Volunteering with a community group or nonprofit organization can be a rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to directly impact whichever issues are important to you. Many town websites have a list of local nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and community groups. You can also ask friends and neighbors if they know of groups who need volunteers or search online. 

Did you know that city/town meetings are open to the public? Dates for these meetings are posted on your town website. You can also view meeting agendas to know which topics will be discussed. Also, you can review minutes (notes) from previous meetings. Many town meetings may be hybrid, so you can take part in them from home, or they may be recorded and posted to the town website so you can view them afterward. This is a great way to know the major topics being discussed in your town, to see or meet the people making decisions, and to voice your opinion (during the public comment segment) if you are for or against something going on.

Are you more of an independent worker? Or unable to leave your home often? One great way to voice your opinions on your own and from the comfort of your own home is to write a letter to the editor (LTE) or an op-ed (which stands for opposite the editorial page). Research your local print or online news source and note where to submit these letters, any deadlines, and the maximum word count.

• An LTE will be shorter than an op-ed, and they tend to be written in response to a recent article (either opposed or in support) where the writer wants to add some information.
  
  
• An op-ed is typically written by a well-known person. However, many news outlets also accept op-eds from readers, so check the requirements. Be sure to make a clear point, have an opinion from the beginning, and back it up with personal stories and facts.

Social media can be a great tool for staying in touch with friends and family, for learning about upcoming events, and more. Unfortunately, social media is frequently used to post mean-spirited messages as well. You can positively influence your social media contacts by pledging to post only positive messages and images! 

It can be easy to spread misinformation without even knowing it! You can help stop the spread of misinformation. Here are a few tips to help you before you “like,” forward, or repost a message:

• Consider the source – are they reputable? Do you know this person personally, and do they know about this topic?
  
  
• Take an extra minute to research the post. Look for credible sources that verify the message, so you know it’s true.
  
  
• Remember that opinions are different than facts. Someone may write a message as though they are an “expert” on the topic, but it doesn’t mean that’s true. Make sure you know the difference.

If you own a business or lead an organization, take the CEO Pledge at CEOPledge.CT.gov.

The office of the CT Secretary of the State created the non-partisan Civically Engaged Organizations (CEO) program for businesses, non-profits, religious organizations, and towns. By taking the pledge and becoming a CEO, you’re showing your community that civic engagement and civic education are important to you. Once you join, you’ll receive monthly newsletters about important election-related dates and deadlines that you can post. And you’ll have access to the CEO online toolkit with videos, graphics, documents, and sample social media posts for you to share. For more information, visit CEOPledge.CT.gov.

Learning something new can be overwhelming and maybe even scary. Doing it with someone else might make it easier. Find a friend who also wants to learn, get involved, and take action together! 

The state, and each city/town, has many boards and commissions to help make decisions on various issues. Topics may include education, energy, historic districts, libraries, human services, parks and recreation, planning and zoning, veterans, and more!

Some board and commission members must be elected, while others are appointed by the Mayor/First Selectman or the Governor.  Many boards and commissions in Connecticut have open spots.

You can see state openings here: www.jobapscloud.com/CT/. Then click on State of Connecticut Boards, Councils, and Commissions Members.  For local openings, check your town’s website or contact your town's leadership for information on how to apply.

In Connecticut, a town committee supports the activities of a political party and its elected officers. Every municipality has both a Republican and a Democratic town committee.

Membership on a town committee provides the opportunity for individuals to participate in local politics and provides the opportunity to be nominated for service to the town.

Committee members often collect signatures and gain the endorsement of fellow party members to serve, as the size of the committee is limited. It is the job of the committee to recruit and choose the candidates to run for local office. Learn more on the State Elections Enforcement Commission website at seec.ct.gov.

Poll workers are paid to help run our elections and are vital to ensuring a smooth, safe, and secure voting experience. These positions are open to U.S. citizens registered to vote in Connecticut (16 and 17-year-olds require parental or guardian permission). Details may be found online at MyVote.CT.gov by clicking the Poll Worker Information Form link in the blue box at the top of the page.

Do you know all the rights you’re entitled to in the United States and what the leaders envisioned for this country? Three documents, known as the founding documents, will give you this insight:

• The Constitution of the United States outlines how the federal government should be structured and explains the checks and balances of each branch. Over the years, amendments to the Constitution have been made to update the document so it evolves with the people's needs and desires.
  
  
• The Constitution's first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. They were written to protect people's rights and limit government powers. The document guarantees civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
  
  
• The Declaration of Independence was written to announce the separation from Great Britain and to explain why the United States wanted its independence. The Continental Congress approved it on July 4, 1776, which is why the United States celebrates Independence Day on the 4th of July every year.

There is also a Connecticut state constitution. The current CT constitution was adopted in 1965, and it’s considered the “supreme law of the state.” It outlines the structures and powers of the state government and the people's rights.

Becoming an elected official is an honorable and noteworthy way to serve your community. It can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. Did you know there are very few requirements to run for most positions? Besides being a U.S. citizen, there are some age requirements for certain positions. However, very few positions require a legal (or other professional) background. If you are considering running for office, learn more by visiting sots.ct.gov and clicking the “candidate information” link in the grey box.