Civic engagement is a crucial aspect of a healthy democracy; playing a fundamental role in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. In this article, we’ll explore 23 hands-on civic engagement activities that can help students develop the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to become model citizens. From volunteering to voting, these activities offer practical ways for individuals to get involved and make a difference in their communities.
1. Start a Newsletter to Encourage Community Engagement
Encourage students to take an active role in their school community by inviting them to contribute to a classroom newsletter. Apart from keeping families informed about school activities, a kid-created newsletter promotes literacy skills while fostering a sense of community.
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2. Reach Out to Lawmakers
Most students are not aware they have the power to influence their legislators. Teach them that writing, emailing, or calling local representatives are all impactful ways to make their voices heard. Our leaders do care about what their constituents think – they just need to hear from them!
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3. Attend a Town Hall Community Event
Participating in a virtual or in-person town hall can help kids gain a deeper understanding of the democratic process, and learn how to engage with lawmakers. Not only does it foster a sense of civic responsibility but also empowers kids to make a difference in their communities and in the world.
Learn More: Free Spirit Publishing
4. Study Greta Thunberg’s Acts of Activism
Studying and discussing the activism of Greta Thunberg can inspire students to become more aware of climate change while encouraging them to become active citizens in their own right. Additionally, the lesson can foster a sense of empowerment, as students learn that they can make a difference in the world around them, regardless of their age or status.
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5. Display an Educational Poster
Teaching kids about the six domains of global citizenship, including environmental sustainability and social justice, not only develops their understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives but increased empathy for those facing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
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6. Civic Engagement Lesson Plan
Understanding the impact students can have on the world through their actions not only encourages civic participation but critical thinking about the best ways to engage with global issues. This hands-on activity involves sorting a set of cards with different scenarios into two categories: “global citizen” or “not a global citizen”, covering topics such as respecting diverse cultures, upholding human rights, and protecting the environment.
Learn More: Twinkl
7. Read an Inspiring Book
This inspiring picture book, written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and featuring eye-catching illustrations, encourages children to get involved in their communities and make a positive impact on the world around them.
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8. Civic Engagement Task Cards
These engaging task cards are designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, each featuring a specific question for students to analyze and consider potential solutions. They can be used as a warm-up activity to encourage class discussion or an individual assignment to assess student learning.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
9. Read Op-Ed Articles
Reading opinion pieces can help develop civic engagement by exposing students to diverse viewpoints and encouraging critical thinking. By evaluating arguments and analyzing the evidence presented, they can develop a deeper understanding of complex issues and become more informed and engaged citizens.
Learn More: Let’s Cultivate Greatness
10. View a Civic Engagement Slideshow
Through interactive activities and visual aids, this informative slideshow provides an overview of important concepts like democracy, community involvement, and social justice, empowering them to make a positive difference in their communities.
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11. Watch an Inspiring TED Talk
Hearing from a fellow student about civic engagement can be a great way to motivate students to engage in efforts to make a positive change in their society. Noah, a youth activist shares his experience working on social justice issues and presents a powerful call to action to get listeners involved.
Learn More: TED
12. Try a Whodunnit Activity
This Whodunnit activity is designed to help students learn about civic engagement through a fun and interactive mystery-solving activity. The objective of the game is to solve a mystery by examining clues related to topics such as voting, community service, and advocacy.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
13. Civic Engagement Crossword
This civic engagement crossword puzzle can promote vocabulary building while reinforcing key concepts. It makes for a fun and easy brain break activity, conversation starter, or informal summative assessment.
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14. Teach Kids About the Power of Voting
Voting is a crucial part of civic participation, and this activity prepares students to do so confidently. After creating a chart to differentiate between facts and opinions about the upcoming national election, explore the history of voting rights, and create a timeline. Finally, they write about which candidate they would vote for, based on facts instead of personal opinions.
Learn More: Read Write Think
15. Write a Letter to the President
This hands-on letter-writing activity, addressed to the current president, provides a fill-in-the-blank template, that students can fill with their own idea about civics and desires for societal reform. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen critical thinking and personal expression skills while teaching kids how to advocate for social change.
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16. Clean up a Park
A park cleanup is a terrific way for kids to see the direct impact of their civic participation through the visible improvement in their park. By bringing people together to work towards a common goal, it can also foster a sense of community while developing environmental awareness.
Learn More: Useful Community Development
17. Teach Children to Give to Charity
Giving to charity helps build empathy for those in need, while increasing social responsibility, and encouraging great resourcefulness. Additionally, saving money to donate helps students make a positive impact and feel a sense of accomplishment.
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18. Volunteer at a Food Bank
Donating time at a food bank or soup kitchen not only builds community but a greater sense of gratitude for what kids do have. apart from making them more socially conscious citizens, it teaches them the importance of addressing collective issues such as hunger and homelessness.
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19. Help Out at a Nursing Home
Why not have kids visit a local nursing home where they can help by reading, performing, or socializing with the residents? Visiting regularly can help kids develop empathy, and respect for the wisdom of their elders as well as greater confidence in their abilities to be of service in their communities
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20. Host a Bake Sale
Organizing a bake sale is a classic way to encourage civic participation which teaches kids to plan, organize, and execute a fundraising event for a meaningful cause. Why not bolster motivation by having kids choose a cause they care about and donate the proceeds to a local charity?
Learn More: The Children’s Trust
21. Try an Art Based Project
Children can come together to create a mural that reflects the history and culture of their community, helping to beautify public spaces while promoting community pride. This is a fantastic way to give a voice to disenfranchised voices while providing kids with a creative outlet.
Learn More: Civic Arts
22. Try a Civic Engagement Themed Theatre Production
Community theatre can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about civic issues and promoting social change. Apart from fostering dialogue and understanding, it can serve as an inspiring catalyst for kids to take action on civic issues.
Learn More: Bear Works
23. Give a Speech
This engaging activity invites students to express their election priorities in the form of a six-word stump speech. It’s a powerful tool for promoting democracy and citizen engagement, as it encourages people to kids to share their ideas, aspirations, and vision for their country.
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