By Vivian Phillips
Arkansas TV Intern
UCA Class of 2026. Journalism Major, Marketing Minor
“A Braver Arkansas” premieres Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m.
Whether it’s in churches or across kitchen tables, some of the most important conversations shaping Arkansas communities happen far from government chambers. In this episode of “A Braver Arkansas,” civic engagement advocate Shana Chaplin joins hosts Dr. Glen White and Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter to explore how everyday citizens can help create meaningful change where they live.
“Every citizen has the capacity to make a difference in their community. The question is: what helps make that possible?”
— Glen White
White and Chatham-Carpenter challenge the idea that civic engagement is limited to voting, elections or government meetings. Instead, they discuss the work already taking place across Arkansas through neighborhood organizations, faith communities and volunteer efforts. The hosts also highlight Braver Angels' Citizen-Led Solutions framework, which encourages Arkansans to get involved in civic action in their communities.
“Civic life happens when regular people work together for the common good, not government-arranged events or politicians directing everything.”
— Glen White
Drawing from more than 35 years of public service, Chaplin shares lessons learned through her work in civic education and rural community development. The discussion focuses on what motivates people to become involved in their communities, how trust can be built across differences and why local action is often the key to lasting change.
“We have genuine political divides, but we also have strong community ties, faith networks and the kind of small-town familiarity that gives bridge-building a fighting chance.”
— April Chatham-Carpenter
Helpful Resources
Braver Angels – Braver Angels inspires and equips Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences through skill-building, convening and collaborative action.
VolunteerAR.org – VolunteerAR.org is an independent community resource for discovering volunteer opportunities, nonprofit organizations, service-hour options and local civic projects across Arkansas.
Featured Expert
Shana Chaplin is a civic engagement and community development leader who has spent 35 years serving communities across Arkansas. Her career includes leadership roles with the Governor's Commission on National Service and Volunteerism and the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. She currently works with the University of the Ozarks’ Town Square Collaborative, advancing rural civic engagement through community partnerships. Chaplin has been recognized as one of Arkansas Business' 250 most influential leaders and was named UA Little Rock's 2024 Public Administrator of the Year.
Tune In:
Watch “A Braver Arkansas” on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. live on broadcast or on YouTube at YouTube.com/@arkansastv.