Civic Participation

Things to Consider

Civic participation doesn't have to begin with large commitments.
Many people start with small steps, grow into steady participation, and sometimes take on leadership roles.
The ideas below reflect different seasons of civic readiness.

Civic Roots organizes participation into seasons of readiness. If you're unsure where you are right now, begin with the Civic Readiness Reflection.

This page is most useful for Season 2 and Season 3 civic readiness.

• Register to vote
• Vote
• Register voters or help with voter registration drives
• Volunteer at polling places
• Attend city council or school board meetings
• Join a neighborhood association or civic club
• Write letters to the editor or op-eds
• Participate in public comment sessions
• Support ballot initiatives or referendums
• Canvass or phone bank for issues or candidates
• Serve on local boards and commissions
• Host or attend candidate forums and roundtables
• Join advocacy groups for causes you care about
• Mentor youth about civic engagement
• Volunteer for community service projects
• Consider running for office

Keep participation alive
Democracy only works when we do.
Explore our Civic Participation Collection for designs that celebrate engagement, voter turnout, and the everyday act of showing up for democracy.

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