Civic education and civic engagement are critical aspects to our republic and the well-being of a multiracial, democracy. Have you ever wanted to participate in your democracy beyond just voting? We’ll tell you how as citizens, we can shape the future we want for our nation.
ICAN believes that passing the citizenship test is a monumental milestone. But it’s also a beginning. U.S. citizenship grants you a “seat at the table,” giving you the power to shape the future of your neighborhood, your state, and your country.
Democracy is a “participatory sport.” While voting is our most famous right, the U.S. system offers a wide variety of ways to influence the government. Here is your roadmap to civic engagement.
1. The Power of Your Vote
Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. By casting a ballot, you help choose the leaders who make decisions about everything from your local schools to national security.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t ignore “off-year” elections. Local city council and school board races often have the most direct impact on your daily life.
2. Direct Communication with Leaders
Your elected officials work for you. They need to hear from their constituents to understand which issues matter most.
- Contacting Officials: You can call or email your Mayor, Governor, or Member of Congress.
- Giving Your Opinion: Most government meetings (like City Council or School Boards) have a “public comment” section where any resident can speak for a few minutes on a current issue.
3. Organizing and Assembling
The First Amendment protects your right to join with others to create change.
- Assembly: Rallies and protests are powerful ways to show leaders that a large group of people cares deeply about a specific cause.
- Petitioning: Gathering signatures for a petition shows broad public support for a policy change and can sometimes even put a new law directly on the ballot for a vote.
4. Shaping the Public Conversation
Sometimes, the best way to change a law is to change how people think about it.
- Writing to a Newspaper: Writing a “Letter to the Editor” or an “Op-Ed” in your local paper is a classic way to share your perspective with thousands of neighbors and local leaders.
- Supporting or Opposing Policies: Use social media, yard signs, or community forums to publicly signal your stance on local measures or national debates.
5. Joining Local Groups
You don’t have to advocate alone. Collective action is often the most effective way to see results.
- Civic Groups: Organizations like the League of Women Voters focus on protecting the democratic process itself.
- Community Groups: Neighborhood associations or “Friends of the Park” groups focus on hyper-local improvements, from fixing potholes to improving public safety.
- Political Parties: Joining a party allows you to help select candidates and shape the party’s priorities.
6. Stepping into Leadership
If you want to be at the center of the decision-making process, you can take a more active role.
- Helping with a Campaign: You can volunteer to knock on doors, make phone calls, or help with digital outreach for a candidate you believe in.
- Running for Office: From the local water board to the state legislature, any citizen can run for office. This is the most direct way to implement the changes you want to see.
The Civic Engagement Checklist
| Level of Effort | Action Item |
| Simple | Vote in every election (Local, State, and Federal). |
| Moderate | Call your representative’s office about a bill you care about. |
| Active | Attend a local community group meeting or a city council session. |
| Leadership | Volunteer for a campaign or file to run for a local board seat. |
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