Community in Action: Civic Engagement

What do handing out spoons, running a community fun run, and shaping local decisions all have in common? They’re all part of what makes a community truly thrive.In this episode of The Healthiest and Happiest Podcast, host Ashley is joined by Greendale's Village Manager Mike Hawes and super-volunteer Aleks Skibicki for conversation about civic engagement—aka, all the ways we show up for our community.From big-picture planning (like parks and recreation improvements) to everyday moments (like helping at an ice cream social), you’ll hear how getting involved—at any level—can boost your well-being, build meaningful connections, and create memories that last far beyond the moment.Aleks shares why sometimes the best advice is to just “jump in,” Mike explains how community voices shape real decisions, and together they remind us that you don’t need experience—just a willingness to show up (and maybe hand out a few spoons).Whether you’re ready to join a committee, volunteer at an event, or simply stay more informed, this episode will leave you feeling motivated, connected, and maybe even a little braver.Because a healthier, happier community starts with people like you.Community ResourcesOur Community Village Hall Updates: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI Sign up to receive Village Hall Updates: E-mail Notification List Village Newsletters and Magazines: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI Village of Greendale Facebook Page: Facebook PublicationsUniversity of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (n.d.). The power of civic engagement.University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2024). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, National Findings Report 2024. 2024 CHRR National Findings Report.pdf Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Civic participation. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/civic-participation Rand Corporation. (2022). Civic engagement and health: Evidence from the United States (RR-3163). https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR3100/RR3163/RAND_RR3163.pdf