What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up.

In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County.

Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small moments, even handing out freeze pops, into lasting community change.

Together, they discuss barriers to civic participation, the importance of resident voice, and why strong communities depend on deep listening and shared ownership.

If you care about community organizing, neighborhood leadership, or active citizenship in Flint, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.

Visit cfgf.org to get involved. 

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