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11.10.25
FMWF Chamber Launches Center for Civic Engagement to Strengthen Leadership and Community Participation
By Cale Dunwoody, Vice President and Public Policy, FMWF Chamber
FMWF Chamber President and CEO Shannon Full talks to local media about the new Center for Civic Engagement.
FMWF Chamber launches Center for Civic Engagement to strengthen leadership, inspire civic participation and build a lasting community legacy.
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, with the support of many business and community leaders, officially launched the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) — a first-of-its-kind regional initiative to inspire, educate and equip business and community leaders to take active roles in public life.Â
The Center was formally unveiled at The Chamber’s Annual Celebration on Oct. 29, 2025, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating leadership and legacy while highlighting the power of forming strategic partnerships, opening doors for others and engaging civically. The event concluded with a press conference introducing the CCE, highlighting its role in cultivating the next generation of leaders and reinforcing The Chamber’s commitment to long-term community growth and prosperity.Â
Keep reading to learn more about this new initiative.Â
What is the Center?
Born from The Chamber’s long-standing mission to be the voice of business and a catalyst for growth and prosperity, the Center for Civic Engagement was developed to serve as a regional hub for civic education, leadership development and employer engagement. The Center was built on a simple idea: strong communities require informed and engaged citizens.Â
The Center for Civic Engagement goes beyond a landing page, as it is a systematic and structured approach to addressing societal challenges through leadership, collaboration and education. It is a collection of critical resources, initiatives, convenings and programs designed to give individuals and employers the knowledge, skills and motivation to participate meaningfully in civic life.Â
The Center is not political — it’s practical. It’s centered around good governance, informed decision-making and leadership that’s rooted in community values. Â
The CCE’s creation was guided by a founding group of over 20 Chamber member companies — known as the Founding Circle Members— that have committed to supporting the Center’s work through active engagement. These founding members include regional employers and organizations who recognize the importance of civic engagement as a long-term investment in community growth and prosperity.Â
Why Now?
We’re at a pivotal moment for civic engagement. Across the nation — and right here in our region — participation in public life is fading. Fewer people are engaging, running office or stepping into leadership roles. When fewer people engage, we lose diversity of thought, shared understanding and the ability to solve problems together.Â
The business community is uniquely positioned to model a better way forward.  Â
Engagement changes everything. Strong communities are built by people who engage. People who vote, who volunteer, who serve. Civic engagement is the foundation of a thriving economy and a vibrant region. And our communities work best when informed, business-minded individuals are engaged and invested in shaping the future of our region.Â
Addressing the needs of today, establishing a system for the future.
The Center for Civic Engagement is designed to have both immediate and long-term impact. In the near term, it will help cultivate candidates for public service, develop supportive workplaces and expand voter awareness initiatives. Long-term goals include fostering civil discourse, civic literacy and leadership development among students from middle school through college.Â
Programs will also focus on raising awareness of appointment-based opportunities in state and local government, encouraging business professionals to apply for boards and commissions that influence education, infrastructure and economic development.Â
Learn More and Get Involved
For more information or to get involved, whether as a business or an individual interested in civic service, visit https://www.fmwfchamber.com/center-for-civic-engagement/ or join the conversation on social media using #LeadCivically.Â
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