Public Trust Partners 

The Public Trust Partners
Community of Practice

Thomas Jefferson believed that informed residents are the foundation of democracy — and that being informed is only the beginning.

 

The harder work comes after: once the people see that things are going in the wrong direction, how do they "set them to rights?" How do they do it effectively, while treating one another honestly, fairly, and with respect? How do they work together to make their needs known and advocate for the resolution they seek?

 

Public Trust Partners exists to take up that work in Santa Clara.

A Community of Practice?

We are a community of practice — a group of people getting better, together, at doing something specific. The practice we are getting better at is this: advocating for an ethical city government, a city government at its best every day earning the public's trust.

Along the way, we'll consider specific ways we can encourage ethical leadership, secure good governance, and rebuild public trust in the City? And how do we do it together, ethically?

That is not a question with a fixed answer. It is a craft, learned by doing it alongside others who are also learning.

3. The Rules We Follow

Three rules guide this work:

  • The Golden Rule. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
  • The Platinum Rule. Treat others as they want to be treated.
  • The Titanium Rule. Treat others the way you treat the people you love most when you are at your best.

The Titanium Rule is the standard the others build toward. Most of us know what we are like at our best, and what it looks like to bring that version of ourselves to the people who matter most to us. The work here is bringing the same version of ourselves to everyone else. Imagine the City we could build!

4. Everyone is Invited

Public Trust Partners is open to everyone — residents, business owners, city employees, elected officials, 49ers fans, people who agree with the way the City is run, and people who do not.

Everyone has a perspective. Every perspective comes from somewhere real. If we listen actively rather than defensively or offensivelywwha, we will all learn.

5. What We Ask of Members

  • Develop the habit of asking yourself the two questions about every major City decision: Why, if at all, is this decision the right thing to do for the people of Santa Clara? How, if at all, will it build the public's trust that their government puts their best interests above all others?
  • Participate in the community as regularly as you can. One easy way is to share your answer to the two questions — especially if you have a stronger decision to offer.
  • Read the Community Standards before you join, and hold yourself to them once you do.
  • Address your government with what you see, what they may miss, and your suggestions for a stronger solution. You can work up to this: watch a meeting from home, offer your comments by Zoom from home, then appear in Council Chambers — or send a letter.
  • Bring yourself and your experience to the community, and share what you want to share.

6. Privacy and Security

Your privacy is paramount. Here's our commitment:

 

  • Everyone will choose an anonymous PEN or Site Name, but we will verify that you are a real person.
  • Your real name is known ONLY to the site administrator and will NEVER be sold or shared without your explicit permission
  • Exception: Potential law violations, self-harm threats, or similar safety concerns
  • Your PEN Name protects your privacy while ensuring authentic community engagement
  • Your email will only be used for article notifications and important site updates
  • Your phone number is for verification purposes only and will never be shared


7. Why We Verify

We collect real names and phone numbers to ensure our community consists of genuine Santa Clara stakeholders, not bots or trolls. Your real identity will never be revealed without your explicit permission (except in cases of legal requirements or safety concerns).

8. What's Coming

 

a. Current Phase (Jan - April 2026):

Dr. Tom Shanks is covering all costs and providing all labor for Public Trust Now.com. This includes research, writing, analysis, website management, and community moderation. All content remains free and accessible to everyone.

 

We welcome volunteers--any amount of time, one time or recurring, will be a help. If you can help with the website writing or building, that'd be great.  See the participation page. 

b.  Future Sustainability (Summer 2026):

In approximately three months, if the site is helpful, we're thinking we will introduce a voluntary member support model. We'll ask those who find this work valuable to help it grow and sustain itself through memberships.

We'll discuss the membership model with you before implementing anything. Your input will shape how this works.

c. Why Member Support?

  • No advertising means no conflicts of interest
  • No sponsorships means no influence from parties we're covering
  • Reader support keeps the work independent and accountable to you
  • When you invest in something—even a small amount—you're more likely to engage with it, share it, and help with its quality.

d.  Nonprofit Status:

We're considering establishing Public Ethics Now as a nonprofit organization to formalize our commitment to public service rather than profit. This is another decision we'll discuss with the community before finalizing.

 

Bottom line: This work needs to be sustainable to continue. But we'll build that sustainability together, transparently, with your input.

Ready to join us?

Fill out the Public Trust Now participation form. Create a PEN name, give us some information so we can verify you are a real person, tell us how you'd like to participate, and how you are connected to Santa Clara

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