Education is more than just a stepping stone–it is a gateway to personal growth, societal progress, and a multitude of transformational opportunities. For civic leaders in particular, a robust civic education serves as one of the essential pillars of effective leadership. It fosters an understanding of democracy, its effects on society, and can inspire future civic endeavors. Like LEE member Adzua Agyapon expressed, her LEE training stirred a deeper interest in becoming civically engaged. The impact of her increasing civic knowledge led her to build connections and take additional action. When individuals have accessible and current civic education, it

1. Creates an informed community
Civic education helps people understand their rights, responsibilities, and how government works, ensuring they can make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable.

It also fosters active participation in the democratic process, encouraging individuals to engage in discussions, vote responsibly, and contribute to shaping policies that reflect the values and needs of their communities.

2. Promotes critical thinking & media literacy
In an age of misinformation, civic education teaches individuals to analyze news, fact-check sources, and engage in meaningful, fact-based discussions. By encouraging skepticism and thoughtful inquiry, civic education also helps individuals recognize biases and navigate the complexities of modern media landscapes.

3. Encourages community involvement & leadership
Understanding how change happens inspires people to take action through volunteering, running for office, or advocating for policies that improve society.

This inspiration fosters a strong sense of civic duty, motivating individuals to contribute to the well-being of their communities and take on leadership roles. Whether through grassroots organizing or participating in local governance, civic education instills the belief that each person has the potential to make a difference, driving collective efforts toward social progress and community development.

4. Promotes social justice & equity
Civic education helps individuals recognize systemic injustices and advocate for fair policies that create a more inclusive and equitable society. By highlighting the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all, civic education encourages people to challenge discriminatory practices and work toward dismantling barriers that perpetuate inequality. 

How you can build your civic education today

As a LEE member, you are connected to a vast library of civic resources at your fingertips through your LEE Member Portal. 

This year, our Member Portal underwent a transformation to be more accessible, thoughtful, and pragmatic to ensure that you and all of our members are navigating it efficiently. It’s important that you’re getting what you thoroughly need to build your civic education and succeed as a civic leader for your community.

Discover civic pathway courses, in-person and virtual events to attend, yearly fellowship information, our LEE job board, coaching supports, and more all from your portal.