Public Allies Detroit will host the first of its kind Civic Slam on November 12,2026, at TechTown Detroit, where local teams will pitch civic action projects live for a shot at funding and a year of implementation support to bring their ideas to life in the city.
Modeled after a live pitch competition, Civic Slam invites teams of up to eight Detroiters to compete in one of two tracks:
Art as Civic Action — projects using art and creative expression – visual art, music, storytelling, performance, or media – as tools for civic engagement, to open dialogue, shift a narrative, preserve culture, or strengthen local communities.
Civic Action for the Public Good — projects focused on community-rooted civic engagement and collective action, including mutual aid, advocacy, public education, leadership development, or coalition building.
Teams first submit a five-minute concept video by October 11; finalists advance to the live pitch on November 12, where they’ll have five minutes to present — slides, a skit, a rap, a prototype, whatever fits their idea — followed by questions from a panel of judges. Finalist teams also receive a $250 stipend to help them prepare. One winning team from each track will take home up to $8,000, along with project implementation support from Public Allies.
Every project must address at least one of three focus areas: strengthening democracy, expanding economic opportunity, or building a stronger community safety net.
Public Allies is a national nonprofit whose mission is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it. Since 1992, Public Allies has helped more than ten thousand emerging leaders serve our country, get on successful pathways to higher education and careers, and bring communities together to work for the common good.
Public Allies Detroit has helped develop more than 300 local leaders and built partnerships with more than 100 community organizations across the city, contributing more than 400,000 hours of service.
Event details:
● What: Civic Slam — live pitch competition and awards event
● When: November 12, 2026; VIP Reception 6–7 PM, Civic Slam begins at 7 PM
● Where: Industry Innovation Center – TechTown, 461 Burroughs St., Detroit, MI
For full details, rules and guidelines, please visit www.publicallies.org/civic-slam