We’ve all had complaints at one time or another about government and what we consider to be its failures. We’ve all had concerns about rising taxes and how that money is spent.

It turns out that in small-town America, governance requires participation, collaboration and a variety of viewpoints to get the job done.

It’s our civic duty to pay our taxes and follow the law, but our civic responsibility does not end there.

Boards and commissions in your municipality probably have some empty seats. Some of these bodies are provided for by state statute, like planning commissions, zoning boards of appeals and boards of review.

Advisory and voluntary committees are also plentiful in our area and offer the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to local government.

This type of vacancy, which in some cases can be longstanding, are not a local anomaly. They actually indicate downward trend in volunteerism on a national level, but things could be looking up.

A 2019 University of Maryland study noted that the national volunteer rate had not surpassed 29% since 2003.

But a 2022 United Health Foundation study claims volunteerism has risen to 33% nationally. The foundation says civic participation is considered a social determinant of health and that it “expands an individual’s social network and increases their social capital, which can lead to more employment opportunities and, in some cases, improve mental health.”

And volunteerism has been a unique part of American culture and democracy for hundreds of years. Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer firehouse in Pennsylvania in 1736.

The mere act of residing in a city or township can give a person a perspective unique to them, and a sense of community pride that is just as distinctive.

It falls to the members of each community to recognize their civic responsibility. A community active in its government’s decisions is a healthy community.

Celebrated Indian author and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani once said, “We cannot be mere consumers of good governance, we must or participants; we must be co-creators.”

It’s important to recognize and appreciate the members of every municipal board and committee. These people make recommendations and provide crucial information to government officials who make consequential decisions for our communities.

Their dedication to civic duty is not lost on us. And for that, we say thank you.