Showing up where you live is the most important civic thing most people never do. Here is how to begin — three steps, in order, at whatever pace fits your life.
1. Find where you live
Before anything else, know your own civic geography: your county, your districts, and your county election office. It takes one minute and grounds everything that follows.
2. Learn how it works
Local government is less complicated than it looks. Our plain-English guide walks the offices that shape daily life — school boards, city councils, county government, and precinct conventions — and shows where a faithful citizen can serve.
3. Take a faithful step
Knowledge isn't the goal; participation is. Depending on where you are, your next step might be one of these:
- Show up. Attend a public meeting and learn the rhythm of local government. Start with our election resources and meeting guide.
- Gather your people. Start a small group with the Faith & the City series.
- Consider running. When you're called, our run for local office guide walks the whole path.
Called to Office is a nonpartisan civic education project. We help you understand and serve; we never tell you how to vote.