What is Civic Engagement?

To be civically engaged means to work on making a difference in the public life of our communities. It means promoting the quality of life in communities through both political and non-political means. Being civically engaged is so important because it is one way that we can help shape the future of our communities on a local and global scale. Today we live in an incredibly interconnected world through technologies and forms of social media, yet there is a disconnect between many of the policies that guide our lives. There are many different ways to be civically engaged that we can all participate in. The first way is volunteerism and participation in groups that are nonpolitically affiliated. Running fund raisers for charities, working for habitat for humanity, helping out at homeless shelters are just a few ways to be involved on that level. The next way is to help contribute to political campaigns. You could help register voters or volunteer on campaigns in other ways. The last way is to let your voice be heard at government meetings or contact local government officials.