What do you care about?
Your Civic Strength tells you how you naturally like to contribute.
Now think about what you want to make better.
Your Civic Strength is just the beginning. Every issue in your community needs different kinds of people working together. Explore the causes below to discover how your unique strengths can make a difference.
Remember: There isn't one "right" way to create change. Builders, Researchers, Communicators, Advocates, and Volunteers all play important roles. Start with something you genuinely care about.
Takeaway
There isn't just one way to be civically engaged.
Some people create change by working directly with others. Some educate and inspire communities. Others improve the systems that shape everyday life.
Many civic leaders use all three paths throughout their lives.
And don't feel limited by the examples on this page. Civic engagement can grow from any passion—whether it's fashion, gaming, cooking, music, business, science, entrepreneurship, travel, or something completely unique to you.
One of the reasons I created Decoding Democracy is because I realized that my own civic path is helping others understand civics. By making civic education more engaging and accessible, I hope more people will discover their own way to make a difference.
Your cause doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
The most meaningful civic journey is the one that grows from what you care about most.
Environment
Community Impact
Volunteer at park cleanups, plant trees, restore local habitats, organize recycling drives, or educate younger students about protecting the environment.
Awareness & Advocacy
Create social media campaigns, make documentaries or podcasts, write articles, design posters, or organize events that inspire others to care about environmental issues.
Systems & Solutions
Research local environmental policies, attend town meetings, propose sustainability initiatives for your school, analyze community data, or work with local officials on long-term environmental improvements.
New York City Suggestions
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NYC Parks GreenThumb — Community gardens, greening projects, and neighborhood environmental work.
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New York Restoration Project — Tree planting, parks, and environmental restoration.
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GrowNYC — Urban agriculture, recycling, farmers markets, and environmental education.
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Riverkeeper — Advocacy and education focused on protecting the Hudson River and surrounding waterways.
Mental Health
On the roots of visible struggles in NYC — Vanessa Aronson:
"We've seen a decrease and deprioritization of mental health services in New York City, and I believe that's at the root of a lot of what we're seeing play out on our streets — whether it's the increase in people experiencing homelessness, or even things like retail theft or subway fare evasion. I think as a city we're seeing more individuals who seem like they're suffering from a mental illness, and we're just not equipped. I'm much less willing to intervene than I would have been 10 years ago."
Community Impact
Become a peer mentor, organize wellness events, support classmates, volunteer with organizations that promote mental health, or create spaces where students feel welcome.
Awareness & Advocacy
Start conversations through videos, artwork, podcasts, or school campaigns that reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help.
Systems & Solutions
Work with school leaders to improve mental health resources, advocate for wellness policies, or research ways schools can better support students.
New York City Suggestions
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NAMI-NYC — Mental health education, advocacy, and community programs.
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The Jed Foundation — Resources and programs focused on protecting young people's emotional health.
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Child Mind Institute — Mental health education and resources for children and families.
Education
Community Impact
Tutor younger students, volunteer at libraries, mentor elementary students, or organize book drives.
Awareness & Advocacy
Create educational videos, write articles about education issues, interview teachers, or share stories that inspire learning.
Systems & Solutions
Research education policy, present ideas to your school board, improve school programs, or study ways to make education more accessible.
New York City Suggestions
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Reading Partners — Literacy support and tutoring opportunities.
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City Year New York — Supports students and schools through mentoring and educational programs.
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NYC Service — Connects New Yorkers with volunteer opportunities, including education-focused program
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826NYC — Writing, tutoring, and academic support for young people.
Sports
Community Impact
Coach younger athletes, organize inclusive sports events, or volunteer at community leagues.
Awareness & Advocacy
Promote sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, and inclusion through media campaigns, storytelling, or school events.
Systems & Solutions
Improve access to athletic programs, advocate for safer facilities, or research ways to increase participation in youth sports.
New York City Suggestions
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NYC Parks — Sports leagues, recreation programs, and community athletics.
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Street Soccer USA — Uses soccer to build community and support youth development.
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Up2Us Sports — Uses sports and coaching to support young people and communities.
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Girls Inc. of New York City — Programs supporting girls through sports, wellness, education, and leadership.
Animals
Community Impact
Volunteer at animal shelters, foster animals, organize donation drives, or assist wildlife organizations.
Awareness & Advocacy
Raise awareness about adoption, responsible pet ownership, or wildlife conservation through creative projects and social media.
Systems & Solutions
Research animal welfare laws, support conservation initiatives, or advocate for policies that protect animals.
New York City Suggestions
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Animal Care Centers of NYC — Animal welfare, adoption, and community education.
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ASPCA — Animal welfare, advocacy, and education.
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Wild Bird Fund — Wildlife rehabilitation and education.
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New York Aquarium — Marine conservation, environmental education, and wildlife programs.
Helping others
Community Impact
Volunteer at food pantries, mentor younger students, organize donation drives, or serve at community organizations.
Awareness & Advocacy
Share stories about community needs, encourage volunteerism, and inspire others to get involved.
Systems & Solutions
Research poverty, housing, or food insecurity, and work with local leaders to develop long-term solutions.
New York City Suggestions
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City Harvest — Works to rescue and distribute food to New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity.
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New York Common Pantry — Food distribution and support for New Yorkers in need.
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Bowery Mission — Provides food, shelter, and support services.
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New York Cares — Connects volunteers with community service projects across NYC.
Local Community
Community Impact
Volunteer at community events, beautify neighborhoods, support local nonprofits, or mentor younger residents.
Awareness & Advocacy
Highlight local issues through journalism, podcasts, documentaries, or social media campaigns.
Systems & Solutions
Attend town meetings, work with local government, propose community improvements, or research solutions to neighborhood challenges.
New York City Suggestions
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Manhattan Community Board 8 — A way to learn how neighborhood-level government and civic participation wor
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Bronx Community Board 8 — Community meetings and local issues affecting residents.
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NYC Service — A great starting point for finding volunteer opportunities across the city.
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Partnerships for Parks — Supports community groups working to improve and care for NYC parks.
Technology
On AI and education — Mr. Sipp:
"AI is a powerful instrument. I don't think the approach should be 'you shouldn't do this, AI is bad' — that just makes people go towards it more. It has the power to change lives and be transformative, and I'm optimistic about that. I think it's all in how we approach it, how we handle it, how we use it, and how adults model it for students."
Community Impact
Teach digital literacy, help seniors use technology, or volunteer to support community technology programs.
Awareness & Advocacy
Create websites, videos, or educational resources that explain civic issues or promote community initiatives.
Systems & Solutions
Develop apps that solve community problems, analyze public data, or improve access to technology through policy or innovation.
New York City Suggestions
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Civic Hall — Focuses on technology and innovation for civic and social impact.
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All Star Code — Computer science and technology education for young people.
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NYC Tech Talent Pipeline — Connects education and technology career pathways.
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Code Nation — Provides coding and technology education to students.
Arts and creativity
Community impact
Teach art classes, paint community murals, perform at community events, or volunteer your creative talents for nonprofit organizations.
Awareness & Advocacy
Use photography, film, music, writing, or graphic design to highlight important community issues and inspire change.
Systems & Solutions
Work with schools or community leaders to increase access to arts education and public art opportunities.
New York City Suggestions
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The Laundromat Project — Supports artists using creativity to strengthen communities.
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Publicolor — Uses design, painting, and creative projects to engage young people and improve neighborhoods.
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Creative Time — Creates public art connected to social and civic issues.
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ArtsConnection — Brings arts education and creative opportunities to NYC students.