What is Civic Engagement: Why Asking Tough Questions Matter
- C.L. Huckaby
- Apr 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
Have you noticed how quickly public policy and personal priorities are changing? This shift highlights how much control the average person or local business owner has gradually handed over to local government staff and elected officials. Let's discuss the importance of civic engagement, having a voice, asking questions, and why it's crucial to become more involved in local government.
What is Civic Engagement (and why it is important)
If you take a moment to think about all the ways you could get involved in your community to make a positive difference, you'll stumble upon the basic concept of civic engagement. Although the list of opportunities is endless, what's important is that being actively engaged in local government is one of the most essential components of a healthy democracy - and it's also our civic responsibility.
Civic engagement allows everyone to participate in the decision-making process and holds elected officials and our government accountable.
Unfortunately, many people are reluctant to get involved in local government because they believe their voice or vote does not matter, which is 100% untrue! Every vote and every voice counts, and every person can make a difference.
The only time our voices will not count is the moment we stop using them.
The Importance of Local Government
Though most of us are focused on the next national election season, which is full of chaos and uncertainty, it's important to remember that local government is where decisions are made that directly impact our daily lives. It is also where we can make the most significant impact on our community.
Most people would be surprised to learn how few emails, phone calls, in-person or virtual appearances at a board, commission, city council or other public meeting it takes to change a policy or process.
It's Ok to Ask Questions
Kids love to ask a lot of questions and yes, it can be annoying, but we know that's the only way they will ever learn about the world around them. As adults, it's even more important that we continue to ask questions, especially when the topics are sensitive and make us feel afraid or ill-equipped.
It's ok if you don't understand the terminology or acronyms often used in public meetings - ask your question anyway! You're there to learn and everyone has to start somewhere. It's their job to help you walk through any details you find confusing.
Being engaged in active conversations about government processes and policy helps us to understand the issues and make informed decisions.
When we ask questions, we become equipped with the resources to hold our elected officials accountable and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the entire community.
It would be a huge mistake to assume that local government staff and elected officials understand the priorities and perspectives of everyone they have been tasked to serve. Their frame of reference includes what they've personally lived through or learned about from the people around them who choose to share their insights.
New voices and perspectives need to be heard, and we don't have a right to blame our representatives if we aren't willing to step up and be a part of the conversation.
The Benefits of Civic Engagement
Civic engagement has many benefits, including the ability to influence policy, improve the quality of life in our communities, and promote social and economic revitalization efforts.
On the flip side, it also helps build a sense of community and fosters a spirit of cooperation and collaboration between you, your neighbors, government staff and your elected officials.
Now is the Time to Get Involved
Are you concerned by things you are seeing (or not seeing) in your community? There will never be a better time to take action and get involved in our local government.
We need to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community that doesn't shy away from asking questions and leaning into thought-provoking, collaborative conversations to find innovative solutions we can all be a part of.
The power to make a real difference lies in our voice and now is the time to use it!