Welcome to our Civic Arkansas 2026 Civic Commitments Guide, your yearlong resource for meaningful, approachable ways to stay engaged in your community. This guide highlights monthly Civic Commitments inspired by national observances, special days, and local opportunities across Arkansas.
Our goal is simple: help more Arkansans feel connected, confident, and empowered as active participants in civic life. We encourage you to choose at least one Civic Commitment each month and take part in a way that works for you. Whether big or small, every action helps strengthen our communities.
- Share your participation with us
- Post on social media using #CivicArkansas
- Invite friends, family, or colleagues to join you
If you would like us to send you reminders about new Commitments each month, fill out the brief form below. We’ll send everything you can expect for the month ahead in a single email!
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June Civic Commitments
Arkansas State Civics Bee
The Arkansas State Chamber/AIA has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce across Arkansas to host a statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and cash prizes by sharing ideas to improve their communities and demonstrating their enthusiasm for civics.
The State Civics Bee competition is on June 24, 2026, at the University of Central Arkansas’s Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts. More information can be found here.
Democracy Reading Challenge
We’re back for another civic season with a fresh round of recommended reads — and this year, every title was handpicked by Arkansas librarians. As in years past, the books are nonpartisan, chosen to deepen our understanding of American democracy and the many ways we can engage as citizens. Each comes with a quick summary, and links to buy it on Amazon or check it out from the Central Arkansas Library System.
July Civic Commitments
National Parks & Recreation Month
Every July, the country celebrates the parks that bring communities together. The National Recreation and Park Association established it in 1985 to honor the professionals and volunteers who keep our local, state, and community parks running. Celebrate in your own way by supporting the various park and recreation sites in the Natural State! An online directory can be found at arkansas.com.
- Pick up an Arkansas State Parks Passport to begin your exploration
- Invite a friend to come with you and learn about your local state parks by going on a hike
- Participate in park programs like community cleanups and educational events
Why Civic Commitments Matter
Civic Commitments are small, intentional actions that lead to stronger communities, better dialogue, and greater civic confidence. When individuals participate consistently, the collective impact grows.
We would love for you to dedicate yourself to one activity each month and share your participation with us. These files may be shared in Institute publications or on our social media channels.
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