Civic Participation: When People Get Involved, Communities Become Stronger

The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787 to establish the framework for our federal government. Before gaining independence, the thirteen colonies believed that King George III and the British government were treating them unfairly. Those grievances were expressed in the Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776.

These founding documents remind us that government works best when citizens understand their rights, participate in the political process, and hold their elected officials accountable.

Throughout America, some ethnic and cultural groups have recognized the importance of participating in local, state, and federal government. They attend public meetings, organize around community issues, communicate with elected officials, support candidates, and vote consistently. Their involvement gives them a stronger voice in decisions affecting their schools, neighborhoods, businesses, public safety, and economic opportunities.

Other communities are not as involved as they could be. This is not necessarily because they do not care. Some citizens may not understand how government works, know whom to contact, or realize how much influence an organized community can have. Others may feel that their voices will not be heard or that one person cannot make a difference.

However, silence also has consequences.

When citizens do not participate, important decisions are still made—often without their concerns being represented. Decisions about property development, taxes, schools, public safety, transportation, healthcare, and neighborhood services can directly affect our families and our quality of life.

Civic participation involves more than voting during presidential elections. It includes:

• Attending city council, school board, and county commission meetings.
• Learning who represents you at every level of government.
• Contacting elected officials about community concerns.
• Speaking during public-comment periods.
• Joining neighborhood and civic organizations.
• Registering to vote and participating in local, state, and federal elections.
• Encouraging young people to understand government and public service.
• Holding elected officials accountable after an election.

Government is not something that operates separately from the people. In a representative democracy, the people are supposed to help shape its direction. When communities become informed, organized, and involved, elected officials are more likely to listen.

We cannot remain silent and then complain after decisions have been made. If we want safer neighborhoods, better schools, responsible development, improved services, and equal opportunities, we must be willing to participate.

Your voice matters—but it becomes more powerful when it is joined by the voices of your neighbors.

Get informed. Attend the meetings. Ask questions. Contact your representatives. Vote in every election. Encourage others to participate.

Change begins when concerned citizens move from watching government to becoming actively involved in it.

Read. Share. Join the Conversation.

What prevents more people in our communities from becoming involved in local, state, and federal government—and what can we do to change that.

Marvin Dixon/Founder

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