Beyond the Vote: Motivating citizens to get involved

I joined a standing-room-only crowd Sept. 22 at the annual conference sponsored by the National Conference on Citizenship(NCoC)—the nation’s leading advocate for civic participation and the only organization chartered by Congress to play that role.

The morning events were varied and rich. Here are some highlights:

·         A summary of the findings of the 2008 Civic Health Index: Beyond the Vote. According to the survey, lots of Americans are really involved in the presidential election and there’s bipartisan, intergenerational interest in creating opportunities and incentives for community service and for strengthening civic education. Another significant finding: African Americans—especially youth—are more “civically engaged” than others.

·         A lively exchange between Sean Parker (Facebook) and William Galston, (Brookings Institution). Parker and Galston explored the benefits and drawbacks of Facebook vs. face-to-face communication: Has the Internet helped or hurt public discourse and the way people get the news?

·         A diverse panel whose members described their efforts to create a “service nation.” Panelists represented Common Cause, Be the Change, AARP, Mobilize.org, MTV, and NCoC. Alan Khazei (Be the Change) sounded the theme: “It’s up to citizens to make the changes. Stay involved! The real work begins on Nov. 5.” Moderator Joe Klein, fresh from assignments in Iraq and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, added a different perspective: “When you think of community service, remember the military.”  He said he’d come to appreciate soldiers as community and nation builders, not just warriors.

·         A conversation with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Justice O’Connor, who described herself as “an unemployed cowgirl,” is leading the charge to revive civics education in the U.S. Before long, free, online programs will provide interactive games to teach youth about the judicial system (available soon at www.ourcourts.org). It’s hoped that programs on the executive and legislative branches of government will be developed.

It was great to see so many young people taking part. And the leaders in the community service movement are inspired and inspiring. I came away from the meeting convinced we have work to do. What ideas do you have for getting citizens involved?

Comments

[Julie in Idaho]

Carrie, that sounds like an action- and idea-packed meeting!

People are focused on the elections right now, but perhaps after November 4, local community-building groups can do some "marketing" to recruit people who were involved in campaigns and who will be seeking new opportunities.

Post-election energy could be a boon for local groups, which could especially seek out younger activists to join the folks who've been carrying the ball for a long time. Facebook is, in fact, a great way to do that. Every local dialogue-to-change program ought to set up a Facebook group ... not that online social networking will ever fully take the place of face-to-face community building.

[Carrie Boron]

Molly actually wrote this post, so she deserves all of the credit!

[Nick Connell]

Thanks for sharing, Molly.

To answer your question, sometimes words like "citizens" create a false distance for me. However, if I consider my neighbors, home day care provider, friends, family, and the various people I serve on committees with or work with vocationally ... then that brings it home to me.

The question I ask myself actually changes to, "How can I be the best participant in my community (and communities), with the time and resources I have available, and communicate that authentically and well?" I feel that if I can be authentic to who I am, and show commitment and passion in participating with others in shaping and caring for my community(ies), then that is attractive and inviting for others to do the same. My friends look on and either shake their heads wondering how I got involved with such and such, or they voice their reason(s) for not participating (most often due to "being busy"). And sometimes, folks show eagerness for wanting to join in the fun of rolling up their sleeves and participating.

Obviously, my answer is more focused on what I can do individually. There are a host of other things individuals and groups can do, and are already doing. Where things tend to get bogged down is with divisive, partisan politics.

But I guess one of the biggest drawbacks to individuals participating in their communities (besides busyness) is the paralyzing perception that the "systems" are too large to change or contribute to, and the "problems" or "concerns" are so complex that no easy answers present themselves. Because it's so messy and non-linear, it's not as inviting to do with one's "free time."

Okay, last thought. I'm 30, work 2 jobs, raise 2 kids, and support my wife in pursuit of her degree and pursuing her vocational interests (just starting to hit the ground). There's not much time to give to other things. And when I have to dig (search) for news on what's going on in my community (along with dates, times, contact info, can I just show up?, who will be there?, what could I contribute anyway?, etc.), then I am more likely not to participate. (Oh, and finding affordable or free babysitting is a part-time job in itself.)

However, I have found that when I am invited or shown appreciation by someone doing the work or if I see clearly how I can contribute, then I most often make time to participate because it is meaningful to me!!