Storyline: The First 100 Days

Overview

Chronicle of CivicOS Institute’s formation from concept to operational nonprofit. The “founder’s journey” narrative.

Episodes (Letters)

Day 1-14: The Spark (Feb 1-14, 2026)

  • Incorporation in Florida
  • Initial concept formation
  • First website version
  • Letter: “Why I Started CivicOS Institute”

Day 15-30: Building Foundation (Feb 15-28, 2026)

  • 501(c)(3) application submitted
  • Board recruitment begins
  • First grant applications
  • Letter: “The Infrastructure of Democracy”
  • Letter: “Building the Board: Our First Three Months”

Day 31-60: First Traction (Mar 1-30, 2026)

  • Board responses coming in
  • Website automation launched
  • Hybrid memory system implemented
  • Grant deadlines approached
  • Letter: “Spring Forward: New Board Members”
  • Letter: “What We Learned From Our First Grant Applications”

Day 61-90: Validation (Apr 1-30, 2026)

  • First advisory board meeting
  • Initial research findings
  • Partnership conversations
  • Letter: “The State of Civic Tech: Spring 2026”

Day 91-100: Reflection (May 1-10, 2026)

  • 100-day retrospective
  • What worked, what didn’t
  • Adjustments for next phase
  • Letter: “100 Days In: What We’ve Built”

Key Milestones to Hit

  • Incorporation (Feb 10)
  • 501(c)(3) application submitted
  • Website launched
  • Board outreach initiated
  • First board meeting
  • First grant submitted
  • First research output
  • IRS determination letter

Themes to Weave

  • Urgency without panic
  • Building in public
  • Learning as we go
  • Community-centered

Tone Evolution

  • Days 1-30: Excited, explaining vision, establishing credibility
  • Days 31-60: Operational, showing progress, building trust
  • Days 61-90: Reflective, sharing lessons, demonstrating impact
  • Days 91-100: Confident, planning ahead, inviting participation

Recurring Characters

  • The 6 Board Candidates: Kevin Wagner, Cliff McCue, Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, Verdenia Baker, Jeff Hmara, Anne Gerwig
  • The Grants: IMLS, NEH, Quantum Foundation
  • The Infrastructure: Website, automation, memory systems

Quotes to Build Toward

“On Day 1, we were an idea. On Day 100, we were an institution.”

“The first 100 days taught us that urgency and patience can coexist.”

“What we built in 100 days isn’t perfect, but it’s real — and it’s just the beginning.”