How involved are you in your community? Whether you participate in local elections or read your community’s newspaper, it is crucial to get democratically involved. It might be challenging to find the time to pay attention and participate in civic activities between jobs, school, and other obligations, but doing so is essential to creating change in our community.
What exactly does civic involvement entail, though? Thomas Ehrlich, author of Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, shares the following, “Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”
There are numerous ways to become engaged such as, political participation through voting, voter registration or voter registration. Also, volunteering with organizations that build community well-being or participating in community service projects is a way that will benefit you as well as the community.
In addition, advocating for legislation can be another way to take action and get involved.
There are a variety of benefits for those who choose to be democratically engaged. People who offer their time, talents, wisdom, and enthusiasm to enhance the quality of their community demonstrate civic leadership by looking for methods to positively affect such communities for the benefit of all.
An important factor in promoting civic involvement and a healthy community is volunteering. Volunteers who are actively involved in their communities and organizations gain a feeling of purpose and social connectivity at the same time.
When all people—individually and collectively—get involved and take action, our communities and our democracy become more just and equitable.
Focusing on young civic involvement is important for several reasons, including the fact that it may be formed as a habit, just like any other habit, by starting early. Our democracy will thrive when all young people acquire positive civic attitudes and skills.
The younger generation provides different viewpoints on regional problems and frequently contribute fresh ideas. The decisions that will determine how the nation is shaped greatly affect young adults. They may provide insightful viewpoints to concerns and actively participate in determining their future when they vote and engage in civic life.
Being able to influence national policy so that it adheres to our values is a luxury, not just a right, that we enjoy as citizens. All citizens must actively engage in these processes as well as learn about and comprehend how the government runs in order to make sure this occurs.
SUNY Cortland students have gotten civically involved in the past by taking part in projects such as the Town/Gown Project, LWV’s Voter Projects, and talking with the Freedom of Speech Team or Seals of Civic Readiness.
One upcoming opportunity is on November 8th, when the midterm elections take place. This Friday, October 14th is the deadline to register to vote for the important 2022 midterm elections. This year there will be voting that takes place for a new Governor, state and federal representatives, and a ballot measure on environmental protection. The future is in your hands, get out and get engaged!
For more information about opportunities to get democratically involved at SUNY Cortland, contact the director of SUNY Cortland’s Institute for Civic Engagement, John Suarez at john.suarez@cortland.edu.