Welcome to
CASUAL
CIVICS CONVERSATIONS
Maybe you followed the QR code, or obtained a CCC pamphlet, but the best way we can bridge the absence of good civics practices in the community is for you to participate and encourage others to accompany you. At this time, we are extending sites, days, and times for CCC gatherings throughout the ten City districts. We have invited commitments from hosts who operate and maintain commercial locations or other physical places to inquire about sharing regular hospitality within your space monthly for about an hour. Offering a welcoming location to our host list encourages democratic practices within the City.
The City Charter questions on the ballot were approved but discussions of those changes would be timely in the months ahead. Civic engagement of other neighbors becomes possible as well to comprehend the needs, issues or concerns that are present. Conversations are helpful to understand the viewpoints of other citizens, whether they have voted or not. That is another discussion for another day: how to engage with citizens more regularly such that the 90% of registered voters feel a call to become more informed about one or more City issues and prepare for future elections.
Time will tell.
Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Good Citizens
US Bill of Rights
Please consider the meaning of each, enumerated, right or
power to your role as a human: a US resident, citizen, worker,
taxpayer, law observer. How many do you depend upon
daily?
1. Freedom of speech, a free press, to peaceably assemble, and to petition government for redress of grievances. Freedom of religion.
2. Authorizes well-regulated militia, necessary for state security. Right of the people to keep and bear arms.
3. Provides a property owner with a right not to consent to quartering soldiers in their home in times of peace.
4. Citizens have the right to security of person, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure; except by sworn document supporting a warrant and specifying place, person, and thing to be seized.
5. Right to grand jury for indictments of capital crimes; rule against facing ‘double jeopardy;’ right to ‘plead the fifth’ in court-against compelling testimony against self; rule honoring ‘due process of law;’ rule against private property taken without just compensation.
6. Right to a speedy trial, with punctual, impartial jury; right to
information about accusations and witnesses; right to defense
counsel.
7. Right to a trial by jury in civil suits valued at greater than $20.
8. Right to reasonable bail, fines, and punishment.
9. Rights not specifically in the US Constitution that may be
unexpressed and among those retained by the people.
10. Powers that are not delegated to the US government by the
Constitution and reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
If you are eligible and registered locally, and fail to provide
an informed vote at every opportunity, what does that say
about your appreciation of the above rights? What do you
think of your voiceless status? How are you practicing
democratic activity otherwise ?
The Bill of Obligations -Ten Habits of Good Citizens
by Richard Haass, Penguin, (2023)
OBLIGATIONS:
1. Be Informed: Barack Obama, “Democracy doesn’t work if we don’t
have an informed citizenry.” Reading. Reflection. Conversations.
2. Get Involved- Democracy depends on ‘rule by the people’ rather
than ‘of the people.’ Vote for all ballot candidates, be INFORMED.
Pursue oversight. Governance is not a ‘spectator sport.’
3. Stay Open to Compromise-See that necessary work results in
action. Principle of mutual concession. Seek balance.
4. Remain Civil- Manners. Respect. Courtesy. Politeness. Community over chaos. Control passion. View presentations you disagree with.
5. Reject Violence-Restricted use of armed force against others by
individuals FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES upholds the ‘rule of law.’
6. Value Norms- Unwritten traditions, rules, customs, conventions,
codes of conduct, practices that reduce friction. Furnishings that
frame the laws and structure of Democracy.
7. Promote the Common Good- A stake in the overall well-being of
the community. Inescapable network of mutuality-well beyond
“rugged individualism.” Equal opportunity not outcomes. Fairness.
8. Respect Government Service -Imperfect or flawed government
must suggest better and active expertise in governance values.
9. Support the Teaching of Civics- Like the Service Academies do to
avoid a ‘civics deficit’ worse than any ‘budget deficit.’ Why has public
school education been crowded out from core intellectual curricula,
basic, remembered civics instruction? Instruction in practicing the
habits of democracy!
10. Put Country First – Before party and person. Human nature
requires guardrails if our ‘better angels are to prevail’ in all branches
and levels of government. John F. Kennedy’s, PROFILES IN
COURAGE, stories of eight Senators who used personal virtue and
character in service of the national interest as motivation for action
rather than personal or political gain.
“Join, or Die”: A Symbol of Unity and Civic Responsibility
Benjamin Franklin’s famous “Join, or Die” cartoon first appeared in 1754, showing a snake cut into pieces representing the American colonies. The image warned that the colonies had to unite or risk falling separately, becoming one of the earliest and most powerful symbols calling for colonial unity in American history.
This is what we are about. Casual Civics Conversations brings residents together around a shared interest in how their city is governed. It creates a space where neighbors can share observations about their community, listen to one another, and turn those conversations into meaningful civic engagement.
These conversations help residents recognize their collective voice and the power they hold—not only to participate in local decision-making, but to provide community oversight of elected officials, ensuring transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity for everyone in the community.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Casual Civics Conversations @ URSA GallerySat, Mar 14Bridgeport- Casual Civics Conversations @ Woods End DeliSat, Mar 21Bridgeport
- Casual Civics Conversations @ Fruta JuiceSat, Mar 28Bridgeport
- Casual Civics Conversations Presents: CIVICS 101 @ Augustana HomesWed, Apr 08Augustana Homes
Helpful Links & Reads
Our Purpose
Casual Civics Conversations is dedicated to hosting engaging civic discussions for citizens of Bridgeport, CT. Our mission is to boost local election participation and provide resources for community members to engage meaningfully in civic matters.
Active Initiatives
Community Focused
Awareness
Raise city issues.
Meetings
Monthly meetings.
Outreach
Community connections.
