Civic organizations operate throughout the County and many form on a regional basis. Interested individuals may join on a voluntary basis in order to participate in the group's activities. Those activities include everything from social functions to political activism. Many civic groups serve the important function of providing a collective voice to issues that affect their communities. Group leaders communicate directly with government officials and the media to influence many types of governmental decisions and policies. Government officials often rely on views expressed by leaders of civic groups as an indication of the public sentiment.