Photo courtesy of the Town of Kenneth City
Council Corner: Kenneth City Council Member Tony Chan
The other day, I received an email from River’s school letting us know that he had been selected for an advanced Civics class. As a parent, I was proud. As someone who has spent much of my career in public service, I was excited. I thought to myself: what a great opportunity for him to get a deeper understanding of what his father does every day.
When we hear the phrase civil responsibility, many of us immediately think about our rights; our right to vote, to speak freely, to live how we choose. And those rights are important. But just as essential as our rights are the responsibilities that come with them. Civil responsibility is about what we owe to one another as neighbors, community members, and citizens. When we take it seriously, we don’t just protect our freedom, we also create stronger, healthier communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Keeping Democracy Alive
I’ve worked for the City of St. Petersburg for nearly a decade, and I’ve been in public service for more than 20 years. For me, nothing is more rewarding than giving back to the community. While most of my work was once focused solely on St. Petersburg, I eventually became active in Kenneth City, where I live. I started by attending council meetings, and today, I serve as a Council Member.
That experience has reinforced what I’ve always known: one of the most powerful ways we practice civil responsibility is by participating in our democracy. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a way to make our voices count. Every ballot helps shape the future of our neighborhoods, our state, and our country. And democracy isn’t just about showing up on election day. It’s about staying engaged; whether that means attending local meetings, speaking up on issues you care about, or simply staying informed. Democracy thrives when everyday people get involved.
Taking Care of Each Other
Civil responsibility isn’t limited to politics; it’s also about how we treat one another. It shows up in small but meaningful ways: volunteering at a food pantry, mentoring a young person, shopping locally, or even helping a neighbor carry in groceries. These acts may seem simple, but they build trust, connection, and resilience. Communities become stronger when people step up, even in small ways.
Standing Up for What’s Right
Being responsible citizens also means speaking out when something isn’t right. Change doesn’t just happen; it requires people willing to challenge injustice and push for fairness. Whether it’s advocating for equal opportunities, standing against discrimination, or supporting vulnerable groups, civil responsibility calls us to not just accept the world as it is but to work toward the world as it should be.
Protecting What We Share
Our parks, schools, roads, air, and water are resources we all share. Civil responsibility means taking care of them, so they last. Recycling, paying taxes, conserving energy, and respecting community rules may not feel exciting, but they keep our society running smoothly. By protecting shared resources, we’re not just serving ourselves, we’re ensuring a better future for the next generation.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For me, one of the most meaningful parts of civil responsibility is leading by example for my son. Kids learn by watching, and when they see adults voting, volunteering, and standing up for what matters, they grow up understanding that they should too. Responsibility is contagious in the best way possible.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, civil responsibility isn’t about obligations, it’s about connection. It’s about understanding that our actions, big or small, matter. When we give back, stay engaged, and speak up, we don’t just improve our own lives, we help create communities we can all be proud of.
So, the next time you wonder if your actions make a difference, remember they do. Your voice, your time, your effort all counts. When each of us does our part, we truly become the change.
—Kenneth City Council Member Tony Chan
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