The Civic Literacy Project: Policy Made Simple!

By Maqube Reese, MSW, LSW, Founder|CEO, Tribe Consulting Firm

The Civic Literacy Project| August 7, 2026

Policy Made Simple

Welcome back, and hello to new readers! I want this article to feel like a relaxed chat about democracy. If we were together, I’d offer you coffee or tea; my favorite is a brown sugar homemade latte. I’m glad you’re here. You can read about Why I’m Writing Every Day before the 2026 General Election. Let’s dive in and learn about policy together!

Civic Literacy Project: Policy Made Simple: The term 'policy' can sound intimidating, but we actually deal with policies every day. Let’s talk about how policies are everywhere…at work, in restaurants, on social media, with our favorite teams, and even in Hollywood. Simply put, a policy is a set of rules that guide what should happen, how decisions are made, and what to expect (Gendill, 2025). People create policies, and they’re meant to be consistent, fair, and accountable. That’s the goal, but the results can be different. Without policies, anyone could make up rules as they go. Sometimes, policies change because of new laws, and if they don’t meet people’s needs, they can end up in court. In daily life, policies help everyone stay on the same page even if there’s debate about which page that is.

When people talk about public or legislative policy, remember that it's shaped by rules, laws, and decisions made by the representatives we elect.

If you want a say in public policies, voting is your chance to help choose who makes them.

Public policies affect everything from education and transportation to healthcare, safety, housing, and voting. For example, some new voting laws before the general election now require you to provide more information, like a birth certificate or a current passport (Voter ID requirements, 2026). I recommend making sure you have those documents ready before November.

Democracy is all about understanding the policies that shape our daily lives. Choosing your representatives matters because they speak for you and your community.

Here are four steps to help you feel more confident about getting involved.

• 1. Start with the problem: Stay curious and ask, “What problem is this policy trying to solve?”

• 2. Check the author: Find out who wrote the policy, see who supports or opposes it, and ask why.

• 3. Follow the money (my mom always said this): Policies need funding, so ask how much they cost, where the money comes from, and who benefits. The budget shows what’s most important.

• 4. The big question: Will this affect you or your community? Think about your family, neighborhood, job, taxes, or schools. If the answer is yes to any of these, it’s worth getting involved and being ready to vote.

  
  

My recommendation is to start with these four steps to stay curious as you build your civic literacy confidence. These steps will help you stay informed and ask direct questions. I am excited for you to become more confident in our democracy.

References

Gendill, L. (March 24, 2025). Civic Education Policy Snapshot. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/education/civic-education-policy-snapshot

(2026). Voter ID requirements. USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/voter-id

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About the Author

Maqube Reese, MSW, LSW, is the founder of Tribe Consulting and an award-winning civil rights leader, educator, and strategist committed to strengthening democracy. She believes civic literacy, leadership, and public service are essential today. Maqube received the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Award for her civil rights work and the NAACP Indiana Youth and College as the inaugural award winner of The Jason Hayes Presidents Award, recognizing her dedication to empowering young leaders. 

As a former Conciliation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service under the Biden and Harris administration, she addressed complex challenges in civil rights, public safety, and conflict resolution. Reese also served as an Associate Faculty at Indiana University Bloomington, advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. She was an Associate Director for the Kelley School of Business, recruiting and retaining top talent across the nation. Her experience with real-world practice, coupled with academic scholarship, provides an opportunity to introduce real challenges and navigate a solution-focused mindset.  

Reese currently works at Indiana Black Expo, Inc. as their Director for Youth and Family Programs, a statewide organization, and her belief in democracy is strongest when people understand how and why it CAN work. The principle of Vincent Harding, a predecessor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., historian and peacemaker, guides her. As historian and civil rights scholar Vincent Harding reminded us, "We are all a part of each other." Democracy is not an individual act but an interconnected responsibility. Every election, every conversation, and every generation inherits the work of strengthening the human experience.