Final answer:
Thoughtful civic participation can be exemplified by volunteering at a local polling place, which helps uphold the democratic process and is a form of non-political civic engagement critical to democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of thoughtful civic participation is volunteering to work at a local polling place during elections. This is a good example because it directly supports the democratic process, ensuring that citizens can exercise their right to vote in an organized and fair manner. This role does not require special qualifications beyond a willingness to contribute time and effort, which makes it accessible for many community members. It also exemplifies a non-political form of civic engagement which is crucial for sustaining the vital functions of our representative democracy.