By: Caileen Ayers, MML Foundation Assistant
What is Civic Engagement
Let’s start with a big-picture definition. In Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, author Thomas Ehrlich describes civic engagement as “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and nonpolitical processes.”
It’s a clear definition, but let’s break it down a bit. The word civic usually relates to cities, citizenship, or community life. Collins Dictionary adds that it’s about the duties or feelings we have simply because we belong to a community. In other words, civic engagement is about showing up and contributing because we care.
This idea really resonates with us. We believe that trust and belonging aren’t just nice-to-have — they’re essential. They shape how happy we feel in our communities and how well those communities thrive.
So, with that in mind, here’s a working definition we like to use: Civic engagement is the actions we take as individuals to strengthen our sense of trust and belonging, and to enhance the quality of life in our community.
It’s not about being perfect or doing everything, it’s about finding meaningful ways to connect, contribute, and care.
Why is Civic Engagement Important?
Our team likes to say that democracy is a verb — it’s not just something we have, it’s something we do. Civic engagement is how we bring that idea to life. It’s the collection of everyday actions that help shape our communities and make them stronger.
In the past, civic engagement often happened naturally. People tended to stay in the same neighborhood for years, knew their neighbors well, and worked the same jobs for decades. Those long-term connections created strong civic bonds. People felt rooted, invested, and responsible for the wellbeing of their communities.
Today, things look a little different. While technology has brought many conveniences and opportunities, it has also made it easier to prioritize online interactions and convenience over meaningful ties to the places we live and work. But when we feel a connection to our communities, our quality of life improves and we’re more likely to invest in positive change.
Civic engagement is powerful because it works on multiple levels:
- For individuals, it builds a sense of purpose and belonging.
- For communities, it brings more voices into important conversations and supports placemaking efforts that make neighborhoods vibrant and resilient.
- For society, it cultivates informed, committed, and community minded people. These are the kind of people who drive real, systematic change.
Examples of Civic Engagement
When people hear “civic engagement,” voting is usually the first thing that comes to mind and for a good reason. Voting is the backbone of a healthy democracy, and it’s one of the most direct ways we can shape our communities. But civic engagement goes far beyond the ballot box.
While civic engagement can happen at the state, national, or even global level, this article is all about local engagement, the kind that happens right in your neighborhood, town, or city. These everyday actions might seem small, but they add up to big change.
Political Engagement
Many people dismiss involvement in local politics as being trivial or bothersome in comparison with state and national issues which is evident in lower voting rates in local elections. The truth of the matter is that local participation can not only be more meaningful, but the impact can be more apparent and immediate to witness. Local issues involve the success of the schools your kids attend, the development of the parks you visit on the weekends, and even the growth of local businesses you love. Outside of voting, there are other powerful ways to engage politically. You can attend local political events to engage with candidates, volunteer for campaigns, or even run for office!
How to do it: Stay up to date on local elections by visiting your city or village website! Many local leaders will host events to engage with their constituents that can be found on social media. If you find a candidate that matches your goals for the community, consider visiting their campaign website to learn about ways to support them. If you want to take the brave step into becoming a local leader yourself, check out some of the Michigan Municipal League’s educational resources and webinars. We even have a training program for newly elected officials to start off strong.
Community Service & Volunteerism
When we notice an issue in our community or discover a passion for something, there are a variety of potential outlets. We talk about it with our neighbors, we reach out to local officials or if it’s possible, we might even vote for a change to be made! However, chances are there is a nonprofit in your community passionately working on the same issue.
Local nonprofits are often at the heart of community problem-solving. They’re nimble, passionate, and deeply connected to the people they serve. However, the power behind their work lies in the support from their community and that means you. In a world where time can feel so limited, sharing yours for the betterment of others is a powerful statement about your priorities.
Another great way to get involved is by joining a local commission or committee. These groups help shape everything from parks and housing to festivals and beautification efforts. It’s a great way to meet neighbors and make your voice heard.
How to do it: Start with what you care about. If food insecurity is on your mind, try searching “food banks near me.” Libraries and rec centers are also great places to find volunteer opportunities. Interested in joining a commission? Your city or village website will list open positions and how to apply.
Education & Advocacy
Here’s one that doesn’t get talked about enough: staying informed. Civic engagement starts with understanding what’s happening in your community because when you know more, you can do more.
Attend town halls, read up on local legislation, and talk to municipal staff. Once you’ve got a handle on the issues, you’re in a great position to advocate for change. That might mean signing a petition, speaking at a public meeting, or calling your local elected officials.
Advocacy can be a powerful tool as your community leaders want to hear from you!
How to do it: Find out when your community hosts town hall meetings. These are usually posted on your city or village website and social media. If you have a specific interest (like parks or housing), consider attending committee meetings. And if you’re looking for educational resources, the Michigan Municipal League has plenty to help you understand how local government works.
Philanthropy & Fundraising
Let’s talk about one more powerful way you can support your community: giving. Whether it's time, talent, or treasure, every contribution matters and when it comes to philanthropy and fundraising, we’re focusing on the treasure part.
Philanthropy is about sharing financial resources or material goods to help meet your community needs. While big donations can make a big impact, small contributions from many people can create big changes too.
Fundraising doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. You can team up with neighbors or local businesses to host a fundraising night for a nonprofit you care about or you can organize a resource drive to collect items your community needs like school supplies, hygiene kits, or winter clothing.
Crowdfunding has also become a popular tool for local impact. Platforms like Patronicity allow communities to raise funds that can be matched by organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. It’s a great way to turn grassroots support into real, tangible projects.
How to do it: If you’d like to donate to your community, start by supporting the same community assets you might choose to volunteer your time! Many community organizations rely entirely on donations and have pre-existing programs that need support. If you are interested in making a long-term financial contribution, look into your local community foundation that can help establish a fund dedicated to your area’s needs. If you are interested in hosting a resource drive, consider what needs your community is facing and how these resources could be distributed. For example, if you would like to host a clothing drive, who will the clothes be for and how will they get into their hands. Many local shelters are happy to help for this specific example.
Civic engagement isn't a one-size fits-all approach and it's definitely not a fixed role. Just as our communities grow and change, so do we. Your time, energy, and interests will shift throughout your life and that's perfectly normal. Some years may look like voting in local elections or attending town halls. Others might mean volunteering at a community theatre, donating to your food bank, or simply staying informed.
You don't have to do it all at once. Start where you are, with what you care about most. It helps you feel more connected to your community, builds trust & belonging, and gives you a personal stake in shaping the future of the place you call home. Every action counts and when we all show up, our communities thrive.
So, grab a coffee, take a walk around your neighborhood, and think about one small way you can engage this week. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.