Is “Civic Engagement” the Wrong Phrase? ft. Gabe and Lennon

How do different generations talk about showing up in civic life?

In this episode of The Civic Generation, Gabe Lerner, founder of Democracy Notes, and Lennon N. Jackson of Howard University share how they each came to this work—and why they don’t always use the same words to describe it. Lennon feels strongly about “civic engagement” through her family’s experience in the Civil Rights Movement, while Gabe relates to a more hands-on, “roll up your sleeves” mindset.

They get into the difference between curiosity and othering, and what it looks like to try to understand someone else without jumping to conclusions. This conversation shows how language shapes the way people across generations can connect or miss each other entirely.

What is The Civic Generation?

The Civic Generation is a limited podcast series exploring what happens when curiosity & generations meet.
We’re bringing together young leaders and seasoned changemakers for honest conversations about democracy, identity, and the future we’re building together.
This isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about learning.
If we’re going to reach 20 million young people building bold civic solutions, generations must work differently together. This is what that sounds like.