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The "civic" dimension of human life manifests when people come together to solve problems that face their communities. The American Psychological Association defines civic engagement as "individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern." In his 2000 report Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, Thomas Ehrlich defines civic engagement as "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, though both political and non-political processes."
Some examples of what civic engagement work may include:
- Efforts to develop and disseminate information about communities, governments and activism.
- Acting in individual and collective service to ameliorate problems facing communities.
- Organizing work to help build community capacity and leadership.
- Activism to solve problems through grassroots and institutional politics.
To participate in a civic engagement effort, see our list of upcoming opportunities here.
Helpful Links Relevant to Civic Engagement:
American Psychological Association statement on Civic Engagement
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