Question: How can I communicate with my local officials?

Sources: Explanatory text; infographic (use the TIA action list to add upon KLC list of actions); infographic of a citizen with the ways in which they can take action; source cards of civic actions

Task: Create a picture showing ways you can communicate with local officials.

Vocabulary: mayor, city manager, local, government, official, council members, commissioners, petition, communication, citizens, avenue

EXPLANATION: The purpose is to demonstrate to students the available avenues of communication with their local officials. Citizens, both young people and adults, can make their opinions known to their elected officials by talking with them, writing letters, drawing up petitions, and attending and speaking at council meetings. Citizens 18 and older can vote for the candidates of their choice ‒ the candidates they think will best support the voter’s own ideas. It is the job of elected officials to listen to the needs and concerns of the citizens and decide what the community’s priorities will be. It is also their job to make appropriate decisions regarding the issues facing the community.