How You Can Use Civic Engagement to Help Uphold Democracy

Yesterday's move by the #Tennessee legislature to expel #Democratic members for their participation in a protest is shocking, but it's not unprecedented — not in the context of history, not even in America itself. I've heard people say that whatever you think you'd have done when the Holocaust unfolded, take a close look at what you're doing right now, that's where the truth lies. 

Right now is a rocky time in the U.S. Our country is divided. In the face of unrest, one thing that makes me feel a little better, more empowered is figuring out what's within my control. And at the risk of sounding like a PSA, the Points of Light Civic Circle® helps me do that.

What's going on in Tennessee right now highlights the crucial role that #civicengagement plays in upholding democratic values. It underscores the need for each of us to engage in political and civic action to protect our democratic rights. Using the Civic Circle as a framework, I'll share how you can use your own power to lead, lend support, and take action to make a difference in your community.

Defining Civic Engagement and Democracy

Before we dive into the importance of civic engagement in upholding democracy, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what these terms mean. Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals in their communities and the political process. This ideal can take many forms, like voting, using your voice to contact elected officials, attending public meetings, or organizing a protest. Democracy, on the other hand, is a form of government that puts power in the hands of its people, either directly or through elected representatives. Democratic values include free and fair elections, the rule of law, and protection of individual rights and freedoms.

The Points of Light Civic Circle

The Civic Circle helps people connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. 

The Civic Circle is a roadmap to civic engagement that includes nine different ways to effect change. It encourages individuals to combine various elements to advance an issue or solve a problem in multiple ways. The Civic Circle recognizes that doing good comes in many forms, and the best thing about it is that, by combining its elements, you can amplify your impact. All you have to do is identify the causes you care most about and then leverage your own unique skills and strengths.

Upholding Democracy

Civic engagement is essential for upholding democratic values because it allows us to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that our voices are heard. When we engage in civic activities like voting, contacting elected officials, or attending public meetings, we can influence policy decisions that affect our communities. By organizing protests or other forms of activism, we can draw attention to important issues and push for change. And that's exactly what the children of Tennessee, along with a handful of their elected representatives, did yesterday. 

The Importance of Protecting Democratic Rights

The move by the Tennessee legislature to expel Democratic members for their participation in a protest highlights the need for residents and citizens to protect their democratic rights. When elected officials take actions that threaten democratic values, it's essential for us to speak out and take action. By engaging in civic activities, we can ensure that our voices are heard, and we can hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

You can start to see how civic engagement is not just an important way of working within your own community but is essential for upholding democratic values and protecting individual rights and freedoms. And the Points of Light Civic Circle provides a pathway for you to do those things. Once you choose a cause area that speaks to you, you can start to leverage your unique skills and strengths to drive the changes you want to see take hold in the world around you. The news out of Tennessee is just the latest story to highlight the importance of civic engagement in holding elected officials accountable and protecting democratic rights, but there are so many cause areas that need your energy and attention. It's up to each of us to use our power to lead, lend support, and take action to make our communities stronger and less divided.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.