Take the Civic Action Challenge

Our democracy needs everyone to take action — and often.

A global 2018 study found that few people participate in politics apart from voting. A healthy democracy relies on high levels of civic participation to function.

The 2018 midterm elections saw record turnout, and protests have increased since Trump took office. Americans are standing up and making their voices heard. But the actions we take cannot stop at the ballot box. Democracy depends on everyone’s active, routine participation.

Voting is essential, and everyone should make a plan to vote. But that is not enough — we must hold elected officials accountable. We must call our representatives to remind them what truly matters. We must email legislators to keep them focused on our best interests. We must organize with grassroots movements year-round to ensure the causes we care about get the support they need.

The global pandemic has demonstrated the agility of activism. There are so many opportunities to get involved safely, right from your home. Civic action should be a part of our daily lives, but that doesn’t mean it’s an overwhelming time commitment. We can all take one or more small actions every day to maintain a healthy democracy.

Take our Civic Action Challenge leading up to the November election. It’s 31 days of direct democracy and volunteering for important causes. The more you get involved, the easier it becomes. Our democracy is not just a privilege — it’s a practice.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Because voting this election is critical, begin by ensuring you’re ready to vote and making sure your friends, family, and community are too. Get all the information you need here, and share this page with everyone you know.
• Then, be a part of the movement to elect Joe Biden by signing up to be a climate voter — we are working to make sure everyone turns out this election, and they could use your help mobilizing voters. Become a Biden Climate Voter to learn more.
• Are you young and healthy? One of the most impactful actions you can take this election is to be a poll worker. This year, older folks who have worked as poll workers for previous elections must stay home to stay safe. To help keep polling locations open and help Election Day run smoothly, sign up to be a poll worker.
• We must protect undocumented immigrants. Reports of abuse at ICE detention centers uncover inhumane treatment of immigrants, including coerced sterilization and sexual abuse. Congress needs to push for an immediate investigation of ICE detention centers. Call your Congressperson to demand an investigation.
• Fight for environmental, racial, and economic justice every day by contacting your representatives. Find an organization working on the issue you’re most passionate about and volunteer some of your time. Read up on intertwining issues of injustice. And challenge your friends to do the same. Visit our Action Center to get started, and share to encourage others to get involved too.

We can accomplish so much when we all come together, and with these small, daily actions, we can build progress and sustain the fight for justice, day after day. Being an engaged citizen helps build communities and grow nationwide support for efforts that affect our lives. It also encourages a healthy democracy that represents people’s best interests. Thank you for being a part of the Civic Action Challenge and an active participant in our democracy!