“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. To respect that contract is to be mature, to strengthen it is to be a good citizen, to do more than your share under it is noble.” –Kofi Annan
How can you become a better citizen — no matter where you live?
Allow me to offer 7 quick ideas.
Contact and get to know your alderman
You owe it to yourself to be a part of the legislative process. Plus, admit it, you have a beef or two to share with your city’s government. Right? Knowing your local elected official makes you a better citizen. Get to know him or her today.
Make a restaurant and local food and drink list
Create a list of restaurants you want to try, and use it! Support your local places, local beverages, and foods. Not just your favorite go-to spots, but those off-the-beaten-path places, too.
Compliment or productively criticize media
See a story that you love? Tell the reporter! On the flip side, if a news story on local news site, podcast, or show has missed something — let the reporter know. Media should be a conversation, not a sermon — and, you should be a part of the conversation.
Buy a “season pass” or membership
I take great civic pride in renewing our local memberships. You should, too — no matter where you live — buy a few memberships to art museums, theater groups, zoos or whatever floats your boat.
Explore one “new-to-you” city or neighborhood per month
Get out of your box and step into other boxes. Explore ALL of the areas near and around the city you live in.
Attend a sporting event or concert that you typically wouldn’t
This isn’t going to change the world, but it may open your eyes to the incredible breadth and depth of music and professional, collegiate, high school, and youth sports that happens near your city. Go see a game or a show that you typically wouldn’t.
Find a cause, small or large, and stick with it
We all have a cause that we love and have a passion for. Support it. Get off your butt, volunteer, call an organization and ask what it needs. Or, just write a check. Your community needs you - and as we head into the Independence Day weekend, now more than ever we are called to serve.
