Civic Engagement means making a difference in our communities and developing a combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation needed to enact change. It includes formal and informal activities such as volunteering, voting, lobbying for a politician, community gardening, completing the census, coaching a community sports team, writing to an elected official, researching ballot initiatives, and more.
This Civic Engagement and Voting guide provides resources and information about a variety of issues from voting, researching issues and candidates, how elections work, as well as a variety of resources such as books, streaming videos, and information about upcoming events.
This guide offers guidance and resources for getting civically engaged at the local, regional, and national levels in the United States. Each section or page offers information, resources, and opportunities for deeper learning to support your own civic engagement.
Civic engagement is the foundation of democracy. By being civically engaged, the power is given back to the people to have their say in the world around them.
From electing politicians that create policies that impact your life, to being a well-informed active citizen, there are many reasons why civic engagement is important.
Civic engagement is a great way to make an impact on your community and use your privilege to help those around you. From animal rights and education to social justice and house equity, find something you are passionate about and get engaged with your community!
Image source: "Civic Engagement." youth.gov, https://youth.gov/youth-topics/civic-engagement-and-volunteering. Accessed December 16, 2019.
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Photograph: Please I'd Like to Grow: 60 Years of Student Activism — 2016 -- UNLV Libraries Exhibits and Events. https://www.library.unlv.edu/exhibits-events/2016/09/please-id-grow-60-years-student-activism
This guide was created by Maggie Bukowski, Outreach and Instruction Specialist with the assistance of Susie Skarl, Urban Affairs Librarian under the guidance of Chelsea Heinbach, Teaching and Learning Librarian. It has since been updated by Rebekah D' Amato, a Mason Undergraduate Peer Research Coach, and Carrieann Cahall, Outreach and Instruction Specialist, under the guidance of Chelsea Heinbach.