Civic Engagement: The Key to Improving our democracy?

As this next election cycle approaches, many people are thinking what can we do to improve our democracy?   Some people think that having citizens become more engaged is the answer.

According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project survey of 2012, only half (48%) of  American adults directly took part in a civic group or activity in the 12 months preceding. The survey measured several broad categories of civic activity that Americans might engage in.
 This includes anyone who did one or more of the following six activities:
    •    35% of American adults have recently worked with fellow citizens to solve a problem
          in their community


    •    22% have attended a political meeting on local, town, or school affairs



    •    13% have been an active member of a group that tries to influence  the  public or
           government



    •    10% have attended a political rally or speech



    •    7% have worked or volunteered for a political party or candidate



    •    6% have attended an organized protest

Therefore the next question is what can be done to change these statistics?  One way is to join an organization such as League of Women Voters.. We are non partisan which means we don't support specific candidates or political parties, but we do research issues, help educate the public and lobby for changes especially on issues surrounding our democracy, and our voting systems. 

If you want to make a difference in Hubbard County,  come find out more about League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area and what we do to support our local elections.  Join us for our Annual Meeting: May 10th, 2018.

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