Articles explore these themes in further detail through an examination of the importance, often overlooked, of the civic sector in national policy debates; professional obstacles within academia that may be discouraging potentially beneficial partnerships between the civic sector and universities and institutions; and the growing need for foundations and local government to provide effective and comprehensive support to grassroots community organizations.
Also, in a special focus section on Civic Infrastructure, contributors argue that the mission of civic society to produce three types of capital--market, public, and social--opens up new possibilities for reconceptualizing the social contract and the kind of education we give our young people. They also explore "study circles" as a new tool for encouraging effective and lasting opportunities for civic engagement.