Leadership means curating and building communities that resonate, inspire, and create genuine buy-in. Local government managers excel at fostering these communities, pulling councilmembers, citizens, and local government employees into one cohesive whole. Recently, a quote trending on TikTok caught my attention: “Wanting a village requires being a villager.” The power of this statement lies in its call for self-reflection both locally and globally about the role each of us plays in our communities. 

Engaging citizens in their own communities has never been more challenging. With growing barriers, distractions, and disengagement, fostering genuine participation can feel nearly impossible. The question then becomes: How do we cultivate citizen engagement and inspire individuals to take pride in their village? 

This question sits at the intersection of leadership and community engagement particularly for local government managers. How can leaders intentionally use their strengths to model civic responsibility and invite younger generations into meaningful participation? There is no single formula for creating “villagers,” but there is a clear distinction that must be acknowledged:

Civic engagement does not happen passively. It must be built, encouraged, and sustained. 

If we want civic pride, trust in local government, and a responsive democracy, we cannot simply ask citizens to show up. We must give them something worth showing up for. Communities do not thrive because people belong to them; they thrive because people choose to invest in them. 

Being a villager means showing up, not just physically, but with intention and care. It means mentoring the next generation, supporting local initiatives, attending meetings, and lifting up the people around you. Each small act of engagement ripples outward, strengthening connections, building trust, and inspiring others to do the same. Civic involvement takes time and effort, but it is also deeply rewarding. Pride in a community grows not from obligation, but from active participation, and when people see the tangible impact of their contributions and feel their voice matters. 

If we commit to being villagers ourselves, we give others a reason to want to show up, to care, and to invest. In doing so, we transform communities from places where people live into places people love and take pride in, and democracy itself becomes alive at every doorstep. 

Local Government Reimagined Conference - Democracy and the Public Trust: Philadelphia, PA | May 13-15, 2026 

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American democracy, yet today’s public servants continue to face heightened polarization in their communities. This conference will celebrate the mission and work of ethical, professional local government management even in politically charged times.

Early Bird Ends March 30 – Save $100-$200