CIVICS = CARE
Civics Isn’t Just History—It’s How We Care for One Another
What comes to mind when you hear the word civics? Government? The Constitution? Maybe it reminds you of something you were required to learn in school, a mix of facts, names, and dates you had to memorize for a test.
But civics is much more than that. Judging by the tone and recent actions in Washington, it’s clear that some people could use a civics refresher.
At its root, civics simply means “of the city” or “where you live.” It’s about your neighborhood, your town, your community. Civics starts right there, in the places we call home, in how we work together to solve problems, and in the systems we build to help each other thrive.
And by the way, that’s why we have government in the first place.
From Ancient History to Everyday Life
To understand civics, let’s take a trip back in time, way back to ancient Mesopotamia, one of the world’s earliest civilizations and also, one of the first civilizations that recorded laws. Thousands of years ago, they didn’t have modern governments or democratically elected officials, but they still had leaders who made decisions for the common good. They understood something fundamental: we need each other to survive.
One of the best examples of this was the creation of irrigation systems. These systems brought fresh water to communities. Why? Because water is life. Without it, crops wouldn’t grow, and people wouldn’t survive. No water meant no food, no health, no future. The solution? Work together and build something that would benefit everyone.
This was civics in action, people coming together to meet each other’s needs, solve shared problems, and ensure their communities could thrive.
Civics is Caring for One Another
Fast forward to today, and the heart of civics hasn’t changed much. At its core, it’s still about looking out for one another. It’s making sure our roads are safe, our water is clean, and our air is healthy to breathe. It’s ensuring schools are properly funded so every child has access to a quality education. It’s raising our voices when something isn’t right and stepping up to help when our community needs us.
In short, civics isn’t just something we study- it’s something we do.
Civics is an everyday practice of living together, cooperating, and caring for one another. It’s about advocating for fairness and making sure no one is left behind. From voting and volunteering to attending local meetings and organizing for change, civics is the work of community care in action.
Don’t Let Anyone Take That Away from You
What some people seem to forget is that civics is rooted in basic humanity. It’s about more than just laws and policies. It’s about building communities where everyone can thrive, where we look out for one another, and where we refuse to let anyone strip away that shared responsibility.
Civics is caring for others.
It always has been, from ancient cities to modern towns. It’s true today, and it will be true in the future. So next time you think of civics, remember that it’s not just about government or the Constitution. It’s about how we live together, work together, and take care of each other.
