By Vivian Phillips
Arkansas TV Intern
UCA Class of 2026. Journalism Major, Marketing Minor
Communities grow stronger when citizens exercise more than just their right to vote. In this episode of “A Braver Arkansas,” hosts Dr. Glen White and Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter sit down with Steve Saltwick, Senior Fellow of Braver Angels, to discuss what he calls building "civic muscle," the confidence and skills that come from solving problems together.
“A Braver Arkansas” airs Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
While government officials and institutions play an important role in addressing community challenges, Saltwick argues that lasting change often begins with citizens willing to get involved. Through the Citizen-Led Solutions model, communities can move beyond frustration and division by building relationships, identifying shared goals and working together to create meaningful change.
“Where citizens can really make a mark today is focusing on local issues, things that are solvable within their own community.” – Steve Saltwick
Step 1. Foster Relationships
Rather than rushing into debates over policy or solutions, the Citizen-Led Solutions model begins by bringing together people with different perspectives and giving them an opportunity to build trust. Through listening, dialogue and mutual respect, citizens, whether they vote red or blue, can recognize shared concerns and common goals. According to Saltwick, these relationships create the foundation needed for productive community action.
Step 2. Forge Solutions
Once relationships are established, communities can begin identifying issues that matter most. Saltwick encourages citizens to focus on practical challenges that are specific, meaningful and achievable rather than becoming overwhelmed by national political divisions. Saltwick delivers examples from across the country of how citizens transformed community disagreements into opportunities for collaboration, bringing diverse perspectives together to identify common goals and create solutions that work for everyone involved.
“We don’t have to wait. We can actually do something to improve our communities” – Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter
Step 3. Follow Through the Action
Finding a solution isn’t always the easiest step, but following through can create lasting change worth it. Whether working with local officials, community organizations or fellow residents, the goal is to maintain momentum until action is taken. Successful projects not only solve an immediate problem but also help communities build what Saltwick calls "civic muscle" by strengthening people's confidence in their ability to create change together. Each success becomes an opportunity to learn how local systems work and prepares citizens to tackle future challenges with greater confidence and collaboration.
“The idea of this constitutional republic, it was meant to be that the citizen was a participant. Democracy is not a spectator.” – Dr. Glen White
Tune In:
Watch “A Braver Arkansas” on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., live on broadcast or on YouTube at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.