Civic Engagement is not Just About Voting
Mara Kimmel, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska talked to us about fostering community involvement, civic engagement and building bridges.Civic engagement is often framed as simply voting, but it encompasses much more. It’s about actively participating in your community, shaping its future, and ensuring your voice is heard. Mara Kimmel, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Alaska, emphasizes this broader definition, stating, “Civic engagement is when people are involved in their community in all ways. So, in their government, their social life, their cultural life, and in their political life. They engage because they see themselves as part of the community. They understand that their voice matters and that their opinions change their own fates and futures and those of our community for the better.”
Kimmel, who has worked with various community-based organizations, including the ACLU, believes that civic engagement is crucial for a thriving democracy. “The nature of democracy is that it is of the people, by the people, and for the people,” she explains. “The way that we make sure those values are met is through civic engagement.” Beyond voting, there are numerous ways to engage in your community. Kimmel suggests getting involved in civic organizations, volunteering at schools, or serving on boards and committees. “It’s not just about voting,” she emphasizes, “it’s about helping to steer the direction of the community in which you live.” Kimmel also stresses the importance of local engagement. “It is really, really important that we make sure we’re involved in our state and our local governments,” she says, “so that our state and our local governments can protect our civil rights.” Kimmel also highlights the importance of engaging with others, even when there are disagreements. “It’s easy to disagree with people when you are across the table from them, but you build bridges around those disagreements,” she says. “Even if you end up leaving the table agreeing to disagree, at least you have seen each other and looked into each other’s eyes and maybe have a little bit more understanding of why the person feels the opposite of the way that you do.” This understanding, she believes, is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. “It’s just harder to hate and it’s harder to turn someone into an ‘other’, someone you do not connect with.” she explains. “It’s harder to distinguish each other from our community and to separate and segregate when you get to know each other.” Kimmel’s message is clear: civic engagement is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. It’s about actively shaping the future of your community, building bridges with those who hold different views, and ensuring that your voice is heard. |