The dictionary definition of civic-mindedness refers to the “actions, activities or individuals that are motivated by or that show concern for the public good or humanity as a whole.” In other words, a civic-minded person is willing to participate in activities that benefit their communities, such as volunteering, donating, and/or speaking out about issues and causes they’re passionate about.
After an incredibly divisive year of hyper-polarized political discourse, skyrocketing rates of harassment and violence against journalists, and the distortion of reality through “fake news” and inflammatory rhetoric, we’d like to ask all First Amendment Voice members and supporters to join us in rebuilding a sense of national unity through small acts of civic-minded kindness in their communities. If you’re onboard with making America kind again, then here are some of the many ways you can be more civic-minded in the new year:
Use Your Voice
As we discussed at our National Symposium in 2018, your voice matters! Whether this involves spreading the word about an important cause in your community or gathering support for political organizations via social media, there is no limit on the number of ways you can use your voice as a platform promoting respect and kindness towards all Americans.
Perhaps you could also constructively engage in controversial discussions by researching different perspectives from credible sources beforehand, learning more about logical fallacies, and being willing to listen to arguments and individuals you disagree with, rather than talking over them or refusing to engage simply because you have different perspectives.
Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
What are you truly passionate about? For instance, are you concerned about the state of press freedoms in the U.S. and abroad? Are you worried about the future of freedom of expression online? Or what about other causes with significant consequences (and public controversies), such as climate change, gun control, public health, and affordable housing?
No matter what your favorite causes may be, there are always opportunities for civic-minded individuals to get more involved in advocacy efforts through volunteering. If you’ve volunteered on and off for an organization or two in the past, then make this the year in which you commit to regularly volunteering for a nonprofit that aligns with your activist goals and ideals for American society.
Donate to Those Who Truly Need It
If you’re too busy with work and family obligations to volunteer more often, then consider contributing financially instead. There are so many worthy causes that deserve more funding to continue their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of less-fortunate individuals in your local community, as well as helping certain groups on the national level.
If First Amendment freedoms are also important to you, then consider donating to First Amendment Voice to help us protect our most treasured Constitutional rights in 2019 and beyond.
For some reason, this is my first time finding the comments section. I need to look closer next time.
I concur with your synopsis concerning the current atmosphere in America, the last hope for the world and mankind. We need to engage with our neighbors and our community at large, at the very least help to foster a culture of mutual respect. Respect in the sense that everyone has a right to use their voice as they see fit. Whether it is to bring people together or drive them apart. Allow people to chose for themselves rather than forcing everyone into fear and conformity.
Currently from my vantage point, the threat and danger is real, it is no wonder why people are afraid to speak up. Losing a job, a way of life, your family members being harassed or targeted for what you or I say. Our language is under threat, the language of America, the language of freedom.
The longer we stay silent, the more dangerous the situation becomes. We must stand up and encourage everyone to speak up, even if they scream at us to shut up! That is their freedom and we must defend their right.
Agree to disagree, curse, belittle, slander, laugh and realize that once we are coned into giving into “hate speech” and censorship, eventually even the loudest person will be shown the door before too long. We are on the precipice of losing everything the longer we sit silently aside, hoping that no one will notice us. The spotlight is on and the siren is blaring, there are people actively trying to silence what they would refer to as dissidents and dissenters. Is this really the nation you want your children and your grandchildren growing up in? A nation where they silently and in fear go on with their day to day life.
We are quickly slipping into atrophy and if we don’t begin to heal and rehabilitate, we may become paralyzed.
Ariel traded her voice for legs, a hard and dangerous lesson she quickly learned. Her voice was her soul, forsake your soul, you are forever gone and easily disposable.
Question, are the other comments visible?
Yancy,
Thank you very much for the thoughtful input. You highlight two trends that FAV pushes back against, fear and apathy. Fear of losing your job or other ramifications simply for voicing an opinion or daring to question orthodox ideas. Apathy is a twin counterpart, where people don’t feel their voice matters or that they don’t have a role to play in local community, the broader society or their government. FAV exists to educate citizens and advocate that they get involved. Citizenship is not a spectator sport. We will lose the match if too many sit on the sidelines. Thank you for YOUR involvement. By actively posting and helping others #FindTheirVoice you are performing an important civic mission which occurs year-round, not just at the polls when people vote.
Yes, comments are visible on the website. Thank you for your interest and for providing feedback on the website. We continually try to improve the experience for followers and leaders in the First Amendment space.