Title: What is civic engagement? Definitions, examples, how tos, and more
Headings: What is civic engagement? Definitions, examples, how tos, and more
What is civic engagement? Definitions, examples, how tos, and more
What is civic engagement? Definitions, examples, how tos, and more.
What is civic engagement?
Why practice civic engagement?
Examples of civic engagement
Community groups and projects
Education groups
Advocacy groups
Government organisations
What is civic engagement used for?
Greater inclusiveness and diversity
Youth engagement
Improved education
Informing policy
How do I create a civic engagement plan?
Purpose
Stakeholders
Process
Resources
Objectives
Situation
Actions
Analysis
Reporting
How is civic engagement measured?
What civic engagement tools can I use?
What’s the best way to get started with civic engagement?

Content: Improved relationships – Engaged community members develop stronger connections with one another
Increased social cohesion – Community members develop a sense of trust, belonging and reciprocity
Improved community – Engaged people actively work to improve their community and care for it through volunteering, education and other activities
Better education – Engaged citizens are more likely to read and discuss the news and share information with others
Greater understanding – The right civic engagement opportunities can help keep the community informed about local events and opportunities
Growth and development – Civic engagement can mean investing in community members with skills, information and motivation to contribute and make a difference
Individual responsibility – It encourages individuals to see themselves as part of a wider community and feel responsible for contributing to and improving that community for the benefit of all
Better quality of life – Community members can address their concerns and influence decisions to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole
Better government – Civic engagement is essential for a functioning democratic government
On that last point – in order for democracy to succeed, it needs public participation. Civic engagement helps citizens to become aware of their community’s needs and how problems could be solved. This motivates them to become more involved in politics through voting, sharing their opinions and encouraging political actions that support their values. Examples of civic engagement
Civic engagement is primarily focused on political and community related activities. Here are a few examples you might find in your local community…
Community groups and projects
Clean-up programs like Clean Up Australia Day
Food pantries like Foodbank
Neighbourhood groups
Encouraging civic engagement through these groups might look like more sign ups, more people volunteering or more donations. Or members might represent their interests at council or community meetings. Education groups
School boards
College or university groups
College unions
Again, civic engagement in these instances might look like more memberships and more time spent volunteering. Or a community member may write to these groups to encourage action on or attention to a particular issue. Advocacy groups
Disability rights groups
Homelessness advocacy services
Animal rights groups and/or animal shelters
Homeowners’ rights groups
Participation in these groups might include sharing their content and spreading their message online or offline. It might involve volunteering time and skills, writing to the media or local politician about current issues, or donating funds.