MODA Vi Initiatives
The Civic Partners Program
Recognizing Local Leadership. Restructuring Civic Economies.
Overview
MODA Vi is now accepting applications for its Civic Partner network, a curated group of educators, organizers, cultural figures, business owners, entertainers, and civic leaders who actively shape the emotional and economic life of their cities. Civic Partners are not just connectors; they are catalysts. This program gives formal structure and material support to the civic leadership you already embody.
"The greatest source of financing for local development is local spending."
- Michael Shuman J.D., Stanford educated economist, author of The Local Economy Solution
Civic Influence on Local Economic Flow
Monthly local economic influence comparison
Applied Research & the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics
The 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded for experimental approaches to alleviating global poverty, emphasizing the power of localized, data-driven interventions. This research demonstrated that strategic, community-anchored programs produce outsized results when deployed thoughtfully and iteratively. The Civic Partners Program is built on this same logic—hyper-local, relational infrastructure as a lever for scalable, measurable economic change. Civic Partners don't operate at the margins of the economy. They shape it. Learn more about the research.
From left: Economists Michael Kremer, Esther Duflo, and Abhijit Banerjee. By Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe
Civic Partner Spotlight
New York, NY
Kristen Vinculado
National Program Coordinator at Mount Sinai. Kristen has organized public art events in Washington Square Park with over 300 attendees.
Chicago, IL
Clay Season
Clay is a tour guide for the Chicago Cubs and holds a World Series ring from their 2016 championship. He's been in the Chicago Tribune, and has produced events all over Chicago.
Phoenix, AZ
Michael Cota
An artist whose work has been featured in The New York Times and exhibited in underground and formal art events around the world.
Who Civic Partners Are
Civic Partners come from across sectors, but they share a common function: they build trust, convene people, and create value through relationships.
Civic Figures
Residents with public service experience or local government ties, deeply involved in shaping urban conditions.
Cultural Leaders
Artists, curators, entertainers, and program directors who shape taste, identity, and attention in local communities.
Local Heroes
Known figures who have demonstrated leadership and care in times of crisis or neighborhood change.
Educators
Teachers, professors, and academic leaders who shape learning communities and connect schools with neighborhood commerce.
Organizers
Individuals who coordinate events, services, and campaigns that mobilize civic energy and foster participation.
Faith Leaders
Clergy and spiritual leaders whose congregations and networks span generations and demographics.
What Civic Partners Receive
For the leaders shaping their city who want a network built to move them forward.
Connections to Aligned Institutions
We connect Civic Partners with institutions that align with your mission cultural, philanthropic, or commercial to support your work and grow your influence.
Partner Perks Across the Network
Receive special treatment with our network of Civic Establishments: think priority bookings, early releases, and exclusive offers from aligned local businesses.
MODA Vi Workshops
MODA Vi workshops focused on growing local revenue, strengthening building-business partnerships, and applying city-based economic tools.
MODA Vi Events
From city based film festivals to the annual Global Gala, these gatherings connect you with local property owners, business operators, and civic partners working on real neighborhood projects and shared economic goals.
Civic Partner Fast-Track
Get priority consideration for MODA Vi's city based membership programs. Civic Partners skip the standard waitlist and gain early entry to district initiatives.
Recognition & Honors
Gain eligibility for annual awards recognizing standout civic impact, leadership, or economic contribution locally and beyond.
"Civic Partners are the architecture behind MODA Vi's civic economy. They don't just participate—they shape the city."
Application Process
Application Submitted
You tell us why your work matters. This is where you introduce yourself, your local impact, and why you're drawn to city centered change.
Introductory Conversation
If your application aligns with our current city cohort, we'll invite you to a brief conversation. This isn't an interview, it's a dialogue to explore values, fit, and shared opportunity.
Civic Invitation Extended
If accepted, you'll receive an official MODA Vi Civic Partner invitation, along with access to our Terminal, onboarding materials, tools, and city based initiatives.
Active in the Field
You're live, connected with institutions and civic establishments in your area to support your goals and multiply your local impact.