WHAT IS CIVIC ENGAGEMENT?
Civic engagement involves actively participating in actions that benefit the community, from voting and volunteering to raising awareness about social issues. At its core, civic engagement aims to improve quality of life for everyone through community involvement. Given that 80% of health outcomes are influenced by social factors like access to food, housing, and healthcare, engaging in civic activities is essential for addressing these social determinants and achieving health equity.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Being civically engaged is crucial because it helps shape a healthier, more equitable society. By addressing the social factors that impact health, civic engagement plays a direct role in improving overall community wellbeing. Institutions like Community Health Centers (CHCs) are trusted voices that can encourage civic involvement, helping to integrate civic health within healthcare settings. When communities are engaged in civic life, it leads to stronger, healthier, and more represented populations, which directly contributes to policy change and social improvements.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are several ways to get involved:
- Vote: Voting is one of the most impactful ways to influence policies that affect everyday life.
- Volunteer: Volunteering within your community not only helps others but also fosters community connections and awareness.
- Educate and Advocate: Share information and advocate for issues that matter to you. Advocacy amplifies voices and supports beliefs, policies, or issues that drive change. It’s a powerful way to promote justice, health equity, and community wellbeing.
- Engage in Civic Health Initiatives: Participate in or support programs that promote civic health. For example, healthcare providers can encourage patients to vote or engage in advocacy efforts related to health and social services.
- Share Your Story: Sharing your personal experiences with voting and civic engagement can inspire others to get involved. By telling others why these actions are important to you, you can motivate people to think about how they, too, can impact their communities.
