How to Get Involved with Your City Council, School Board, and Local Causes

How to Get Involved with Your City Council, School Board, and Local Causes

In communities across Northern New Jersey, decisions made by city councils and school boards shape everything from public safety and housing to education and neighborhood funding. Yet, these meetings often happen with little public input — especially from Black, immigrant, and working-class residents who are most impacted by local policy.

Here’s how you can change that.

Local government decisions influence nearly every part of daily life — from the safety of your streets to the quality of your children’s education. Participating in local governance not only ensures that your voice is heard, but it actively shapes how resources are allocated, whose needs are prioritized, and what future your community will build. Civic engagement isn’t just about policy — it’s about power, visibility, and ownership of the places we call home.

Getting involved with your local government and community causes doesn’t require a law degree, a political title, or a ton of free time. It just takes knowledge, consistency, and a belief that your voice matters.

Step 1: Know Who Represents You

Start by identifying the members of your City Council, School Board, and County Freeholders or Commissioners.

• Find your town’s official website (e.g., newarknj.gov, jerseycitynj.gov).
• Look for the tabs labeled “Government,” “City Council,” or “Board of Education.”
• Most sites list elected officials, meeting calendars, agendas, and contact information.

Example: Newark City Council members represent each of the city’s five wards, plus at-large council members who serve citywide.

Links to Northern New Jersey Local Government

Step 2: Attend Public Meetings (In Person or Online)

Most local meetings are open to the public. You don’t have to speak right away — just listening in helps you learn the issues and see how decisions are made.

• Find your city’s Council Meeting Calendar or Board of Ed Meeting Schedule.
• Many towns now offer Zoom links or livestreams, so you can tune in from home.
• During the “Public Comment” section, you can share your thoughts or ask questions (usually with a 2–5 minute time limit).

Pro tip: Bring a friend or neighbor — showing up in numbers sends a message.

Step 3: Ask Questions, Make Suggestions

You don’t have to wait for a meeting to share your ideas. Most local officials respond to emails and calls from constituents.

• Be specific: “Why hasn’t the streetlight on Elm Street been fixed?” or “How is the school board allocating this year’s state funding increase?”
• Follow up if you don’t get a response within 7–10 days.
• Don’t be intimidated — you’re not “bothering” anyone. You’re doing your job as a resident.

Email templates and talking points will soon be available in the HfYC Civic Engagement Toolkit.

Step 4: Join or Start a Local Cause

Often, the best way to stay informed and active is to get involved with a local advocacy group, neighborhood association, PTA, or civic league.

• Groups like Newark People’s Assembly, Make the Road NJ, and Jersey City Together host training, action sessions, and meetings with officials.
• If none exist in your area, consider starting a block club or community roundtable.
• Use social media or apps like Nextdoor and Facebook Groups to find and mobilize neighbors.

Collaboration builds collective power. You’re not in this alone.

Step 5: Vote Local. Always.

Many people show up to vote for president but skip local elections. Yet, turnout for local races is often under 30%, and your vote carries more weight.

• Make sure you’re registered at your current address: www.nj.gov/state/elections
• Know your local election calendar. City council and school board elections don’t always happen in November.
• Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to vote with you.

Want to meet the candidates? Attend local forums or town halls hosted by schools, libraries, or civic organizations.

Your Voice, Your Neighborhood

You don’t need permission to care. You don’t need experience to speak up. And you definitely don’t need a title to make a difference.

Getting involved with your city council, school board, or local causes is about shaping the community you live in — for you, your family, and your neighbors.

HfYC is here to help. Stay tuned for our Civic Engagement Resource Guide, featuring tools to help you write to your representatives, organize neighborhood meetings, and hold leaders accountable.

Because your voice matters. Because this is your city. Because it starts with us.