David Hill

Constitution Day was Sept. 17. For over 200 years, the Constitution has provided an outline for our system of government and protections from the same. As I think about what the Constitution means to me, I recall a not-so-distant experience I had in our community. 

Last year I had the privilege of participating as a judge in Cody High School’s “We the People” competition. This competition involved weeks of planning and learning by the teachers and students. The students presented arguments on important and relevant legal and political issues. The students were dressed professionally and acted with the highest levels of decorum.

I was impressed by the preparedness of many of the students. They took the task of understanding more about the Constitution and the state of our nation very seriously. The students demonstrated their ability to present their research of the Constitution and impactful court cases from our country’s history and apply them to current events affecting our community. 

These students left a lasting impression on me because of their ability to listen to the questions posed by the judges and give thoughtful responses. I left the competition grateful for having been invited to participate and encouraged by the wonderful students and teachers in our local schools. 

Unfortunately, for many of us, as life takes its natural course after high school, understanding the proper form and function of government in addition to what is going on locally, nationally, and around the world can become overwhelming or simply not a priority. Many of us rely on someone else to provide the important details of the world’s goings-on for any number of reasons. However, we as citizens have a responsibility to take an active role in the world around us. I can think of three ways to exercise these civic responsibilities.

First, attend local governmental meetings including county commissioner meetings, city council meetings, and local board meetings. While most of these meetings may be less than interesting, except for those with something at stake, they are an important piece in the function of our daily lives. It is important that we know how these meetings proceed, what happens, and how we are supposed to behave. If you want to know what is going on in the community, go to one of these public meetings.

Second, seek opportunities to serve throughout the community. Many of us have a desire to help our neighbors, but don’t know where to start. I suggest that after you attend public meetings, if you are interested in that process, get involved in one of the many local governmental boards. These boards often serve crucial and thankless roles in the vital day-to-day function of our community. Serving in the community is a great way to fulfill your civic duty. 

Third, search out important books and read them. For example, you could read our country’s foundational documents — the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and biographies of the founding fathers and other historical figures. I personally try to read the Declaration of Independence every Independence Day and the Constitution every Constitution Day. I also love learning about the lives of the founders of our country, what they did, and who they were. Understanding the historical context behind the Constitution is essential to appreciating and defending it.

I hope that we can all take some time to think about what the Constitution says and why it is important — and don’t wait until next year to get involved.