National Civic Review Article Contribution Opportunities

Civic Technology Community Group,

Hello. I am pleased to share with the group some information about an opportunity to contribute articles to the National Civic Review (https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/national-civic-review/). Should this opportunity interest you, please find attached an author guidelines document.

Since 1913, the National Civic Review has published insightful essays, case studies, reports, book reviews, and updates on a variety of topics related to democratic governance, whether it was election reform, community-building efforts, participatory budgeting initiatives, diversity and equity innovations, or efforts to find better ways of running public meetings.

Calling for New Voices

While the National Civic Review boasts past contributions from governors, presidents, senators, esteemed community organizers, scholars, and journalists, they’re eager to expand their chorus. They’re on the lookout for fresh, diverse voices to craft readable and insightful articles that explore how communities innovate, engage with the public, and tackle pressing challenges. With a print and online audience of 135,000 readers, your voice will reach a wide and influential audience.

The National Civic Review’s Editorial Philosophy

The style of National Civic Review articles is informed but informal. They want to engage readers with accessible prose, providing them with useful information and intriguing ideas. However, it’s important to note that the National Civic Review does not follow a peer-review model. They are interested in your insights and perspectives as an author. The article’s primary purpose should be informative and journalistic, avoiding narrow partisanship or overt promotion. Authors are encouraged to share insights into their own work or the successes of affiliated institutions or organizations. Articles may advocate a particular practice or a policy approach, but the National Civic Review is neither a partisan mouthpiece nor an outlet for organizational PR.

Submission Details and Process

Editions of the National Civic Review are published in January, April, July, and October, with corresponding editorial deadlines set for December 1, March 15, June 15, and September 15.

To propose an article for the Review, email Mike McGrath at mikem@ncl.org . Include a concise idea description, a straightforward draft submission timeline, an estimated word count (ideally between 1,200 and 3,200 words), and briefly share your connection to the topic – whether you’re an expert, observer, advocate, researcher, practitioner, participant, or another role relevant to your perspective.

Contributing to Collective Knowledge: A Call to Action

At a time when the country is deeply divided and American democracy seems to be hanging in the balance, there has never been a better time to contribute to the country’s collective knowledge about grassroots, community problem-solving, and democratic governance. We encourage you to submit a proposal for an article in an upcoming edition of the National Civic Review.


Best regards,
Adam Sobieski