William "Bill" J. Alexander,
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WHO GOVERNS US?
In a democracy, the people vote to elect their representatives to govern them. Representing the needs and interests of many different people is challenging. One of the responsibilities of government is to provide services which would be hard for you to do alone, such as build roads, schools and storm drains. "Government can not and should not do everything for you, but it can, with your help, provide order and services that are vital to a community. The true strength of a democratic government is the realization that you have a voice, an ownership and a responsibility as a citizen, a student, a worker and a voter, " states the Institute for Local Self Government, from "Picture Yourself in Local Government". Perhaps, President John F. Kennedy said it best: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
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HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Civic participation goes beyond simply voting. Concerned citizens sharing information with local government officials, such as the City Council, helps them make fair and informed decisions for the community. You may not be able to vote yet, but you can make a difference in the community. An example, is a group of teenagers in our community who went to a City Council meeting and asked for a park for skateboarding. Their actions resulted in Council approval to build a skatepark. Learning about your city government and the key people involved who affect your life is an important first step toward being a better citizen. Here are some ideas for being involved in local government:
- Read the local newspaper each day and look for articles about your community. Keep a scrapbook. What are the important issues? What decision was made? What is your opinion?
- Visit a City Council or Planning Commission public meeting. If you cannot attend, watch one on cable television.
- On election day, visit the polling place where people vote.
- Write a letter to the Mayor about an issue that is important to you. Explain why it is important and offer suggestions for solutions.
- Take a class tour of city hall. Guided tours can be scheduled through the City Manager's office.
- Think about a service that the city government provides that you like or use frequently. See list under "What To Do" below. Find out the name of the city department head responsible and send them a letter of appreciation.
- Volunteer to participate in a community project. The City has benefited greatly from volunteer projects to build houses, clean-up properties, remove grafitti, paint, and plant trees. Organize a group of students for a specific project or contact a community based organization for ideas.
- Look in the phone directory for the names of community based organizations. Most phone books have special sections, usually in the beginning, which list various "helplines", "services", or contact an umbrella organization, such as United Way. Call them and ask about how you could volunteer to help on a regular basis.
- Participate in student government at your school.
- Visit the Chamber of Commerce and find out how they work on behalf of the community.
- Kids! Renew America - Organization networking kids working for a sustainable future by recognizing exemplary programs that show how kids are making our communities more livable by addressing environmental, societal, and economic problems.
- Kids Next Door - A fun site created by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where kids can learn more about their communities and being good citizens.
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WHAT TO DO:
- Who represents kids? - The City Council is elected by a vote of the people who live in your city. Once elected, the Council represents everyone who lives in our community. The City Council oversees the government of our community, makes laws, decides where and how to spend money, establishes policies for growth in the City's General Plan, and ensures that the services we need are provided. The City Council must make sure that their decisions benefit the majority of the people living here. Visit the City Council web site for more information about your City Council.
Discuss the qualities you or your parents would look for when voting to elect someone to represent you.
1. If you were able to vote for city council, what are the three qualities that you would look for?
2. Ask your parents what three qualities they think a candidate for the city council should have?
3. How do your answers and your parents' answers compare?
- Community Services - Every community needs basic services for people to live and work. Planning for the growth and development of a community is just one of many services provided by local government. These services are intended to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. List examples of the following public services provided by your
city:
Community Development
Emergency Services
Public Safety
Recreation
Sanitation
Transportation
- Elect a Council - Conduct an election by secret ballot to elect 5 students to play the role of a "City Council" for Part 10. Make voting booths out of large cardboard boxes.
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WORD SEARCH - Look up these words in a dictionary or encyclopedia: Citizen, Citizenship, Council, Commission, Decision, Democracy, Election, Government, Public, Vote.
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