Everyone can make a difference in their community, even in places with limited civic infrastructure. In fact, small communities can be some of the most effective places to see the immediate impact of your actions. We invite you to learn about creative projects that have taken hold in unexpected places and explore initiatives that you can engage with from anywhere.

RESOURCES FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY IN CIVIC DESERTS

Like our geographic landscape, America’s civic landscape is incredibly diverse. Some of us live in social environments with hundreds of interconnected systems, while many people have their homes in small communities with just a few hubs of activity. No matter where you live, you are an essential part of the fabric of our society and you have a role to play.

Leverage existing resources. The American Library Association estimates that there are more than 125,000 libraries in the United States, including more than 80,000 public school libraries and over 17,500 public libraries. Libraries are the beating heart of many civic systems, and you can often find volunteer opportunities posted on library bulletin boards and websites. Start your own monthly conversation series and host it at a library meeting room, ask librarians if they would support a book club to foster community dialogue around certain topics of interest for your region, or set up a documentary movie night! People are looking for reasons to gather. 

Invest in your news ecosystem. More than 99% of Americans have access to public radio. Tuning in to your local station helps build a sense of belonging with your regional community. No matter where you are, public radio offers listeners essential news and a variety of ways to participate. Consider becoming a member of your local station and engaging with the broadcasters to encourage sharing news about community events. If there is not a nonprofit news outlet in your community, connect with regional papers to see how they can extend their news coverage to include your town and host a subscription drive to support local journalism. 

Level up by meeting your local elected officials. Engaging with local elected leaders is an easy way to play a role in civic life. It’s often as simple as tuning into a public meeting – either online or in person. City council meetings, county supervisor meetings, school board meetings, and other convenings allow time for community members to share what matters to them. Take advantage of these avenues for engagement and then invite others to join you. Writing a letter to the editor to share more about your experience can help community members see that their voices can make a difference. Additionally, local government is often looking for volunteers for important boards that keep communities running. Consider putting your name in for consideration and recruiting a friend to join you!

Lean into your third space. In many communities without public services like a library, the local coffee shop, laundromat, agricultural co-op, or even the gas station becomes a social hub. Invest in that organic community by hosting monthly events or bringing folks together for quarterly potlucks. Even the simple act of putting up a bulletin board and encouraging people to share updates and requests can help foster a sense of community and belonging. 

In addition to the ideas listed above, the following organizations offer opportunities to join larger communities of civic engagement: 

• AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP initiative pairs seniors 55+ with nonprofit organizations to promote healthy communities.
  
• Weave: The Social Fabric Project is a cost-free initiative from the Aspen Institute that connects civic leaders from across the country and “share tools, resources, and friendship to help our communities thrive.”
  
• Idealist is home to thousands of volunteer opportunities, including remote roles. 
  
• The Mutual Aid Hub lists more than 800 community-based aid organizations, many of which started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers resources for people who would like to start a mutual aid organization of their own.
  
• In 2025, researchers published MapAgora, an innovative dataset that explores nearly 2 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Learn more about the map and the accompanying research on civic engagement through the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
  
• Community-based social clubs such as the VFW, Elks Lodge, and American Legion have thousands of chapters across the country. These organizations all emphasize community service and camaraderie, often hosting meals and celebrations. 

Other ideas: Start a nature club, host monthly community meals, start a little free food pantry or little free library, paint a public mural, bring in live music for a little festival or concert, write postcards to your neighbors, put up cheerful yard art or yard signs, put up art/flyers, volunteer with your county fair or local 4H chapter, volunteer at a regional food pantry, serve as an election official. Start where you are!