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A guide to becoming an active member of your community
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Whether you're trying to establish yourself in a new country or living in the same country where you were born, being a good citizen is more about supporting and improving your community than being extremely patriotic. We talked to immigration attorney Miatrai Brown to find out what makes someone a good citizen and what you can do to become a more active and engaged member of your community. We'll also give you some ideas you can use to teach your kids good citizenship skills that they can carry with them into adulthood.
Good Citizenship
- Vote and engage actively in local politics, staying up-to-date on issues.
- Respect your country's laws and pay your taxes.
- Conserve resources and keep your community clean and green.
- Support local farms, businesses, and tradespeople in your community.
- Accept, tolerate, and learn from other beliefs, opinions, and perspectives.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
25 Ways to Be a Good Citizen
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Vote in every election. Every election gives you an opportunity to have a say in who represents you in government. Local elections are especially important because the decisions these representatives make often affect your life in a very direct way. [1] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source Even in countries where voting is mandatory, people still consider it an important part of being a good citizen. [2] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source
- Brown emphasizes that if you want to be a good citizen, you must "actively engage in [your] community's political, social, and cultural spheres, participating in voting, public meetings, and local activities."
- Going to local political party or political interest group meetings can also help you keep up to date with local issues and candidates.
- During election season, consider volunteering at local elections, with a voting rights organization, or for a candidate for public office.
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Serve on jury duty when called. In countries such as the United States, jury duty is both a right and a responsibility. While it can be tempting to try to get out of jury duty, the majority of Americans believe that serving on a jury is part of what makes someone a good citizen. [3] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source
- Keep in mind that getting called doesn't necessarily mean you'll get to sit on an actual jury. Attorneys and judges can excuse jurors for many different reasons depending on the type of case.
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Contact your representatives about issues that matter to you. Even if you're too young to vote or you didn't vote for your current representatives, they still represent you. If you don't tell them how you feel about an issue, they won't know! There's no guarantee that you'll be able to change their opinion in any way, but they might be persuaded to vote the way you want if enough of their constituents share your position. [4] X Research source
- Check your official government site to find out who your representatives are and how you can contact them.
- Contacting your representatives about issues is most effective if you have a lot of other people doing it with you. Elected officials' offices typically keep track of the number of calls or letters they get on either side of an issue.
- If a representative's constituency overwhelmingly wanted them to vote "no" on a proposal, a "yes" vote from them could mean the end of their political career. For this reason, they do take public opinion into account.
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Protest to make your voice heard. The right to protest is included among free speech rights in many countries. When you exercise your right to disagree with your government and protest its actions, you're holding it accountable to its citizens, which is at the heart of being a good citizen. [5] X Research source
- Remember that your representatives represent you. If they're doing things that aren't in line with what you want, you have the right to let them know.
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Follow all laws and regulations that apply to you. Most people agree that "law-abiding" is synonymous with being a good citizen. Generally, this also means that you're not looking for ways to cut corners or get away with breaking laws that get in the way of you doing whatever you want to do. [6] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source
- Following the law includes tax laws, with 71% of Americans agreeing that paying all the taxes you owe is very important to being a good citizen.
- Brown notes that good citizens "respect their country's laws and regulations, as well as the rights of others."
- A good citizen also doesn't discriminate against others on the basis of something that person has no control over, such as their race, gender, or disability.
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Stand up to injustice when you see it. Being a good citizen is about more than just not discriminating against people yourself—it's about saying something when you see other people bullying or discriminating against others. It takes a lot of courage to speak out when you see something unjust happening, but it shows that you care about all of the people in your community. [7] X Research source
- This doesn't mean you should put your own safety at risk—that's definitely not required just to be a good citizen.
- If you're worried about something happening to you if your identity is known, look for ways you can report injustice to the proper authorities anonymously.
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Respect both public and private property. Being a good citizen means that you don't damage or destroy anything that belongs to anyone else. If you accidentally damage anything, you let the owner know right away and do what you can to make things right. [8] X Research source
- This includes carrying the appropriate insurance so that you can cover any damages you accidentally cause, or for injuries that occur on your property.
