Community projects have helped citizens in two different types of communities strengthen democratic self-governing practices; an innovative pedagogy using the arts has taught children learning is enjoyment in school and with their elders in the community; an annual award recognizes individuals who courageously pursue justice for the common good; a lecture series on urgent public issues stimulates collective discourse; educational workshops, films and lectures are held to advance a more resourceful and self-reliant civic life, with a particular focus on locally-based economies, health care, farmers' markets, community gardens, and all such activity directed to meeting basic human needs