A Small Way of Saying: We See You

Civic Roots believes that civic life is sustained not only by big moments, but by everyday contributions — many of which go unseen, uncelebrated, or unnamed.

Civic Recognition Badges are a small, optional way we acknowledge the many ways people support the civic fabric of their communities.

They are not awards.
They are not rankings.
They are simply moments of recognition.

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What Are Civic Recognition Badges?

Civic Recognition Badges are simple visual markers that may appear alongside featured photos or captions on the Civic Roots website or related spaces.

If you choose to share information about your civic roles or forms of service, Civic Roots may create a badge based on the information you provide — as a way of honoring that contribution.

Badges are created by Civic Roots.
They are not self-assigned, verified credentials, or permanent labels.

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Why Civic Roots Offers Recognition

Much of the work that holds civic life together is quiet.

People serve:

• between jobs
• alongside caregiving
• during election cycles
• in classrooms, post offices, libraries, and neighborhoods
• often without thanks, and sometimes at personal cost

These badges exist to say: your participation matters, even when it doesn't come with applause.

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What Kinds of Contributions May Be Recognized?

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Poll workers or election volunteers
• Military service or veteran status
• Elected or appointed public office (past or present)
• Civic or public service roles, such as:
  • teachers
  • postal workers
  • librarians
  • first responders
• Community organizers, mutual aid volunteers, and nonprofit workers

This list is not exhaustive.
Past service counts. Informal service counts. Intermittent service counts.

If your contribution helps sustain civic life, it likely belongs here.

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What Civic Recognition Badges Are Not

To be clear, these badges are:

• Not required
• Not hierarchical
• Not a measure of “better” citizenship
• Not a verification or credentialing system
• Not permanent or public unless you choose

They do not affect whether your photo is featured.
They do not imply endorsement of specific views or positions.

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Privacy, Choice, and Control

Sharing civic contribution information is always optional.

• You choose whether a badge appears publicly
• You can change or remove it at any time
• Participation (or non-participation) has no impact on your relationship with Civic Roots

Recognition should never come at the cost of agency.

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Interested in Civic Recognition?

If you'd like to be considered for a Civic Recognition Badge, simply send an email to:

hello@civicrootsmerch.com

You may include:

• Your name or nickname (optional)
• A brief description of your civic role, service, or participation
• A photo, if you'd also like to be featured through Real People of Civic Roots

No special format is required, and supporting documentation is not expected.

Civic Recognition Badges are created from the information you choose to share and are intended as a small gesture of acknowledgment—not verification, certification, or endorsement.

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One Last Thing

Whether or not you ever claim a badge, your presence matters.

Civic Roots is built by people who show up in many different ways — loudly and quietly, visibly and behind the scenes.

This is simply one way of saying:
we notice — and we're grateful.

Learn how to submit a photo to be featured as part of the Civic Roots community.

👉 See Real People of Civic Roots