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Donate money to organizations that share your beliefs. Budget a portion of your income to go to causes that you believe in. Use a site such as Charity Navigator to ensure that any group you donate to uses the money the way they say they will. [9] X Research source
- While regular donations are a part of many religious traditions, you don't have to be religious to support causes that have meaning to you.
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Participate in fundraising events and activities. Nonprofit organizations often have events and activities, such as walks or races, to raise money for their causes. Getting involved in these things can help you make connections with like-minded folks and strengthen your ties to your community. [10] X Research source
- Don't forget that you're also raising money for a good cause! Choose the events in your area that you want to support and build enthusiasm through social media to get your total donations up.
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Conserve water and energy wherever possible. Electricity and running water are considered necessities but can also be wasted. Not only does wasting these resources cost you or your family more money but also potentially damages the environment. Do your part by not leaving the water running and turning off lights when you leave a room. [11] X Research source
- If you're able to do so, check out alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar, and see if they could work for you to help you reduce your impact on the environment.
- Tell others about your conservation efforts—they're likely to copy you and start doing the same things. [12] X Research source
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Reduce waste by recycling or reusing whenever possible. Recycle paper and plastic items according to your community's guidelines and reuse what you can. Switch to reusable products over disposable products wherever possible. Try to be conscious of the amount of trash you're creating each day and find little ways to reduce that as much as possible. [13] X Trustworthy Source United Nations Official site for the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization devoted to maintaining peace and building relationships between all nations. Go to source
- For example, buying a filtered water pitcher and drinking out of a reusable bottle instead of buying individually bottled water saves a lot of plastic.
- You might also turn an old piece of furniture into a craft project and "up-cycle" it into something cool instead of just throwing it out.
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Compost organic food waste. Composting is a great way to turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil to grow more crops. If your community doesn't collect compost, you can build a compost bin in your backyard. Don't have a backyard? You can still compost in an apartment. [14] X Research source
- If you don't have a garden, you can give away the compost to neighbors who do—you'll likely end up getting some free produce out of the exchange!
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Pick up litter around your neighborhood. Join a local clean-up group or just go out on your own every week or so and pick up any trash you see. You might also take time to do other things to beautify the community where you live, such as planting wildflowers. Working to keep your neighborhood clean and beautiful shows that you're a good citizen who takes pride in your surroundings. [15] X Trustworthy Source United Nations Official site for the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization devoted to maintaining peace and building relationships between all nations. Go to source
- Most trash can safely and easily be picked up and thrown away, but you might want to wear a pair of gardening gloves to protect you from broken glass and other sharp or jagged edges.
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Volunteer to help people in need in your community. Your community includes everyone who lives in your area—not just the people who look like you or live the same lifestyle as you. Look around and take note of the people you see every day who are struggling, then figure out what you can do to help them. [16] X Research source
- You might also decide to volunteer with an established local organization, such as a shelter or clinic.
- Brown notes that "an exemplary citizen is someone who embodies responsibility, engagement, and dedication to the welfare of their community and broader society."
- Good citizens are "empathetic and compassionate," Brown adds. "They understand and respond to the needs and concerns of others, offering help when they can."
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Support locally owned small businesses. When you buy from a locally-owned business, you're helping a neighbor keep a roof over their head and food on their table as opposed to lining the pockets of billionaires. You also get to know people in your community and build relationships with them. [17] X Research source
- Getting produce from your local farmer's market is a great way to support your community while also protecting the environment.
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Start or work in a community garden. Community gardens grow fresh produce through community resources and labor. Everyone works and contributes and everyone gets a share. If there's not already a community garden near you, starting one can be a great way to contribute to your neighborhood. [18] X Research source
- If you live in a house with a yard, you might encourage your neighbors to turn their yards into gardens so you can coordinate the crops you grow.
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Use public transportation when possible. Taking public transportation saves fuel and means less wear and tear on your local infrastructure. It also means you're saving money on fuel as well as wear and tear on your own vehicle. When public transportation is an option, it's usually the most responsible one to take. [19] X Research source
- If you own a car and find that you don't use it all that often, you might consider sharing it with a neighbor to further build community.
