So, you want to get more involved with local government, but you’re not sure where to start? From A-Z, this list offers 26 suggestions for increasing your connection to Johnson County Government in 2026.

Some recommendations are simple and fun. Others take a little more planning or a more significant investment of your time. The Declaration of Independence might have recognized “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as our right 250 years ago, but it didn’t come with a to-do list of how to make that happen. Here are a few concrete examples to get you started!

A

Attend the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, home of the Johnson County Museum. Information about the exhibit “Everyday Democracy” begins on page 8.

B

Become a member of a county board. Did you know that citizens who join advisory boards, commissions, committees or coalitions can have a significant impact on public policy and quality of life in Johnson County? Find current vacancies at boards.jocogov.org.

C

Consider a career with the county. Find out the reasons why Forbes Magazine named Johnson County Government one of the best midsized employers in America and a Top 5 employer in Kansas. Check out jocogov.org/careers.

D

Deliver lunches for the Aging and Human Services’ Home-Delivered Meals program. It’s just one of the many volunteer opportunities with the county where your time makes a difference: jocogov.org/ahsvolunteers.

E

Ensure an excellent election experience for voters by becoming a paid poll worker. For more information, see the back cover.

F

Fill out a File of Life Form for MED-ACT ambulance crews. This form, placed on your refrigerator, shares your preferred hospital, your current medications and other important health information. To download, visit jocogov.org/file-life-program.

G

Get grants from the county to help repair or modify your home as you age in place. Income limits apply. (Does not serve Olathe or Lenexa.) Details are at jocogov.org/minor-home-rehabilitation. If you’re a general or specialty contractor, please contact Kate Churchill DuBois at 913-715-6625. Bid opportunities are always available.

H

Household chemicals are handled properly at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Drop off paint, cleaners, batteries, adhesives and more to keep them out of the landfill. Schedule an appointment to dispose of household hazardous waste: jocogov.org/hhw

I

Investigate items for sale from county surplus, including office furniture and vehicles. See govdeals.com and use the location search.

J

Join a support organization such as the Friends of the Johnson County Library, Friends of Johnson County Developmental Support, Friends of Johnson County Mental Health Center or other organizations that provide invaluable support to county services.

K

Know Your Neighbors cards are available to print online (in English and Spanish) or pick up at a Johnson County Library location. Fill out copies for yourself to give to neighbors, and ask them to fill out a blank card to return to you. This contact information helps you stay connected during disasters or emergencies. Download cards at jocogov.org/family-emergency-preparedness.

L

Learn a new Library layout by visiting one of Johnson County Library’s locations you rarely frequent. Use jocolibrary.org/locations to narrow your choices.

M

Make mental health a priority. If you’re struggling, take care of yourself first before attempting anything else on this list. Learn more at jocogov.org/mental-health.

N

NotifyJoCo helps you stay informed during emergency situations. When bad weather strikes or other dangers loom, NotifyJoCo gives you the info you need: notifyjoco.org

O

Outdoor theatre means Theatre in the Park! (Technically, Theatre in the Park has indoor shows, too, but we already had an “I.”) The program from Johnson County Park and Recreation District would love your support, either in the audience or as an aspiring star at tryouts! See theatreinthepark.org.

P

Picnic and play in a county park. If you’re a regular visitor to the picturesque places managed by Johnson County Park and Recreation District, you understand why it won the National Gold Medal Award Grand Plaque (the top award in the nation for park management). Check out all our parks have to offer at jcprd.com.

Q

Questionnaires and surveys are important for resident feedback. Check jocogov.org and county social media accounts for opportunities to give your opinion.

R

Run for office. If you want to influence government policy directly, consider running for office. Learn more about the deadlines for filing and the requirements for running for office at jocoelection.org/candidates.

S

Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 11-week program that meets weekly at various Sheriff’s Office facilities in Olathe and New Century. For more information, call 913-715-5504.

T

Travel using transit. Johnson County is well-known for being car-centric. As the transit system expands for the World Cup, it’s a perfect time to leave your car behind. Get started on your journey at jocogov.org/transit.

U

University, federal and county resources come together at K-State Extension Johnson County. Find classes, events, 4-H youth activities and information on gardening, cooking, nutrition and more. Access tax filing assistance and financial education on topics like retirement and Medicare planning. Volunteer opportunities are available. Visit johnson.k-state.edu for details.

V

Vote in your local elections. County voters decide who takes office in more than 2,400 elected positions across 580+ voting districts. Register to vote if you are eligible and then make your informed choice. Learn more at jocoelection.org.

W

WeatherReady Nation Ambassadors are volunteers who work with Johnson County Emergency Management to better inform and prepare the community for severe weather. Learn what it takes to be a WRN Ambassador at jocogov.org/weather-ready-nation.

X

X, formerly known as Twitter, is just one of the social ,media platforms you can follow to learn more about the county. Check out the full directory at jocogov.org/social-media-directory to follow Johnson County Government on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and more.

Y

YouTube channel “Johnson County, KS Government” (youtube.com/@jocogov) is where you can find Board of County Commissioners meetings streamed most Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. If you can’t attend the meeting, watch the stream live or later on your own schedule.

Z

Zip through the rest of JoCo Magazine for great info about our county. Want to zip through even more articles in previous issues? Go to jocogov.org/joco-magazine.