Day of Civic Engagement
September 17, 2026
Encouraging civic participation in local communities around the state
September 17 (Constitution Day) has been designated as a statewide Day of Civic Engagement as part of America’s 250th. The Day of Civic Engagement is designed to encourage civic participation in local communities around the state.
Engagement Ideas
- Register to vote
- Host a voter registration drive
- Attend a local town hall or other public meeting
- Attend a candidates’ forum and ask questions
- Let high school students run the city for the day and host a public meeting
- Host a civics-themed trivia night
- Host or support a citizenship ceremony
- Take part in public surveys and comment periods
- Run for city council, school board or other local government position
- Join a local municipal advisory board or commission
- Find out who your local elected officials are, and share your views with them.
Resources
FAQs
What does “civic engagement” mean?
Civic engagement is any individual or group activity that addresses issues of public concern. Civic engagement involves showing up, sharing your voice, and contributing your ideas to help improve the places where we live, work, and learn. From small towns to big cities, you can contribute to your community becoming stronger, fairer, and more responsive.
Why September 17?
Sept. 17 is Constitution Day, an existing annual observance date that recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in Philadelphia.
I don’t want to be political. Can I still participate?
Yes! Civic engagement isn’t about party politics — it’s about caring for your community. Whether you’re advocating for safer streets, better schools, or cleaner parks, your voice can help create positive change.
Why do we have Symbols?
An America 250 Project for Elementary Students
The Civic Learning Council, in collaboration with the Washington State Council for the Social Studies, has developed a project to support elementary school teachers and students in learning about the founding of the nation and making connections to their own community’s local history.
The classroom project focuses on iconic symbols of our democracy both nationally and locally.
Grants are available for this project. These grants are easily accessed and can support the purchase of materials, the cost of a field trip to a museum, bringing a representative to your school from a cultural center, or other activities.
The CLC is a non-partisan organization created to promote and support the people of Washington in becoming more knowledgeable and engaged lifelong participants in democracy.
Engaging Gen Z
The United States turns 250 years old in 2026. Gen Z will write its next chapter.
According to Made By Us young adults—specifically Generation Z (born between 1997-2012)—feel disengaged from our institutions and under-represented in our democracy. They are looking to understand “how we got here” as they shape our future.
Made By Us was created in 2020 to help meet this need. It is a national collaborative effort to help young adults understand, identity and participate in civic life. It has become a go-to source for connecting youth with history, and represents hundreds of history museums, historic sites, archives and libraries to serve as civic hubs for young adults.
In support of America250, Made By Us is providing a variety of FREE resources to help communities engage with the “founders” of our next chapter as a country.
- Youth250 Toolkit – Designed to help your organization or community to serve, work with and empower young adults to shape this moment – and the future. Includes data, tips, program templates and guides to engage Gen Z.
- Youth250 Bureau – Free consulting services for nonprofit organizations to enhance youth engagement strategies and shape impactful plans.
- Docu-Series – Coming in July 2026, a resource to capture the Gen Z experience for the history books.
Become a Partner
Has your organization signed up to be an America’s 250th partner in Washington State? Local partners are key to ensuring all Washingtonians are able to participate in the 250th and any non-profit organization can participate.
