What is Civic Duty?
Many people use the words ‘civic duty’ and ‘volunteerism’ interchangeably. They are not necessarily the same thing. Civic duty is defined as “actions required by law for a citizen to perform to make their country and community a better place.” (thestudy.com) Some examples of civic duty are the following: voting, jury duty, following the law, neighbourhood watch and paying taxes.

What are Some Things Youth Can Do?
Voting in elections is an important action to ensure democratic rights are executed and voting reminds citizens that they are indeed being heard and accounted for. Over the years, voter turnout has been decreasing in youth groups, because youth groups generally do not feel the need to vote or the desire for their voice to be heard, since some feel like they are misunderstood by their society. Some also believe that voting doesn’t make an impact on the party being voted in. Voting is a civic duty that can easily be done by young people over the age of 18. Youth groups can start by educating themselves on the political parties and their goals and objectives for their communities. Being more involved and voting consciously will drive a community forward as the votes being cast will be more unanimous of what the voting community feels is essential.

Connecting with Each Other
Living in larger communities has made people less likely to connect with their neighbours and youth communities. In the past, church and religious groups would be places for youth to gather, volunteer, and connect with everyone in their community. Today, these groups do exist, but attendance has been low due to diverse beliefs and the division of church and state. Youth groups can connect with church groups and their municipal communities and volunteer at functions. In a recent feature by CityNews, a good example of civic duty is a soccer organization in Laval offering youth free summer camp to diminish delinquency and increase opportunities for newly immigrated youth or youth with little access to monetary resources, to participate in soccer. (CityNews.ca)

Joining your local sporting association, YMCAs, etc, can provide youth with an opportunity to focus their energy on doing good, including an outlet for play, exercise and staying safe.

Caring for the Community
Recycling is something that youth groups can actively participate in as a civic duty. Simple things like placing your recyclables in the right bin on garbage day are part of civic duty and should be implemented at a young age. Community gardens allow people to grow, tend and live off their produce. Being respectful of city property, not littering or stepping on flowers, throwing trash in parks, and not vandalizing is part of your civic responsibility.

Youth groups can also create clubs and associations whose efforts can be geared towards their community efforts. For example, raising money for local charities, donating old clothes and books to the local community centers to limit waste and provide a second life for items for those who need them.