A CIVIC CLUB AT THE BLINN HOUSE
Good things begin when we gather.
Civitas is a place for civil discussion among a diverse and dynamic group of people who want to make a positive difference in the community.
WHY CIVITAS, WHY NOW
No more all-or-nothing thinking.
WHAT HAPPENS HERE
CLUB VALUES
Norms, not rules.
Before becoming a member, it’s important to understand the club. These are the foundational norms every member agrees to.
From homelessness and education to traffic and new development, communities today face complex challenges that can’t be solved with all-or-nothing thinking. Moving forward requires a thoughtful blending of approaches and creative solutions.
Too often people retreat to the safety of what they know, creating echo chambers that limit their engagement with those who think differently. There’s too much at stake to fall into that trap, so a diverse group of community leaders created Civitas: a space for civic-minded people to develop broader perspectives, have thoughtful conversations, and launch meaningful, collaborative efforts.
Conversation First. Collaboration follows.
Gather
Members from across Pasadena share tables, meals and evenings at The Blinn House, with planned events and plenty of unplanned ones.
LEADERSHIP
Discuss
Serious topics, candidly exchanged. The goal is a better understanding of the truth, not winning the debate.
Civil discussion is the name of the game
Exchange perspectives to understand, not to win. Incivility is never welcome; candor always is.
Spin Out
The club creates collisions. The projects and collaborations that come out of them live beyond Civitas, in the community.
Everyone is welcome at every table
Each member is responsible for making others feel welcome. Private conversations are the exception, not the rule.
Not for selling
Exchange perspectives to understand, not to win. Incivility is never welcome; candor always is.
Spontaneity stirs the drink
Planned events matter, but the best things come from happenstance among a diverse group.
No dress code. Seriously.
Wear what you like, with sensitivity to how it may be read by others.
No homework
Each member is responsible for making others feel welcome. Private conversations are the exception, not the rule.
Guests who share the mission
Bring guests and introduce them to our purpose, with discretion about how often and how many.
If it’s not social, it’s not Civitas
The club thrives when members simply want to be around each other.
Policy on political activities
To foster civil discussion and keep a balanced, nonpartisan perspective, the club does not endorse any political candidate or point of view.
Built by members, for members
Kim Burbank
Chair
PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
Blair Miller (Chair)
Rich Atwater
David Grannis
Kaya Haig
Wayne Hunt
Melissa Lee
Amanda McCarthy
Jim McCarthy
Lynne Sullivan
Jim McCarthy
Vice Chair & Programming
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Kim Burbank (Chair)
Blair Miller
Erin Simon
Andy Wilson
Founder
FOUNDING BOARD
Andy Wilson (Chair)
Jim McCarthy (Vice Chair)
Cynthia Kurtz (Membership)
Michael Williamson (Legal)
Kris Leslie (Finance)
Stefanos Polyzoides
Charlie Plowman
Armando Gonzalez
Sarah Dusseault
Jennifer Devoll
Nonprofit Leader
$250
Annual Dues
$250
Annual Dues
For leaders of small 501(c)(3) or faith-based organizations, typically under $1 million in annual revenue. Limited availability.
Members in good standing may add a spouse or partner at no additional cost. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; we’ll notify you by email. Civitas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
MEMBERSHIP
Standard
$500
Initiation, One Time
$500
Annual Dues
Pull up a chair.
Emerging Leader
$250
Initiation, One Time
$250
Annual Dues
For applicants aged [AGE RANGE — confirm]. Limited availability.