As I worked on this semester's newsletters, I noticed a pattern: the larger and more complex a civic system, the more disconnected people feel from it. Not because they don't care, but because they no longer see themselves as part of it. Although every aspect of daily life is influenced by the federal government, many think of it as abstract, inaccessible, or exclusive to those in positions of power.
Building on earlier research of local engagement and state-level barriers, this newsletter explores how structural exclusion at the federal level causes disengagement. Not only through policies, but also through the subtle erosion of belonging, confidence, and community. Through reflections from community members and insights from the ACLU, this newsletter highlights a shared responsibility: understanding the structures that govern us and finding ways to act within them.
This section summarizes the student’s data-gathering process and key findings from survey, interview, or other inquiry methods.
Although federal power often feels distant, decisions at this level shape housing, education, healthcare, and civil rights. My data collection was guided by a single question: how close do people feel to the federal government? I collected responses through two anonymous Instagram polls and one open-ended question.
The first poll explored representation and belonging, asking participants to select the statement that best reflected their experience: “When you think of the federal government, which feels closest to your experience?”
No one selected the option “it represents people like me.” The majority stated that although the government has an impact on their lives, it doesn't feel inclusive. Others described it as distant or confusing, showing that people recognize federal power but do not see themselves reflected within it.
To capture the emotional weight behind this distance, respondents were then asked an open-ended question: “When I think about the federal government, I feel…”
Eight responses revealed strong emotions: exhaustion, and mistrust. Some used single words: "angry,” “frustrated,” “disappointed.” Others were more reflective: “There is little to no collective urgency to invest in issues the majority of people care about,” and “I can’t trust the government’s morals and intentions for America anymore.”
These answers illustrate that apathy is rarely the cause of disengagement. When people feel unseen by systems meant to serve them, frustration turns into distance.
The final poll focused on qualification and civic voice, asking: “Have you ever felt like you weren’t ‘qualified enough’ to engage with federal-level issues?”
Among 22 responses, most answered “yes” (13), while some selected “sometimes” (4). Only a few felt consistently confident (5). This shows that disengagement can be rooted in self-doubt and feeling unprepared. It highlights the importance of civic education that prioritizes confidence.
Together, the data points to a clear pattern: federal power feels real but distant, and many people don’t see themselves reflected in it. Representation feels conditional, trust is fragile, and confidence comes and goes. This isn’t apathy; it’s a quieter form of disempowerment shaped by distance and limited access to information and resources.
Naming this gap matters, because it sets the stage for the sections that follow, where community engagement and research offer paths toward rebuilding confidence and a sense of belonging within our civic systems.
This section shares insights from a community partner interview, connecting their perspective to the Pathway theme.
I spoke with Aaron Welcher, Director of Communications at the ACLU of Utah, on how federal engagement can feel distant or inaccessible and how the organization works to bridge that gap. Aaron leads strategic communication efforts to advance civil rights and liberties across the state, with a focus on equity, authenticity, and shared power.
What stood out most in our conversation was his emphasis on relationships as the foundation of civic participation. As he said: “It’s not just about the legal work; it’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and making sure they feel confident to participate.”
At the ACLU, this approach combines legal expertise, clear communication, and education while centering community needs, a model called “integrated advocacy.” It’s about meeting communities where they are, listening, and providing tools, training, and guidance to empower meaningful action. However, Aaron noted a common barrier, “People hesitate to engage because they’re afraid of getting it wrong. Our role is to provide accessible resources — from Spanish-language materials to practical trainings so anyone can participate confidently.”
This approach embodies the Center for Social Impact’s Relational Care framework. This emphasizes that positive community outcomes start with trust, empathy, and connection.
The ACLU puts this into practice through volunteer trainings, Know Your Rights sessions, translated materials, and initiatives like the Voting Rights Summit. As Aaron put it, “Education is participation. When people understand the system, they can act confidently, and that action strengthens the community itself.”
Through this lens, education becomes a civic act: it builds self-confidence, strengthens interpersonal trust, and gives communities the tools to influence systemic change. This reflects the newsletter’s central theme: showing up, listening, and educating.
This section summarizes readings and research related to a relevant topic within the student’s Pathway and connects them to larger patterns or themes.
Redistricting is the constitutionally mandated process of drawing district lines for elections. It occurs every ten years after the census, ensuring populations are represented fairly. While it may seem technical, these boundaries shape who is represented, how political power is distributed, and which communities have a voice in federal decision-making.
When done correctly, redistricting is necessary and lawful. But as the ACLU explains,
“when redistricting is used as a tool to manipulate electoral outcomes or discriminate
against certain groups, it ceases to be lawful and equitable” (ACLU, 2021).
This shift from representation to strategy is also known as gerrymandering. Maps drawn for political advantage, whether favoring a party, protecting incumbents, or suppressing certain groups, shape elections before a single vote is cast. Even people who never see the maps feel the effects through uneven representation and a growing sense that participation is conditional.
Redistricting returned to the national spotlight in 2025 after President Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional map. The move triggered a chain reaction across the country, with states including California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah proposing new maps of their own. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom framed the response as defensive, arguing that “it is our duty to fight fire with fire.”
This current event connects directly to the newsletter’s core themes. Structural decisions like redistricting don’t just shape elections; they shape how people feel about their place in the system. When unfair district lines fail to represent everyone, participation begins to feel conditional rather than guaranteed.
This is where education becomes essential. Disconnection does not come from a lack of care, but from a lack of access and clarity. Organizations like the ACLU demonstrate how knowledge can rebuild confidence, empower participation, and help bridge the gap between everyday people and the complex systems that govern them.
This section highlights helpful tools or guides that support real-world application of the Pathway.
This month, take one deliberate step toward understanding and civic engagement:
This section offers closing reflections and invites readers to consider how they can apply the insights in their own lives and communities.
Participation doesn’t require grand gestures. It begins with small, deliberate choices. Throughout this semester, I explored how exclusion ripples outward: when people feel unseen, distant, or unqualified to engage, democracy gets quieter and trust breaks. Local conversations, state policies, and federal decisions are deeply interconnected, and so are our actions. When we engage across these levels, even complex or distant issues become relevant and actionable.
Every action matter, at every level:
Even issues that feel distant shape real communities, including ours. Engaging at every level helps reveal how these systems work, who they include or exclude, and where change is possible. Your voice matters, your perspective matters, and your participation matters. By paying attention, listening, and being willing to learn and share what you know, you help your community be seen, heard, and involved. Small actions can ripple outward, turning curiosity
