Blog #5: What does good Citizenship mean to you?

What does good citizenship mean to you?

My definition of good citizenship has evolved over the years. Before I started college, I thought good citizenship was simply doing community service. Then, as I entered college, my definition of good citizenship evolved some to include philanthropic giving and community service. As I got older, my definition of good citizenship included community service, philanthropic, and civic engagement (voting primarily). Now, my definition of good citizenship has developed to include all of these things and to, most importantly, include being an informed citizen. I wish I could say I was all of these things, but I am so far from being a good citizen.
I think that all aspects of this definition are important in being a good citizen.

Community service is a way for us to be involved in our community, helping those directly around us. When I look at my community here in Columbus, I see so many people in need of help. My experience on my Alternative Spring Break in undergrad (now called Buck-I-Serv) allowed me to witness firsthand how community service can help those around you as well as reemphasize the fact that we need to help those around us. I saw people who were no different than me who were impacted by world events in ways that I couldn’t even fathom. They were so appreciative of the help my peers and I were offering, but also helped so much in educating my peers and me on the reality of homelessness.

As for my philanthropic efforts, I really wish I could say I was like a Rockefeller, but LBH, I don’t make that kind of money. And I’m okay with that, but I think it is important to give what I can. We’ve all heard the saying from some football coach about paying it forward and I really do believe that to be true. I think it is important for someone to invest in something they care about. For me, I know that I care about and believe in Ohio State and our students here. I can’t give much money, but I give what I can to areas of the University I think are important and to which I have ties. Additionally, I have a fondness for the Capital Area Humane Society as that’s where I found Elph. The work the Humane Society does makes our community better and provides much needed services for these neglected animals.

When I think of being a good citizen with voting and with being an informed citizen, I think the two go hand-in-hand. I believe that we live in a great country and that no matter what your political ideology; I think it is important for you to vote. BUT, I think you need to be informed as to what you are voting about. By being informed, you can positively change the world for what you believe. I can’t stand when people vote one way or another because that’s how their parents vote or because they follow a candidate or issue that they only see on TV. You wouldn’t buy a bump-it just because you saw it on TV, would you? NO. Bump-its are stupid, so don’t be stupid and buy one. Likewise, don’t vote for a candidate or issue just because you’ve seen them on TV. They could be as stupid as a bump-it.

I think it’s easier to be a good citizen in some aspects of this definition than in others. For all of us, we can focus on educating ourselves and voting twice a year. Our time can be limited, but we can still find an hour here or there to do community service. And, while money can be tight, every little bit helps. I know I’m still trying to be an even better citizen. How about you?