Civic Engagement: How Listening Builds a Stronger Community

Honoring our freedom begins with active participation. One of the greatest privileges of living in this country is the opportunity to vote, to engage and to have individuals represent We the People. Yet effective engagement in this process has declined over time.

Still, I remain deeply hopeful. Sioux Falls is filled with individuals of integrity and heart — people who care deeply about their community and the future we are building together. But with that opportunity comes responsibility. In an age where information is abundant and easily accessible, too few of us take the time to truly understand the depth of the issues we are most passionate about. Many of the challenges we face as a society begin with our own willingness — or unwillingness — to listen, to learn and to seek to understand.

When we get to the heart of most issues, we often only disagree to a degree. Yet we have drifted toward a culture of “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Curiosity is foundational to the cure. How can we more actively engage in the challenges of our community and state and truly seek to understand perspectives we may not share?

I often wish everyone had to take a debate class in high school. It requires you to argue both sides of an issue, forcing empathy, logic and perspective. Rarely is anything completely right or completely wrong. When we strip away party affiliations, race or religion, we find that we have far more in common than we do differences.

When I dream of an evolved community and world, I envision one where we don’t lead with name-calling, selfish motives or political agendas — but rather with kind-hearted civility. One where we work through challenges grounded in shared positive intent and respect.

As we approach this legislative season, let’s commit to leaning into our values — to engage, to understand and to act with intention. Because the strength of our democracy and the health of our community will always be determined by our willingness to participate, communicate and collaborate for the greater good.