The Civic
Change Engine
Community life, organized.
For people who want to do something.
The Civic Change Engine organizes community life — all the ways to learn, meet people, volunteer, get trained, and take action — into one place, in plain language.
It connects four things that are already thriving but hard to find: opportunities to get involved (volunteering, events, organizations), learning resources (guides, videos, classes), services available to you (211-style navigation), and who's responsible (elected officials, agencies, policies).
Pick what you care about. Choose how you want to engage. Take your next step.
People are ready.
They just need a clear path.
Across America, people are showing up for their neighbors. They're volunteering at food banks, attending school board meetings, checking on elderly neighbors, organizing block parties. The desire to contribute is already there — and it's bigger than most people realize.
What's missing isn't motivation. It's a map. The opportunities exist. The services exist. The information exists. But they're scattered — organized by who provides them, not by what people need.
The Civic Change Engine brings it together — so people can find their path faster and go further.
Four journeys. Start with yours.
People come to community life with different gifts and different questions. Some are ready to give. Some want to understand. Some are navigating a challenge. Some want to make their voice heard. The Engine honors where you're starting.
Get Involved
"How can I contribute?"
You have time, skills, or energy to offer. Find opportunities, events, and organizations where you can put them to work.
Learn
"How can I understand?"
You're curious about how things work. Find reports, videos, classes, and guides that explain what's real, what's possible, and what's already working.
Explore Your Options
"What's available to me?"
You're navigating a need. Find services and resources — food, housing, healthcare, job training — with 211-style navigation.
Who's Responsible
"Who makes decisions?"
You want your voice heard. Find elected officials, agencies, and policies — and how to engage with them.
The breadth of community life
Seven themes — named how people talk
Organized around shared aspirations, not bureaucratic categories.
Food Access
Every focus area opens four doors — so whether you want to give, learn, navigate, or advocate, there's a way in.
Built for people who
want to do something.
For users
People who care about their community and are ready to act. People with time to give, questions to answer, challenges to navigate, or voices to raise. The millions already volunteering, showing up, and looking out for their neighbors — and the millions more who are ready to join them.
Built by
The Change Lab is a Houston-based civic infrastructure practice focused on one idea: we reduce division through community service and learning. We build the on-ramps to civic life that help people find their path.
Powered by The Change Lab Inc.
Fiscally sponsored by Impact Hub Houston
1801 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Building in Houston.
Designed for anywhere.
For people who want
to do something.
Learn. Meet. Volunteer. Get trained. Take action.