Though we continue to navigate numerous changes, modify our lifestyles and learn what the impact of this pandemic will lead to, Aurora Sister Cities challenges to you to think about how to serve our communities through active civic engagement.

What is civic engagement and what can an average person do?

According to Youth.gov, civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” When a person takes action to better their community and encourages others to help out too, civic engagement is happening. Realizing we need to collaborate (we can’t do things alone!) we can partner with our local government, political institutions, nonprofits, businesses and academic institutions to help respond to and solve the issues and needs of our community. Civic engagement ensures that everyone can thrive.

What can I do?

Change happens when people show up with compassion and courage and there are many small (and big!) ways to get involved. You can and should support causes you are passionate about- and show up in the manner you are capable of.  You could write a letter, make a phone call, volunteer at a local nonprofit, join an advisory board or commission at your local municipality or show up for a protest.  All of these actions make an impact.

If you are passionate about Aurora Sister Cities, here are some ways you can get involved with us:

-Stay connected with what’s going on with our Community Calendar!

-Volunteer with our Global Youth Leaders at The Village Exchange Center. You can help pack or deliver food baskets to community members in need. You can see all the opportunities at VEC and sign up to volunteer here!

-Join Aurora Sister Cities as a member to help us in a small way to keep up with costs of running an organization.  You can join and support all of our programs or join one of our amazing city committees!

• Our sister city committees foster relationships with our sister cities and create projects to promote cultural awareness and community development!
  • Adama, Ethiopia Committee (contact Karlyn Shorb at kshorb@auroragov.org or Yemane Woldesilassie at ywoldesilassie@yahoo.com)
  • Central America Committee (contact Karlyn Shorb at kshorb@auroragov.org)
  • Japan Committee (contact Lawton Shinsato at lshinsato@msn.com)
  • Korea Committee (contact Becky Hogan at bhedgeconsulting@yahoo.com)

-Support Aurora Sister Cities’ youth travel scholarship fund.  Studies show that international youth exchanges increase cultural awareness, form positive impacts on personal development and help develop college and educational readiness. (link to new article).  In 2021, we are sending local students to our sister city in Jaco, Costa Rica where they will participate in community service projects with Jaco highschoolers and learn health and wellness practices.  Donate to local students’ travel scholarships here and note that you’d like to fund student travel scholarships to Costa Rica.

Watch this informational video which further explains civic engagement.