By Aspen Hess, Key Club International trustee 

In Key Club, members explore a variety of ways they can make a difference through service. But did you ever consider that civic engagement could be one of them?   

First, let’s define “civic engagement.” It’s the action taken to address issues of public concern and to help improve your community. Civic engagement can occur on the local, state, national and international levels and includes activities such as volunteering and engaging with elected officials and democratic processes. Here are some examples:   

  1. Become a poll worker. This is a great way to give back to your community by aiding in the fair elections process. Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on who can serve in this role, but it’s definitely something to look into!   
  2. Hold a voter registration drive. Some citizens face multiple obstacles that prevent them from registering to vote. By hosting a voter registration drive with your Key Club, you can make the process easier for members of your community. Learn how a Key Club in the Indiana District held a successful voter registration drive.  
  3. Attend city council meetings. This is a great way to learn about the work being done for your community by your elected and appointed officials — and to voice your concerns. You can also share the knowledge you gain with other members of your community.   
  4. Volunteer for advocacy groups. A big part of civic engagement is knowing what you believe in. For example, if you are passionate about improving the environment and protecting local wildlife, consider volunteering with a local environmentalist group to advocate for these issues.   
  5. Engage in public discourse and community discussions. Communicating our beliefs and listening to diverse perspectives are key to broadening our views and making progress on issues we care about.   

As you consider civic engagement, it’s essential to remember to treat every member of your community with civility — regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation or beliefs. Our commonalities outweigh our differences, and by working together we can make an even greater impact.  

If you’re interested in learning more about civic engagement, service and what Key Club International has planned for this service year, register for the Global Engagement Rally, to be held Saturday, November 9, at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. See you there!