Democratic Engagement Guide
Are you interested in getting more involved in your community? Do you want to become more engaged with our country’s political process?
Whatever your goals and interests are, there are many ways you can be an active citizen and organizations you can connect with to get more involved. Check out the following resources for tips and new ways to participate in our democracy.
Focus your efforts
Pick your top issues
To start, choose one or two issues that are important to you. Whatever your cause is, narrowing your focus can help you get involved without feeling overwhelmed.
Identify your talents
Do you enjoy graphic design? Are you a great public speaker? Make a list of your talents and strengths to help determine how you could support your causes.
Create an action plan
With your top issues and list of talents, create an action plan to get involved. Learn more about your causes, check out organizations to join and explore volunteer opportunities.
Educate yourself and others
There are many ways to learn about your top issues and democratic engagement in general. Diversify your sources of information to broaden the scope of what you are learning.
Read: Explore books and articles related to activism and civic engagement. Here are a few suggestions to get started:
- Books to read if you are interested in Activism, Social Change and Justice (Social Change Library)
- Popular Activism Books from Goodreads
- “What’s Driving Political Violence in America?” (Greater Good Magazine)
- “How Toxic Language Leads to Political Violence” (Greater Good Magazine)
Research: Learn about your representatives and take time to research your issues.
Follow: Find social media pages for organizations you support and candidates you want to learn more about.
Listen: Attend meetings or events for groups to learn and find podcasts to enrich your learning. To get started, check out these podcasts on intellectual humility.
Learn: Develop your leadership skills through CU GOLD workshops, the Ignite Social Justice & Leadership Conference, or the Women’s Leadership Symposium.
Discuss: Share news and thoughts with your friends, family and colleagues.
Train: Take advantage of workshops and other learning opportunities to help you be a better ally.
Take action
Even small acts can lead to significant change! Explore how you can get involved and make a difference.
Simple (but important) actions
- Vote: Register to vote and vote in every election.
- Live your values: Avoid products that conflict with your causes.
- Donate: If you can, donate to causes that you support.
- Wear your cause: When you can, wear buttons, stickers and shirts that support your cause.
- Contact your reps: Write to and call your representatives to share your opinions. Check out these tips from the ACLU and the University of Kansas on how to write to your elected officials.
- Write to the newspaper: Write to your local newspaper about what current issues are important to you and why.
More involved actions
- Attend events: Attend rallies, protests and events to show your support. Visit the Colorado General Assembly website to find your state legislator, get information on bills and view the meeting calendar for the House and Senate.
- Attend meetings: Attend local meetings like city council and town hall meetings.
- Join local groups: Join student and community groups that align with your passions. Here are a few options to start finding groups:
- Share literature: Help spread the messages of groups you support by carrying their pamphlets, brochures, flyers or other literature to share.
- Register voters: Help register others to vote.
- Volunteer: Volunteer with organizations that align with your top issues.
Most intensive actions
- Work:Look for internships and jobs that align with the issues you’re passionate about.
- Leadership: Become a leader and organizer for groups you’re a part of or start your own.
- Run for office: Become involved in politics by running for office with CU Student Government.
Practice self-care
While it can feel like you should be productive in your free time, focusing on self-care is also essential. Find balance by sleeping 7-9 hours each night, eating regular meals, finding time for physical activity and staying in touch with friends and family. For more tips, visit the Health and Wellness Services website and check out these additional resources:
Allies and Advocates and Self-Care, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Information for this page came from the Washington State University’s Democratic Engagement Guide.