How to Be Featured

Submitting a photo should feel like FUN, not a chore or a requirement — because YOU WANT TO.

Civic Roots exists to make civic participation feel human, accessible, and grounded in real life.
That includes the people who wear these messages.

If you'd like to be featured on the Civic Roots website or social spaces as a real person wearing Civic Roots apparel, we'd love to see you. This is always optional, always opt-in, and always done with care.

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Before You Share: Consent & Boundaries

Please read this part — it matters.

• Participation is completely voluntary.
  Buying or wearing Civic Roots products does not imply consent to be featured.
• You decide what you share.
  Your photo does not need to include your name, location, story, or social media handles unless you explicitly choose to include them.
• No pressure, no performance.
  This is not about “modeling,” perfection, or presentation. This is about presence.
• We reserve the right to curate.
  Not every submitted photo will be published. Selection is based on alignment with Civic Roots values, tone, and site needs — not appearance, age, body type, or polish.
• How your image may be used:
  By submitting a photo, you grant Civic Roots permission to:
  • Display your image on the Civic Roots website, including product mockups (which may include background removal or replacement for visual consistency), and
  • Share your image in Civic Roots communications such as social media, newsletters, or educational content.
  • Photos showing real-life settings, environments, or “life-in-action” moments are especially welcome for social spaces.
• Your image will never be sold or used outside Civic Roots.
• You can change your mind.
  If you later want your photo removed, just contact us. No explanation required.

If any part of this doesn't feel good — trust that instinct and skip it. Civic participation always starts with consent.

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Photo Tips (Simple, Human, Mockup-Friendly)

This is not a professional shoot. A phone camera is perfect.

What works especially well (and helps us with mockups):

• Standing or sitting upright, facing the camera
  
• Shoulders relaxed, torso visible
• The message on the shirt clearly readable
• Neutral or simple backgrounds (walls, porches, sidewalks, parks)
• Natural light (near a window or outdoors)
• Tip: Photos taken straight-on (rather than angled or slouched) are easiest to adapt for product mockups.

What's optional:

• Your face — photos cropped at the shoulders, taken from behind, or angled slightly away are completely welcome
• Smiling — serious, thoughtful, or neutral expressions are all fine

What's not required:

• Styling, makeup, or coordination
• Perfect lighting or framing
• Editing, filters, or special equipment

If you're wondering whether your photo is “usable,” it probably is.

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What to Submit

When you send your photo, you may include any of the following — only if you want to:

• Your photo (that's the only essential part)
• First name or nickname
• City/state (optional)
• A short sentence like:
  • “I wear this because…”
  • “This message matters to me because…”
  • Or nothing at all — silence is valid here too

Optional: Civic Recognition Badges

If you'd like, you may also choose to share ways you contribute to civic life, which may be recognized with a small badge or acknowledgment when featured.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Poll worker or election volunteer
• Military or veteran service
• Elected or appointed public office (past or present)
• Civic or public service roles (teachers, postal workers, librarians, first responders, etc.)
• Community organizers, mutual aid volunteers, nonprofit workers

This information is never required, and sharing it does not affect whether your photo is featured.
It's simply one way we honor the many forms civic participation takes.

Civic Recognition Badges are an optional way we acknowledge different forms of civic participation.

👉 Learn more about Civic Recognition Badges or include civic service information when you submit your photo

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Why This Matters

Civic Roots believes that democracy is upheld not only by loud moments, but by everyday contributions — often unseen, often uncelebrated.

Whether you share just a photo, or a piece of your civic story too, what you do in society matters.

Ready to Share?

If you'd like to be featured as part of Real People of Civic Roots, send your photo and any optional information you'd like to include to:

hello@civicrootsmerch.com

Feel free to include:

• Your photo
• Your first name or nickname (optional)
• Your city and state (optional)
• A short note about why the message matters to you (optional)
• Any civic roles or forms of service you'd like considered for Civic Recognition Badges (optional)

There is no required format, and participation is always voluntary.

We read every submission and are grateful for your willingness to share a small piece of your story.

One Last Thing

Civic Roots is about showing up as you are, not becoming someone else.

If sharing a photo feels like a moment of agency, delight, or quiet pride — we're honored to hold that with you.
If not — you belong here anyway.

🖤
Thank you for being part of Civic Roots.