Civic Engagement

Democracy is founded on the bedrock principal that “the people” should be active and “engaged” in the affairs of their community; making decisions about important matters that improve the quality of life for all residents. Civic activism and community participation creates an important dialogue between the community and those elected or appointed to represent the community’s agenda. In communities where civic engagement is high, resources tend to be more effective.

“Quality of life” issues such as under-performing schools, crime, underemployment, and teen pregnancy won’t resolve themselves. Only by residents organizing among themselves, being engaged in serious activities at the neighborhood level, and letting their collective voice be heard can we hope to improve conditions that have served as a barrier to sustainable growth and community improvement.

The Urban League of Essex County is a non-partisan community-based organization who hosts important workshops, seminars, and information sessions designed to make the residents we serve more informed public affairs consumers. For many residents in our service area civic engagement seems like a luxury. But our voter education efforts are directed towards equipping residents with the democratic power to use government (and the resources it controls) as a tool to improve the quality of their lives and give them real opportunities.

If we, the community, fail to work together in a thoughtful and deliberate manner to chart our own course and determine our own destiny, we leave the door open for our future to be determined by groups and individuals who may not have our best interests at heart.