democracy through everyday acts of service and leadership — from advocacy and education to environmental work, local governance, and trusted journalism. By featuring diverse leaders from communities across the Commonwealth, the magazine shows how civic responsibility can take many forms and make a real difference at the local level. This work beautifully aligns with NCDD’s mission to foster dialogue, deliberation, and inclusive engagement that bridges divides and builds trust. Read more in the blog post below.

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​The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) is pleased to highlight Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth, the inaugural magazine from the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement. This new publication offers an inspiring window into the diverse ways Virginians are strengthening democracy through everyday acts of civic leadership and community service.

A Broader Look at Civic Engagement

This briefing document reviews the main themes and important ideas presented in Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth. At its core, the magazine reveals that civic leadership is not confined to public office or politics — it takes many forms, from direct advocacy and education to environmental stewardship, local governance, and community journalism.

Readers will find an impressive cross-section of leaders, including Rodrigue Makelele, an advocate for immigration and refugee issues in Harrisonburg; Amber Wilt, a voting advocate in Winchester; Kirsten Ponticelli, who champions environmental causes in Loudoun County; and Schuyler VanValkenburg, a Henrico County teacher who also serves as a state senator. This wide range of profiles demonstrates how civic responsibility is woven into the fabric of communities large and small — from Virginia Beach to Petersburg, Leesburg to Louisa County.
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What connects these stories is a shared commitment to addressing pressing local needs — whether that’s food security, public education, trusted local journalism, or civic education. Some leaders, like Schuyler VanValkenburg, embody civic leadership that bridges multiple spheres, reminding us that community impact often grows at the intersection of roles and responsibilities.

Connecting to NCDD’s Mission

The Madison Center’s vision aligns beautifully with NCDD’s commitment to dialogue, deliberation, and inclusive community engagement. By lifting up stories of everyday leaders and creating “on-ramps” for more people to see themselves as civic actors, the Center helps expand what’s possible when we come together across differences. Their work is a reminder that democracy flourishes when communities are empowered to lower the temperature, bridge divides, and focus on what they hold in common.

For the NCDD network and beyond, this magazine is a testament to the power of storytelling to strengthen democratic culture and civic trust. It is a call to action for all of us to cultivate spaces where diverse perspectives can be heard, respected, and translated into meaningful community solutions.
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We encourage you to explore Civic Leadership in the Commonwealth and discover how you can help build a more engaged, equitable, and collaborative future for your own community: https://lnkd.in/dszqEzek