Inspiring Civic Engagement

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In today’s fast paced world, teaching our youth the value of civic engagement is more important now, than ever. From a young age, children begin to develop their understanding of community, responsibility, and leadership. 

At the Inauguration of the Aga Khan Academy Maptuo in March of 2022, Mawlana Shah Rahim said, “Throughout your studies and your youth, adults will tell you that the future is ahead of you. I want to tell you that the future is what you leave behind you, shaped by every one of your actions and your statements and your decisions. The future follows behind you in the path that you choose.” 

By fostering civic awareness early, we can equip our youth with the skills and confidence to shape a better future.

1️⃣ Building Responsibility – Children learn that they have a role to play in making their community better, fostering accountability and empathy.
2️⃣ Strengthening Critical Thinking – Understanding different perspectives helps kids develop problem-solving skills and a sense of fairness.
3️⃣ Encouraging Leadership – When young people are involved in their communities, they see firsthand how their actions can drive positive change.
4️⃣ Creating a Sense of Belonging – Engaged children feel more connected to their school, neighborhood, and society as a whole.
5️⃣ Preparing for the Future – Today’s engaged youth become tomorrow’s active citizens, shaping policies and innovations that impact us all.

A Resource to Build Civic Understanding

In our ever changing society, it is important that our youth feel supported in building their understanding of the world around them. This may mean deepening their understanding, learning, and involvement with the environment, government, and communities to which they belong. 

iCivics.org is a great resource that highlights the importance of civic education, especially through interactive game play.

Some of their guiding principles can be found below: 

The best way to strengthen our democracy is to teach it.
Building young people’s faith in our country starts with teaching them how to participate in it—developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively share their ideas with others and contribute to their communities.

Raising Young Changemakers

To be an involved citizen, and someone who can one day be a changemaker, there needs to be guidance and teaching around what it means to be an active participant in society. Civic engagement goes beyond just voting, it is about asking questions, and standing true to one’s ethics and morals. 

Raising informed, engaged, and compassionate students starts at home. Whether it’s through volunteering, problem-solving, or simply being kind to others, your children are at a critical age to develop the confidence and skills to make a difference. Encouraging discussions about fairness, responsibility, and the impact of their actions helps them understand that their voices matter.

From PBS, there is a list of things to consider when talking to your children about their civic engagement. See below:

Points to consider when talking about civic engagement with kids:

• The overall values that drive your political thinking

• The questions you ask yourself when forming opinions about issues and candidates

• Who you voted for and why — especially how your vote connects back to your values

• How you learn more to be better informed citizen

Focus Area for Engagement: Climate Action 

As you watch this clip of Mawlana Shah Rahim, pay close attention to the environmental policies that the Aga Khan Development Network has established. 

Even at a young age, children have an important role to play in caring for our planet. Their actions—both big and small—can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. From conserving water and energy to reducing waste and recycling, children can make eco-friendly choices every day. 

Learning about climate change and green initiatives empowers them to ask questions, think critically, and take action to protect natural resources. By understanding their responsibility to care for the environment now, they become the leaders and problem-solvers of the future.

Here are some simple green initiatives children can take part in:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Sort waste properly and find creative ways to repurpose items.

• Conserve Energy – Turn off lights, unplug electronics, and use less water.

• Reduce Plastic Waste – Use reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and shopping bags.

• Plant Trees and Gardens – Help improve air quality and support local wildlife.

• Participate in Cleanups – Join community efforts to pick up litter in parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.

• Learn About Sustainable Choices – Support brands and products that are eco-friendly.

• Speak Up for the Environment – Encourage schools and communities to adopt greener policies.

Building a Culture of Service and Advocacy

Families play a crucial role in shaping a culture of service and advocacy, and getting involved in the community is a great way to lead by example. Volunteering together—whether at a local food bank, community garden, or neighborhood cleanup—helps children develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Having open conversations about social issues and encouraging children to ask questions fosters critical thinking and a desire to make a difference. By prioritizing kindness, action, and civic engagement in everyday life, families can inspire a lifelong commitment to helping others and creating positive change.

Direct questions for parents to ponder: 
How are you serving outside of the Ismaili community? 
As a parent, how are you modeling what it means to be an active citizen for you child?

Here are some ways you can help your child get excited about being a global citizen: 

• Encourage curiosity – Read books, watch documentaries, and explore different cultures together.

• Volunteer as a family – Participate in local community service projects or global initiatives.

• Discuss current events – Talk about age-appropriate news stories and help children think critically about world issues.

• Celebrate diversity – Expose them to different languages, traditions, and perspectives.

• Model kindness and advocacy – Show them how small actions, like standing up for others or reducing waste, can make a big difference.

• Write letters or create projects – Encourage them to express their ideas and solutions for global issues.

• Support global initiatives – Sponsor a cause, donate to a charity, or engage in sustainable practices at home.