Being civically engaged is part of being a good citizen; after all civic engagement is defined as the active participation of citizens in their communities. Civic engagement can help fulfill the basic human need for connection with others, and it allows people to impact what happens in their community. Being civically engaged also means taking responsibility, learning new skills, making sacrifices, and working hard towards making positive change. Ways to be more civically engaged include:
1. Volunteer in your community
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community, and luckily there are many ways to do so. These might include volunteering at food banks or animal shelters, tutoring children, helping seniors access services, giving blood, donating money to a charity, caring for the sick or elderly, cleaning parks, planting trees, and so on. Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to connect with people who share similar interests; you can make some great friends and connections while also making a positive contribution to your community.
2. Engage in local politics
Engaging in local politics can include helping candidates run for office, attending political meetings, and getting involved in debates about issues and legislation that affect your local community. For example, when you attend political meetings and debates, you can become better informed about which candidate has what ideas and philosophies for improving your community and how they plan to implement them if elected. You may find that your personal views align with theirs and that you want to support their campaign. Or maybe you would prefer to make a grassroots effort by running for local or municipal positions yourself. Either way, engaging in local politics is a great way to get involved.
3. Support local businesses
Supporting local businesses can be as simple as shopping locally, buying goods and services from small businesses, eating at restaurants owned by locals, or going to art galleries, museums, concerts, plays, sporting events, and festivals in your community. All of these activities give consumers a chance to see where their money goes. For example, if you shop or eat at a restaurant or bar that supports local businesses (i.e., like farms, grocers, breweries or wineries, or shows local art for sale), you know that the local people behind the business will benefit financially from this choice, and will likely use that money to further stimulate the local economy.
4. Voting
Every adult should exercise their fundamental right to vote for each election cycle. Voting in federal, as well as state, municipal, and local, elections helps elect officials who serve the needs of the people. Voting also gives the public a say in their community’s direction and development; the more people vote, the stronger the voice of the people becomes. Without voter turnout, politicians and big businesses may continue to act without regard for the best interest of the majority of Americans.
5. Supporting cultural organizations in your community
Cultural organizations provide programs and entertainment that enrich our lives. They can offer a range of services, including classes, shows, workshops, performances, exhibits, lectures, readings, movies, musicals, dance recitals, theater productions, symphonies, choirs, art festivals, and book clubs. Many cultural organizations are primarily funded through admissions fees and membership programs, as well as fundraising events such as dinners, dances, auctions, wine tastings, and other fun social activities to raise money for their organization. You can impact your community by attending such fundraising events, becoming a member of an art, history, science, education, or ethnic or cultural organization, or even just by being a non-member patron. You’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting important work in your community while also enjoying yourself.
