Civic engagement is the work of making a difference in the life of our communities. It includes things like voting and paying taxes; but it’s also how we involve ourselves within our neighborhoods, cities, and regions. In smaller communities, like those in Venango County, we young professionals have a unique opportunity.

When we choose to get involved and practice civic engagement, we can see the benefits of our efforts almost immediately. Whether it’s sitting on a board of directors for a local nonprofit, volunteering at the polls during elections, or helping out at a food pantry—being involved in your community is promoting the quality of life around you.

Civic engagement is also taking ownership of your city or region. From picking up trash on the street to reporting a crime in your neighborhood, being engaged is taking care of yourself and the people around you.

Josh Carpenter, Director for the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity in Birmingham, AL, says: “Civic engagement is important because ultimately it’s the best version of every single person in the community.” Living in a community full of people who are the best versions of themselves sounds pretty ideal.

While we know that everyone is busy and it seems overwhelming to take on new activities or volunteer, doing so is making our region a better place to live, work, and play. Consider making part of your New Years resolution to get more involved.

Know a young professional who is a great example of this? Nominate them for Young Professional of the Year at bit.ly/FLEXNomination.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) January 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.