Do Something — Get Involved in Civic Life in Philadelphia

Your one-stop-shop for civic engagement so you can be a better Philadelphia Citizen

By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff

Young People Doing Amazing Things

Over 1,000 high schoolers participated in the first Philly Service Award program last year, showcasing the impact teenagers can have on their communities. Another cohort will kick off this fall

By Delaney Parks

RECAP: Let’s Save Democracy … Again!

The Citizen teamed up with Changing the Conversation to train volunteers on the power of deep canvassing — to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2024 presidential election

By Malcolm Burnley, Sarah Gross and Alexandra Katzen

Making their Last Days their Best Days

For more than a decade, City of Elderly Love has given Philadelphia’s oldest and therefore least adoptable dogs and cats the life-changing possibility of living out their golden years in comfort

By Lauren McCutcheon

Citizen of the Week: Nadia Bosket

The founder of Hoop Dreams, Inc. has figured out how to help Philly kids make friends, be confident and focus on opportunities, using basketball as bait

By Lauren McCutcheon

Let’s Save Democracy … Again!

It’s not enough to just cast your own ballot in 2024. We must also work to get all eligible Philadelphians to vote — or risk losing our democracy as we know it. Here’s how you can join The Citizen in that effort

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

King Day of Service in Philly — Where to Go, What to Do

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a perfect opportunity to engage with other Philadelphia citizens on civic projects that matter. Volunteer. Visit a museum. Build peace

By Lauren McCutcheon

Citizen of the Year 2023 Awards: Michelle Belser

The Citizen’s 2023 Block Captain of the Year gets her neighbors to vote in record numbers, and makes sure the block isn’t just clean — it’s beautiful.

By Natalie Pompilio

Citizen of the Year Awards: Sarahi Franco-Morales

The South Philly native has helped feed hundreds of families, translated at City Council meetings, advocated for fair housing and employment, and tutored kids to read. And she’s only 18

By Jessica Blatt Press

A Criminal Justice Success Story? Right here in Philly?

Since 2016, Philadelphia’s volunteer-based Safety and Justice Challenge Community Advisory Council has helped the City reduce its jail population and recidivism rates — while increasing equity. Here’s how they’ve done it

By Courtney DuChene