Civics Game Night

Civic Saturday

What can board games teach us about how we make decisions, work together, and navigate conflict? Come find out at Civics Game Night: a casual evening of games, food, and conversation with a civic twist.

What can board games teach us about how we make decisions, work together, and navigate conflict? Come find out at Civics Game Night: a casual evening of games, food, and conversation with a civic twist.

We’ll have three games available, each offering a different kind of challenge and level of commitment:

Trial by Trolley: In this darkly humorous take on the trolley problem, players work together to decide who gets hit by the trolley. Each round takes about 15–20 minutes, making this a great option if you want to drop in for a quick game.

Secret Hitler: A social deduction game where Liberals and Fascists compete to pass their agendas, while the Fascists work to conceal the identity of the Secret Hitler. Expect bluffing, persuasion, suspicion, and plenty of debate. Rounds take about 30–60 minutes.

Daybreak: A cooperative game about stopping climate change. Players work together to build the technologies, policies, and resilient societies needed to address the climate crisis. Daybreak takes about 60–90 minutes and offers a hopeful vision of what collective action could accomplish.

Whether you’re a dedicated board gamer or someone who hasn’t played since childhood, you’re welcome. No previous experience is required, and you can choose a game based on how much time you have and what sounds fun.

We'll have food, snacks, and drinks available throughout the evening, so come ready to play, hang out, and meet other people interested in civics and community.

About the Program

All abilities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, call 501.918.3069 or email hzbinden@cals.org seven business weekdays before a program. Struggling to find transportation and want to join us? Reach out to organizer Danielle Afsordeh, dtafsordeh@cals.org, for help.
 
Civic Saturday is a programming series presented in partnership with Get Loud Arkansas with support from the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults. Inspired by the feeling of coming together in a supportive community, Civic Saturday is a relaxed community gathering exploring civic participation beyond the polls featuring live music, an inspiring speaker, interactive activities, and a free lunch.

Game Goblins is Central Arkansas's premier retailer of board games, card games, role-playing games, miniatures, miniature war games, dice, and hobby accessories.
 
Get Loud Arkansas is a statewide, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Get Loud Arkansas’ mission is to register new voters and increase voter turnout by expanding access to voting, providing civic education and empowering all communities to use their vote to shape the future of Arkansas. Get Loud Arkansas may take positions on or advocate with regard to public policy issues pertinent to its mission and consistent with the requirements of applicable federal and state law. Get Loud Arkansas conducts all activities in a nonpartisan manner. Get Loud Arkansas may acknowledge elected officials who support us, but we do not endorse, support, or oppose candidates for public office, any party, or issue. 
 
Civic Makers Lab for Adults is a grant and peer-learning program that equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities. Through experiential civic learning (the process of acquiring civic knowledge and skills through action), libraries will build new pathways for young adults into civic life, rooted in curiosity, connection, and community problem-solving, rather than partisanship.