Introduction to Civic
Community Engagement
Ambrin Kosar
Lecturer
University of Sahiwal
6/6/2020 1
Learning Objectives
• To understand the concept of Civic Engagement
• To comprehend the various Forms of Civic
Engagement.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement or civic participation is any individual or
group activity addressing issues of public concern. Civic
engagement includes communities working together or
individuals working alone in both political and non-political
actions to protect public values or make a change in a
community.
Goal of Covic Engagement
• The goal of civic engagement is to address public
concerns and promote the quality of the community
Cont..
Civic engagement includes a wide range of
activities that allow individuals to contribute to the
improvement of their community and society at
large.
At its core, it involves participation in the civic life
of one’s community, with a focus on improving
public health, enhancing the civic and political
health of society, and fostering a sense of
responsibility among citizens. A morally and
civically responsible individual recognizes the
importance of their role in the social fabric and
therefore considers social problems as issues that
necessitate active participation and solutions.
Exploring the Essence of
Civic Engagement
• The essence of civic engagement lies in its ability to
empower individuals and communities to take part in
shaping their future.
• It encompasses a wide range of participatory activities,
from voting in elections to volunteering for local
nonprofits.
• Civic engagement is grounded in the belief that
everyone has a stake in the well-being of their community
and that active participation can lead to meaningful
change.
• It encourages individuals to be informed about the
issues affecting their community and to engage in
dialogue and action to address them.
The Importance of Civic
Participation in Modern
Society
• In modern society, civic participation is more important
than ever. It drives democratic processes and ensures that
government actions reflect the will of the people.
• Alexis de Tocqueville, in his seminal work “Democracy
in America,” highlighted the critical role of civic participation
in sustaining democratic institutions.
• By engaging in civic activities, individuals help build
stronger, more resilient communities and ensure that
democracy remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of its
citizens.
The Core Components
At its heart, civic engagement is composed of
two fundamental elements:
‘civic participation and democratic
processes.
These core components work together to enable
individuals to contribute to the well-being of their
community and the broader society.
Forms of Civic Engagement
Civic participation can take many shapes,
from voting in elections to engaging in
community service. Each form plays a vital
role in strengthening democratic processes
and fostering a sense of community among
citizens.
Cont….
1:Volunteering and Its Role in
Governance
• Volunteering serves as a powerful form of
civic engagement, allowing individuals to
contribute their time and skills to various
governance and community improvement
efforts. Through voluntary actions, citizens
can influence policy, support public services,
and address the needs of vulnerable
populations, thereby playing a direct role in
shaping the governance of their community.
Cont…
2: The Growing Influence of Technology in
Civic Engagement
• Technology has significantly transformed the
landscape of civic engagement, introducing new
ways for people to participate and make their voices
heard.
• Digital platforms, like the WeSolve engagement
platform, offer innovative opportunities for
community involvement, allowing individuals to
collaborate on solutions, engage in discussions, and
contribute to decision-making processes from
anywhere in the world.
• This digital evolution expands the reach and
impact of civic participation, making it more
accessible and inclusive
Cont…
3:Civic Engagement Across the Globe
• Civic engagement manifests differently across the
globe, reflecting diverse cultural, political, and
social contexts. However, its fundamental purpose
remains consistent: empowering individuals to
contribute to the betterment of their communities
and societies.
Cont…
4: Voter Turnout as a Measure of Engagement
• Voter turnout is often used as a key indicator of
civic engagement levels within a society. High voter
turnout reflects a politically engaged citizenry,
whereas low turnout may signal apathy or
dissatisfaction with the political process.
Encouraging robust voter participation is essential
for the health of democratic systems, as it ensures
that elected officials represent the will of the
people.
Cont…
5: Civic Activities in Marginalized
Communities
• In marginalized communities, civic activities play
a crucial role in empowering residents and
addressing systemic issues. Examples of civic
engagement in these contexts include community
organizing, advocacy for policy change, and
participation in local governance. Such efforts not
only help improve conditions within these
communities but also bring attention to the
challenges they face, advocating for broader
societal change.
• Queries are welcome
• You can use the following email for questions.
ambreen@uosahiwal.edu.pk
• Your queries would be entertained within one
working day.
5/20/2020 15
Best of Luck
