We live in an increasingly fragmented world. The US public feels disempowered, and people have a hard time seeing how the daily conversations they have and actions they take can make an impact on larger political and social systems. Yet, the desire of citizens and communities to shape their own future is stronger than ever. CivNet is a new online social media platform that allows users to connect with people in their communities over issues they care about. It will allow users to more easily engage politically, and it will increase users’ capacity to organize, discuss and act around problems they share. In addition, CivNet will provide valuable services to governmental bodies, community-based non-profits, and political campaigns. It will provide better data about various constituencies, and it will lower the cost and increase the effectiveness of community outreach and advertising.