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Join your local library. Libraries give you the opportunity to learn virtually anything for free. Libraries also grant you access to lots of other tools and resources as well, all free of charge to members. [20] X Research source
- Many community groups also meet at libraries, since most libraries also serve as community centers. It's a great place to get involved and find out what's going on in your neighborhood.
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Prepare for emergencies or disasters. Keep informed about the types of natural disasters that are likely in your area and what you need to do to be prepared for them. Talk to your neighbors and find out what their plans are in the event of a disaster or emergency so you can coordinate. When neighbors can work together, they're much more likely to stay safe. [21] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
- When disaster strikes, donate blood if you're physically able. You can help save lives in your community.
- You might also get emergency training so that you can help out in the event of a natural disaster or similar tragedy. [22] X Research source
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Get vaccinated and maintain your health. The effectiveness of a vaccine depends on community support. Getting a vaccine doesn't just protect your own health, it protects the health of others who can't be vaccinated by making deadly diseases rarer and less severe. Do your part to maintain the health of your community by keeping up with your own health, eating well , and exercising regularly. [23] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source
- When you're in decent physical shape, you're better able to help those around you who might not have the same abilities.
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Take responsibility for your own decisions and actions. A good citizen doesn't blame other people when something goes wrong—they admit their role, apologize , and do what they can to make things right. When you view these mistakes as learning opportunities, a misstep is simply a chance to become an even better citizen and neighbor. [24] X Research source
- Brown emphasizes that a good citizen is dedicated to "understanding and fulfilling their rights and obligations with due diligence."
- "Honesty and trustworthiness are key traits of a good citizen," Brown continues, "who neither lies nor cheats, and remains accountable for their actions."
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Accept and tolerate different ideas and beliefs. You can learn a lot by looking at things from someone else's perspective. Instead of ignoring people who disagree with you, make an effort to find common ground and approach them with empathy and humanity. If you can connect with each other as people, you can find a way to get along even if you disagree on some pretty fundamental things. [25] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
- Brown notes that good citizens "embrace diversity and individual differences, treating everyone with kindness and empathy, without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other factors."
- "As open-minded and adaptable individuals," Brown adds, good citizens "welcome new ideas and perspectives."
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Learn about the history of your country and its government. You can't be a good citizen without having a country and a national government, so it stands to reason that a good citizen would try to learn as much as possible about both. The more you understand about how your country came into being and the values it promotes, the more effective your civic engagement will be. [26] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
- This is all the more important if you grew up in a different country because you missed out on the opportunity to learn this information in school.
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Stay up-to-date on current events and political issues. All it takes is 5 to 10 minutes a day to get the low-down on what's going on in your community, your country, and the world. Then, you can spend more time digging deeper into issues that you care about or want to learn more about. [27] X Research source
- Brown notes that a good citizen is always "conscious of the issues affecting their community" and endeavors to "effect improvements while supporting local institutions and organizations."
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Attend town or community meetings. Town and community meetings are great opportunities to actually make a difference in your neighborhood and the lives of the people there. Typically these meetings are open to the public and, depending on the topic of discussion, they can get pretty boisterous! That also makes them a great opportunity to experience firsthand the passion that people have for the community where you live. [28] X Research source
- Local political groups or political party chapters also tend to have meetings fairly often and can be great ways to get involved in your local civic life.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre there any other ways to be a good citizen?Miatrai Brown is an Immigration Lawyer based in Washington D.C. With over 10 years of academic and professional experience, her areas of focus include employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, investment-based immigration, family-based immigration, risk management assessment, and regulatory compliance. She began her legal career exclusively practicing immigration and nationality law as external immigration counsel to large U.S. corporations and fast-moving start-ups. After six years at top immigration firms, she opened her own practice, Direct U.S. Immigration. This move was motivated by her desire to provide more access to a high level of immigration support to clients worldwide. As a thoughtful and strategic advisor on immigration and related matters, Direct U.S. Immigration earned an impressive honor as Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Washington DC.Other ways to be a good citizen include actively taking responsibility for their actions and decisions and diligently fulfilling their rights and obligations. They respect and abide by their country's laws, as well as the rights of others. Engage proactively in their community's political, social, and cultural spheres, even participating in activities like voting, public meetings, and local events. These citizens embrace diversity, treating everyone with kindness and empathy without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other factors. Honesty and trustworthiness are fundamental traits, as good citizens neither lie nor cheat, remaining accountable for their actions. Attuned to community issues, they strive to effect positive changes, supporting local institutions and organizations. Empathetic and compassionate, they respond to others' needs and concerns, offering assistance when possible. Open-minded and adaptable, they welcome new ideas and perspectives.
