What is Civic Participation?
Civic Participation is the involvement of people in their community. This could be participation in government decision making or initiatives, participation in community organizations, or individual efforts at community improvement.
It is also defined as a process in which people take collective action to address issues of public concern. Membership in community organizations, fundraising for social causes, volunteering, and community problem solving are all examples of civic participation.
Difference between Civic Participation and Community Engagement
Community (or civic) engagement refers to actions taken by a government or community organization to involve members of the public and to the level at which the public engages. Civic participation refers to community members being involved in civic activities, whether privately or as part of a larger group.
In short, Community engagement is what communities do to get people involved. Civic Participation is what people do to involve themselves.
Benefits of Civic Participation
Builds Community
Most fundamental benefit of an active population is the strengthening of social ties within the community. The same technological changes that have made so much of our lives simpler, have also made social connections more difficult to build and maintain. Active participation in one’s community helps build those connections and provides a way for community members to share ideas and experiences.
Increased Minority Agency
Historic inequities in government representation are one of the most difficult societal problems to overcome. Populations that have historically been shut out of decision making have used civic participation to raise levels of equity and inclusion. Nonprofit organizations and community groups have led the way in improving access and involvement, but local governments are also making progress and even leading equity efforts.
Helps Set Local Values
Local governments are always seeking more input from residents and government-led community engagement often doesn’t get hoped for results. Civic participation led by individuals and community organizations is one of the best ways for groups of people to make their values known to decision makers. This can be done through direct lobbying of representatives, but even more powerfully, in leading by example through community improvement projects and support efforts.
Challenges in Civic Participation
Unequal Impacts
Civic participation efforts express the values of those who participate. Those with sufficient time and money tend to have more ability to participate, but are not generally representative of the community as a whole. Organizations and local governments looking to civic participation levels for information on community values and priorities must be sure to recognize and account for unequal levels of participation and representation of the community as a whole.
Participation Barriers
The challenge of unequal impacts is compounded by systemic and logistic barriers to participation. Time to participate is the largest barrier to participation affecting those with jobs, children, and countless other demands on their time. Access to transportation or internet connection can also create barriers for engagement.
Technology offers some relief to these challenges, making some forms of participation and connection easier and less time intensive.
Political/Philosophical Differences
More and more areas of our society are subject to extreme polarization and politicalization. This polarization and the resulting lack of civility and commonality can make it uncomfortable for people to extend themselves. Finding areas of common interest and understanding is a vital part of civic participation that is also, unfortunately, becoming a prerequisite for involvement.
Examples of Civic Participation
The following are examples of organizations or sites that are successfully facilitating civic participation:
This website helps connect people looking for ways to volunteer in their community with organizations and opportunities nearby. Potential volunteers can find volunteer opportunities by category and location.
Started and managed by teens in the Chicago area, Project Orange Tree educates urban youth about the dangers and sources of violence in their communities.
Opportunity Starts at Home is an advocacy organization promoting housing affordability with a focus on the provision of low income rental units. Their organization is well organized across the country to provide easy ways to participate and advocate.