Sunday, August 2, 2020. The Encampment for Citizenship – An Experience in Participatory Democracy

Washington Ethical Society

The Encampment for Citizenship, founded in 1946 by Ethical Culture Leader Algernon D. Black and Alice (“Nanny”) Pollitzer, a prominent civic leader, offered an opportunity for “young adults of many religious, racial, social and national backgrounds” to learn “the principles and techniques of citizenship… through lived experience.” Black believed that young people could be a positive force in their communities if they developed critical thinking skills, youth activism, leadership qualities, and the courage to break free from stereotypes. Eleanor Roosevelt, long-time chair of The Encampment board of sponsors, often hosted students for discussions, workshops and barbeques at her Hyde Park estate. When the program was attacked by McCarthyite forces in the early 1950s, she defended it vigorously. “The reason I think these Encampments are so important,” she wrote, “is that they are attended by citizens of different races and groups. They prepare people for thinking in terms of all people and not in terms of a selected few. Not only we in the U.S., but people all over the world, need young people trained to be good citizens with an ability to think with an open mind.” While COVID-19 has forced this summer’s program to meet online, Encampers are still engaged in building meaningful community together. Bio: Anne Klaeysen is Leader Emerita of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. She also served as Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island for six years and is currently Humanist Chaplain at New York University (NYU) and Ethical Humanist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University. Anne holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling and care from Hebrew Union College. She serves on the boards of the Ethical Culture Fieldston Schools and The Encampment for Citizenship.