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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November Civic Commitments
Vote, Vote, Vote!
Before you head to the polls, visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s VoterView to view your sample ballot and find your polling place. Take time to research the candidates, and don’t skip the end of the ballot, where Arkansans will decide four statewide measures this year.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide is a neutral, research-based resource that explains what each measure would do and what a FOR or AGAINST vote means. Want to do more than vote? Volunteer on Election Day by working at the polls through your county election commission or holding a sign for a candidate or cause you support.
Once you’ve cast your ballot, post a photo with your “I Voted!” sticker and share it using #CivicArkansas. Then keep the conversation going! Sit down with family or friends for a civil discussion about why voting matters, how the process works, and what the results mean for your community. Talk about how you can stay engaged in local issues long after the ballots are counted.
December Civic Commitments
Cross-Generational Connections
The holidays are a perfect time to bridge generations in your community. Plan a visit to an assisted living community in your area to learn about the services they provide and the people who call it home. Bring handmade holiday cards to share with residents, or ask about volunteer opportunities that let you extend your visit beyond the season. You can also check with your city council to see if your town has a senior center and programs your family can support, such as Meals on Wheels.
To find more ways to connect, browse AARP Arkansas events happening across the state, or visit the AARP Arkansas homepage to learn more about the organization’s work. A simple visit or a few hours of your time can mean more than you might expect.
December 15: Bill of Rights Day
On December 15, 1791, the states ratified the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. These amendments protect many of the freedoms Americans rely on every day, from speech and religion to the right to a jury trial. Bill of Rights Day is a chance to revisit that history and consider what those rights mean today. The National Constitution Center celebrates each year with its 15 Days of the Bill of Rights online programming, offering an engaging way to learn more from wherever you are.
Why Civic Commitments Matter
Civic Commitments are small, intentional actions that build stronger communities, foster better dialogue, and increase 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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