Learn and Act
Deepening your civic engagement goes beyond just voting — it’s about actively learning and applying that knowledge in meaningful ways!
By reflecting on how your classes connect to civic life, engaging in extracurricular learning opportunities like workshops and lecture series, and exploring non-partisan books and documentaries, you can expand your understanding of the world around you. These actions not only enhance your own perspective but also equip you to be a more informed and active participant in society.
Reflect on How Your Class Material Connects to Civics
Take the opportunity to reflect on how your studies inform your role in democracy!
Your academic journey is more than just acquiring knowledge — it’s about understanding how your education intersects with the world around you. Making these connections helps you become a more informed and engaged leader, ready to contribute more intentionally to your community.
Reflection Guide: Connecting Your Course Work to Civics and Civic Leadership
Learn Through Action with Community-Engaged Learning Courses
Combine classroom learning with real-world civic action!
These courses integrate academic learning with community service, allowing you to apply your knowledge while addressing real-world challenges in partnership with local organizations. By engaging with communities, you’ll deepen your understanding of course material, gain valuable experience, and make a tangible impact.
Community-Engaged Courses: Community Engagement & Leadership Education (CELE) Center
Enhance Your Civic and Leadership Skills with a Minor in Leadership
Deepen your academic understanding of leadership and civic engagement!
This interdisciplinary program offers students the chance to explore leadership theories and apply them in real-world settings. Through coursework, reflection, and practical experience, you’ll develop critical leadership skills that empower you to drive positive change in your community. The minor complements any major and equips you with the tools to become a more engaged, informed leader.
Leadership Minor: Community Engagement & Leadership Education (CELE) Center
BINGO TIP: Pursuing the Leadership Minor is not only a powerful way to build your civic and leadership skills, but it also counts toward Engage on Campus! Check out the "Pursue a Minor" activity on the Engage on Campus bingo tile for additional information on pursing a minor.
Watch and Reflect on TED-Ed’s Lessons on Civics
Civic content can be entertaining and informative!
TED-Ed provides a collection of animated lessons that make learning about civics both engaging and easy to understand. From the basics of government to the mechanics of elections, these videos break down essential topics to help you navigate democracy with confidence. Like all TED-Ed content, the goal is to present the facts clearly, letting you draw your own conclusions.
- How to revive your belief in democracy – Eric Liu, founder of Citizen University, discusses how individuals can restore faith in democracy through civic engagement
- Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained – Learn about the structure and purpose of the U.S. Electoral College and how it impacts presidential elections.
- Why do Americans vote on Tuesdays? – Discover the historical reasons behind the U.S. election day tradition of voting on Tuesdays, and how this choice still impacts voter turnout today.
- How do executive orders work? – Explore the use and limits of executive orders in U.S. governance.
- A 3-minute guide to the Bill of Rights – Get a clear, concise understanding of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
- The fight for the right to vote in the United States – Explore the long and ongoing struggle for voting rights in the U.S.
- There's no such thing as not voting – Eric Liu, founder of Citizen University, explains how every action, including the decision not to vote, has political implications
- Civics Lessons | TED-Ed – Explore more civic lessons to deepen your understanding of democracy
Explore Data to Drive Your Civic Knowledge with USAFacts
Use these non-partisan, data insights to make evidence-based civic decisions!
USAFacts offers a nonpartisan, data-driven platform that helps you understand the numbers behind government action. From economic trends to healthcare spending and more, this site provides accurate and accessible data on key issues affecting the nation. No one at USAFacts is trying to convince you of anything. USAFacts believes once you have the solid, unbiased numbers behind the issues you can make up your own mind.
Watch and Reflect on America's Journey to Democracy from National Geographic
Civic content can be entertaining and informative!
In this compelling episode of The Story of Us, narrated by Morgan Freeman, National Geographic explores the history and evolution of human civilization, focusing on the development of societies, governance systems, and democracy. Through powerful storytelling and historical analysis, Freeman guides viewers on a journey through time, showing how civic participation has shaped societies and why it remains essential today.
America’s Journey to Democracy | The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman | Full Episode S02-E01
Stay Informed on Legislative Updates from Washington State
Keep up with the latest developments on key issues and legislative actions in Washington State!
Subscribe to updates from the Washington State Legislature. Whether you're interested in specific bills, committee meetings, or broader legislative trends, you can tailor the updates to your preferences. Staying informed empowers you to engage in civic discussions and take action on issues that matter to you.
Sign up for updates from the Washington State Legislature
Watch and Reflect on A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy from PBS
Civic content can be entertaining and informative!
This PBS special, A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy, explores the vital role individuals play in upholding and protecting democratic systems. With engaging discussions on how citizens can actively participate in maintaining the integrity of democracy, the episode provides practical advice on how to be informed, engaged, and proactive in safeguarding democratic principles.
A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy | PBS
Learn About the Current Seattle City Council Issues
Stay informed and shape your community!
The Seattle City Council addresses a wide variety of issues that impact the community, from housing and transportation to public safety and climate action. Check the Seattle City Council Issues page to find detailed information on the latest topics under discussion.
BINGO TIP: After learning about an issue you're passionate about, consider writing an email to your council member or participating in a public comment session during a council meeting. You can find additional tools and guidance on how to communicate effectively with your elected officials on the Write to Influence tile of the Democracy Bingo game.
Current Issues - Seattle City Council
Watch and Engage with Seattle City Council Meetings
Staying informed on local government activities helps strengthen your role as an engaged citizen!
Seattle City Council offers live streaming of their meetings, allowing residents to watch decision-making processes in real-time. By tuning in, you can observe discussions on policies that directly affect your community, from budget allocations to public safety.
Explore meeting archives and coverage
Stay Updated with The Daily UW
Get the latest news, stories, and opinions from the University of Washington's student newspaper!
Whether you’re interested in campus happenings, local events, or student perspectives, The Daily UW delivers in-depth coverage and thought-provoking articles. Keep an eye out for their special election edition.
Stay Informed with The Chronicle of Higher Education
Explore the latest news, trends, and insights in higher education!
The Chronicle provides comprehensive coverage of university affairs, policy changes, and important issues affecting faculty, staff, and students. Stay up to date on key topics and join the conversation on the future of higher education!
The Chronicle of Higher Education | Higher Ed News, Opinion, & Advice
This opportunity is associated with: Undergraduate Community Based Internships (UCBI)
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