Civic Engagement

Mission: Speak Out

Have you noticed a problem or a chance to improve something in your community? Maybe a playground needs more care, or a nonprofit group needs more volunteers. By learning about an issue, raising awareness, and trying to get that problem solved, you’re doing your part to make things better. Service Stars get engaged with their community. Join us, speak out, and be heard!

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Need Inspiration?

  • Pick an issue that you care about in your community. Make a drawing, poem, or video to raise awareness about the issue. How will you show it to others?
  • Send a letter to the editor of your town or school newspaper. What will you say?
  • Contact local leaders, asking them to address the issue. What might they not know?
  • Find others in the community who also care about the issue. Can you work together for more impact?
  • Attend a town hall or school-board meeting. If your issue is being discussed, share your perspective. If not, who can help you bring it up?
  • Need help getting started? Talk to an adult or a friend to find an idea that feels right for you.
Tell Us About it!
We want to hear all about your efforts to serve your community. Write to us at tfkeditors@time.com for a chance to be featured in TIME for Kids.

Explore the Topic

Discover how young people are making a difference in both everyday and remarkable ways. Read more now.
Civic Engagement

Kid of the Month: William Miller

William Miller, 10, spoke out to improve pedestrian safety in his community. His city council listened. "I felt like I could do anything," he says.
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Kid of the Month: Kason Creed

Kason Creed, 9, spoke up at city council meetings about the need for inclusive play spaces in his community. If you want to inspire change, Kason says, “you need to just go for it.”
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Taking a Stand

Young entrepreneurs are inspiring lawmakers to change the laws around kid-run businesses
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Civic Engagement
Environment

Youth Climate Case

Sixteen young people are suing the state of Montana. They say its support for fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas is driving climate change and ruining the environment.