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4 minute read
In a world where many of us are striving to make an impact, becoming civically engaged is one of the most powerful ways to create change. Civic engagement takes many forms, from supporting the democratic process to working with nonprofits that promote equality and justice. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is civic engagement important?” or “What are some examples of civic engagement I can be part of?”, you’ve come to the right place. Our platform offers a variety of ways to engage with your community, build your skills, and contribute to meaningful causes. Here are five types of civic engagement activities you can join today.
1. Sign up to be a poll worker
One of the most essential civic engagement activities is serving as a poll worker. Poll workers play a critical role in ensuring elections run smoothly by helping voters navigate the process, supporting individuals who may need assistance, and ensuring that each vote is counted.
Being a poll worker is a hands-on way to engage in the democratic process. It's not only one of the most direct acts of civic engagement but also an incredible opportunity to give back to your community and support those around you. With technology becoming increasingly important in elections, tech-savvy volunteers are in high demand. Plus, many states allow youth as young as 16 or 17 to participate, making it an excellent way to encourage youth and civic engagement early on.
Our partnership with Power the Polls makes it easy for you to get involved. By signing up through our platform, you’ll be connected with election administrators who need poll workers in your area. Many poll workers even receive compensation for their time, so it's not only impactful but also rewarding.
2. Build your squad: voter registration drives
Are you passionate about making sure every voice is heard in the election process? Then organizing your own voter registration drive might be for you. With our partnership with When We All Vote, you can create a personalized voter registration portal and share it with your family and friends. The goal? Make sure everyone you know is registered to vote and ready to head to the polls when the time comes.
This form of civic engagement turns the process into a collaborative effort. You can keep track of how many people have registered through your portal and even make it a friendly competition among your peers. You’ll also be featured on a volunteer leaderboard to show off your progress. Not only does this project help increase voter turnout, but it also fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility. This is one of the many examples of civic engagement that starts in your personal circle but can have a ripple effect on a larger scale.
3. Have a voting plan
Creating a voting plan is a crucial step in ensuring that you, your family, and your friends are prepared when election day arrives. Our platform provides a voter checklist that walks you through the steps of registering, locating your polling place, and knowing your rights as a voter. This simple act of planning is one of the most fundamental civic engagement activities that can empower you and those around you to participate confidently in the election process.
Having a voting plan not only boosts individual participation but also helps prevent common voting day hurdles like long lines or not knowing where to vote. Civic engagement doesn’t stop at casting your own vote—it includes helping others exercise their rights as well. By taking the initiative to plan ahead and guide others through the process, you’re making a significant impact.
4. Volunteer often
Nonprofits focused on civic engagement are often at the forefront of efforts to protect voting rights, mobilize voters, and support disenfranchised communities. Volunteering with these organizations is a fantastic way to be civically engaged while also developing and utilizing your professional skills.
Whether you prefer short-term microvolunteering opportunities or longer-term projects, Catchafire connects you with civic engagement organizations that need your expertise. Skills-based volunteering is particularly effective here—by contributing your skills in areas like communications, legal support, or technology, you can make a significant impact. The benefits of skills-based volunteering include not only helping important causes but also enhancing your own abilities, networking with others in your field, and making a real difference.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our volunteer of the month, Ashwin, who volunteered with New Voters, an organization geared toward registering youth to vote. In advance of the 2020 election, Ashwin helped New Voters create a data tracking system to support data analysis around voter information and fundraising goals. They were able to register over 100,000 high school and college-aged individuals for the election.
Our skills-based volunteer software makes it easy to find opportunities that match your expertise and time availability.
Explore volunteer opportunities.
5. Write letters to voters
One of the most personal ways to engage in the democratic process is by writing letters to voters. Through our partnership with Vote Forward, you can help encourage voter turnout by sending handwritten letters to individuals in key states. This nonpartisan campaign allows you to share your personal story of why voting matters and connect with others who may feel disconnected from the process.
This type of civic engagement project is incredibly impactful. Studies show that receiving a personal, handwritten letter can significantly increase voter participation. And thanks to Vote Forward’s easy-to-use platform, you can adopt voters in a campaign and download letter templates directly from their site. They even offer kits to help you get started, so all you need is a little time and dedication.
