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Civic Engagement: How Much Time Do You Have?

You Decide How Engaged To Be

How much time do you have today, this week, this month? The crazy schedules make us feel as if we can’t be involved in our community, can’t serve and be a part of those issues we care about.  You have options, though, options that you can fit into your schedule.  You know you need to be engaged. But what you don’t know is this: how much time will it take to be engaged? Below are civic engagement opportunities organized by time. With the opportunities listed below, you’ll find additional resources that can take you to places with more ideas, more ways to fit engagement into your life. Use the ideas and resources below  to have an introductory experience of exploring community issues. Take less than 10 minutes right now.  Look through these ideas. You can be a part of your community. Get engaged and Tweet about your experiences with #engagedbroncos to share your engagement with the Bronco community.

Civic Engagement in 15 Minutes or Less

Got a break? Just one moment is all takes.

  • Sign a petition on www.change.org
  • Use social media to share news or opinion about important social issues (provide links, videos, more).
  • Use social media to spread the news about small things they can do to support the issue (provide links, videos, more). Here’s more social media for you, too, if you don’t have enough: http://cdce.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/crowdshout-phone-app-mobilizes-issue-supporters/
  • Write an email to your congressperson(s) about the issue. This could be a positive email thanking the congressperson for their support on the issue already or this could be an informative email
  • Write an email to local companies or organizations who impact the issue. You know, even a positive ‘thank you’ email is civic engagement! Informative emails are great! But ‘thank you’ emails can inspire, too
  • Contact (email) the media or call into a talk show
  • Donate (even five dollars helps!)
  • Say something (examples: if you hear a racist joke, incorrect information; if you see mistreatment, see an opportunity to discuss the issue you care about)
  • Buy products that donate portions of proceeds to issues you care about
  • Buy products from companies that support your values in their business practices
  • Research candidates and vote

 

Civic Engagement in 1 Hour or Less

Got an evening off? Do something different and make a difference. Don’t forget to Tweet about it with #engagedbroncos.

  • Get to know someone who is impacted by your issue
  • Help out the History Pin Project: http://cdce.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/historypin-great-potential-for-local-history-projects/
  • Create some type of material for the public.  This can be a flyer, poster, etc. that will either be posted on campus or in Boise, ID showing what the issue is and how people can help
  • Attend community issue-related events (Ex: “city club” or ACHD community meetings, panel discussions with community leaders, non-profit functions with speakers).  Bring a friend. City Club of Boise: http://www.cityclubofboise.org/ Registering online or notification of your attendance prior to event might be necessary
  • Attend community civic meetings that relate to your issue. Speak up if you can (Ex: your neighborhood association, Ada County Highway District, city council, legislative hearing, or regional caucuses). http://cityclerk.cityofboise.org/city-council-meetings/

For more ideas: http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours

 

Civic Engagement in 3 Hours and Beyond

You decide.  Put in three hours a week or just fifteen minutes.

  • Organize a screening with friends and family for a film/documentary that’s focused on your issue. Take some time to informally discuss the film and issues after the movie
  • Volunteer during a Service Saturday (help maintain a community garden; volunteer at an agency participating in service Saturday; clean up your hood)
  • Participate in “tabling” opportunities.  Set up tables in high traffic areas and provide brochures and information about you issue of interest
  • Assist with community fundraising events which benefit a community issue
  • Start and maintain a YouTube channel focused on the Issue
  • Create and maintain a Facebook Group focused on your issue.  Bring people together, post articles, resources, updates, and keep conversations going
  • Offer to write an article on your issue for a non-profit community organization newsletter
  • Assist with community fundraising events which benefit a community issue
  • Promote and attend community issue-related events (Ex: “city club”, Tunnel of Oppression, panel discussions with community leaders, non-profit functions).  Promote event without the direct involvement of agency/club/panel but with consent from agency/club/panel
  • Organize a neighborhood potluck. Invite someone who can talk about relevant community issues

 

Civic Engagement in 15 Hours and Beyond

Are you addicted to engagement and ready to take on more? It feels good, doesn’t it? Don’t forget to Tweet about it with #engagedbroncos.

  • Create a video to raise awareness about the issue you care about create a Youtube channel, post your video in the channel, and maintain your channel with updates, new videos, links, and more
  • Create and maintain a Blog focused on your Issue
  • Find an organization related to your issue and volunteer to help.  Bring a friend
  • Volunteer for a political campaign or organization: make phone calls, canvas door-to-door or via e-mail, and/or distribute campaign buttons, stickers, or signs
  • Take a volunteer vacation: Find an example at Alternative Breaks with BSU