We are currently experiencing many serious issues across the country. Polarization, misinformation, mistrust, and apathy are ongoing concerns. By empowering the next generation with expanded opportunities to engage civically, we have an opportunity to reverse many of these issues. Civic engagement is all about taking responsibility for improving our communities. In this increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to meaningfully participate in their communities, we can grow and maintain a healthy, thriving democracy.
We need to ensure that young people are connected and engaged with real-world issues, empowering them to create a more vibrant and equitable system for community engagement. By engaging civically, young people will learn ways to collaborate, strengthen communication skills, improve social-emotional well-being, and develop a positive identity. These are exactly the type of leaders we need in our country and the world.
Civic education and action civics programs can be the backbone to creating a more informed, engaged, and responsible citizenry. Civic education is not just about learning U.S. History or government structures and systems—it’s also about engaging civically in everyday life. We need to provide youth with the tools necessary to engage in their communities and give them real-life situations to help create a more just, equitable, and thriving society. This type of involvement will help build the confidence and provide the experience necessary to be influential leaders and change-makers both locally and nationally.
The time is now to invest in civic education programs that build strong civic engagement skills and opportunities for hands-on experiences for youth to exercise and express these skills. By doing this, we can look forward to a new generation of leaders dedicated to positively impacting their communities in Washington state and beyond.
Cindy Black has been the Executive Director of Fix Democracy First since 2016. She was also the Campaign Director for WAmend’s successful statewide 2016 ballot Initiative 735 campaign, making Washington the 18th State to call for a U.S. Constitutional amendment to end court decisions like Citizens United. She is active with several state and national coalitions, addressing voting access, money in elections, alternative voting systems, and increasing civic participation. Cindy is committed to helping pass pro-democracy legislation locally and nationally, as well as building an active citizen’s movement through ongoing coalition building, common sense reforms, and public outreach.