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QuestionHow does knowledge affect citizenship?Community AnswerWhy do we go to school? Why are we taught good morals and ethics? Out of many possible answers one is to become a better human being. To help ourselves grow better and beneficial for people around us. Knowledge about daily things helps us in many ways e.g. following traffic rules, giving our seats to elders, making people aware of their rights etc. Knowledge about simple morals which we are taught in childhood and continuing to practice them makes us contribute in the improvement of our country as good citizens. For being a good citizen no big deeds or large money donations are required.
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QuestionWhy would we want to be good citizens?Community AnswerYou've seen movies where a man helps an old lady cross the street; this is an act of being a good citizen. Because the man did this, he is considered to be a friendly and good person. This is why we want to be good citizens, to be considered good by society.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about citizenship, check out our in-depth interview with Miatrai Brown, Esq. .
References
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/02/what-makes-a-good-citizen-voting-paying-taxes-following-the-law-top-list/
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/11/16/what-makes-someone-a-good-member-of-society/
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/02/what-makes-a-good-citizen-voting-paying-taxes-following-the-law-top-list/
- ↑ https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/_files/docs/adler-goggin-civic-engagement.pdf
- ↑ https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/_files/docs/adler-goggin-civic-engagement.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/02/what-makes-a-good-citizen-voting-paying-taxes-following-the-law-top-list/
- ↑ https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/5-ways-stand-against-racism-and-injustice
- ↑ https://madison.rbusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=935514&type=d&pREC_ID=1267713
- ↑ https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/protecting-the-environment
- ↑ https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/_files/docs/adler-goggin-civic-engagement.pdf
- ↑ https://climategen.org/take-action/take-action-in-your-home-school-or-community/
- ↑ https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/protecting-the-environment
- ↑ https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions
- ↑ https://climategen.org/take-action/take-action-in-your-home-school-or-community/
- ↑ https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/protecting-the-environment
- ↑ https://climategen.org/take-action/take-action-in-your-home-school-or-community/
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/a-community-approach-to-disaster-preparedness-and-response
- ↑ https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/downloads/is7unit_5.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/11/16/what-makes-someone-a-good-member-of-society/
- ↑ https://wayne.osu.edu/news/ways-be-good-citizen-make-difference-your-community
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_it_mean_to_be_an_engaged_citizen
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_it_mean_to_be_an_engaged_citizen
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://youth.gov/youth-topics/civic-engagement-and-volunteering
- ↑ https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/community-service-for-families/
- ↑ https://citizensandscholars.org/5-ways-to-be-an-engaged-citizen-besides-voting/
- ↑ https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/teaching-your-child-civic-engagement-at-home/
- ↑ https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/teaching-your-child-civic-engagement-at-home/
- ↑ https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/community-service-for-families/
- ↑ https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/community-service-for-families/
About This Article
Article Summary
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One way to be a good citizen is to volunteer with organizations that mean a lot to you, like groups that build homes for the less fortunate, mentor youth, or feed the homeless. If donating your time is difficult, then you can donate money, clothing, or other household goods. Additionally, you can donate blood and plasma to help save lives. If you want to be civically active, vote in every election, contact your representatives about issues that matter to you, and offer to help during election times. To learn how to help protect your city’s future, keep reading!
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