Civic Courage: What It Means to Stand Firm in Divisive Times By Rodney Bullard
Following July 4th, I find myself thinking about what it truly means to live in a free and fair society. Our collective national celebrations invite us to reflect on the foundational values that shaped this country: liberty, equality, and the responsibility we share for one another. However, ideals alone do not sustain a democracy. They must be upheld, especially when they are tested. Civic courage is the choice to stand firm in those moments. It is the strength to lead with conviction when it is difficult, and the clarity to seek unity when division seems like the norm. And it is these moments of courage that are needed now more than ever.
Lessons from a Life in Service
Throughout my journey in public service, I have witnessed this kind of courage firsthand. As a White House Fellow, an Air Force JAG officer, and an Assistant United States Attorney, I learned that doing what is right is not always popular, and doing what is popular is not always right.
In each of those roles, I came to understand that leadership is not just about the position you hold, but about your willingness to act with integrity even when no one is watching. That belief continues to guide my work with The Same House, which was founded on the understanding that our communities need more than words. They need commitment, accountability, and leaders committed to bringing people together across the lines that are meant to keep us apart.
It can be tempting, especially in times of division, to choose silence over discomfort. But civic courage calls us to move forward with intention, even when the path ahead is unclear. It asks us to remain steady in our values, even when it would be easier to walk away.
Everyday Acts of Courage
Civic courage does not belong only in roles of influence. It lives in the everyday choices made across neighborhoods around the world. I think of those who have taken part in Tables Across America, an initiative from The Same House that brings together people together from all walks of life to share a meal. It’s where community members create spaces for connections, conversations, and common ground. At one gathering in Indianapolis, for example, a retired teacher and a young entrepreneur bonded over their shared hopes for their community, despite having never met before. These moments show what’s possible when we choose unity over division.
Courage doesn’t always show up in a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s as simple as checking on an elderly neighbor, volunteering your time to ease someone’s loneliness, or choosing to listen with compassion instead of reacting with judgment. It lives in how we show up for each other: consistently, generously, and without the need for recognition.
It starts with pausing our own routines long enough to notice who around us might need some extra support. Maybe it’s mentoring a student, serving meals at a shelter, or simply being someone others can rely on. It is these small everyday choices that help us rebuild the fabric of our communities one relationship, one action, and one moment of courage at a time.
Choosing to Build a Better Future
Right now, choosing connection over conflict can feel like going against the grain, but that is exactly when courage matters most. Civic courage isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about choosing to lead with integrity and staying grounded in your values, even when it feels lonely.
So, what kind of community are we creating? What kind of future are we shaping for the next generation? I pose these questions to you as an invitation to act, to serve, and to lead in ways that bring us closer together, not further apart.
While it’s clear that we’re in the midst of a sharp and often divisive political fight, we must remember that our greatest call to action is not to a party or a platform, but to one another as people, as Americans. In times of uncertainty, it’s essential to hold fast to the values that define us: a just society that recognizes strength and compassion, hard work and opportunity, and the unwavering belief in democracy and human dignity. These principles have carried us through conflict and change, and they must continue to guide us now. Amid the noise, let us not forget that the strength of our nation lies in our shared commitment to these enduring ideals. Let us always remember what we are fighting for.
