Morgridge Center for Public Service

Another way to make a difference in your community is to become involved in civic activities. Research shows that college students are very engaged in volunteerism, but students' civic participation has dwindled since the 1970s. While volunteering is important, it is often political activism that leads to lasting social change. Here are some ways to take the next step beyond volunteering.

Find a social justice organization

Find the right agency that matches your passion for social justice and advocacy:

Protecting the Environment
Ensuring Affordable, Accessible Housing
Fostering Civic Engagement
Supporting Women, Children, and Families
Empowering People with Disabilities
Working for a Just, Equitable Society

Identify & Contact Your Elected Officials

UW-Madison Campus: Associated Students of Madison (ASM) http://www.asm.wisc.edu (Scroll down to "Student Council")
City of Madison: Madison Common Council http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/council/index.html (scroll down to "Who's my Alderperson?")
Dane County & State of Wisconsin: http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/clerk/OffQuery.cfm
Federal: http://www.firstgov.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Vote

Where to vote http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/clerk/voter_query.cfm
How to register to vote in Wisconsin http://elections.state.wi.us/faq_detail.asp?faqid=119&fid=27

Give Feedback on Laws & Regulations

UW-Madison Shared Governance Committees http://www.asm.wisc.edu/advocacy/shared_gov.html
City of Madison Committees http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/mayor/mycommit.html
Federal Regulations http://www.regulations.gov/index.cfm
Contact local & national media http://www.capwiz.com/lwv/dbq/media/
Tips on writing letters to the editor http://www.ieeeusa.org/forum/guide/lettertotheeditor.html

Stay Informed

Campus news and events http://news.wisc.edu/
Local issues and news http://www.madison.com
City of Madison neighborhood information http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/neighborhoods/index.htm
Facts about Wisconsin, including demographic information http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_facts.html
Wisconsin State Legislature http://www.legis.state.wi.us/index.htm
Bill of Rights http://memory.loc.gov/const/bor.html
Federal legislative activity http://thomas.loc.gov/

Other Resources