Civic Engagement

Civic engagement involves using knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to address social issues and improve communities through political and non-political means. It reflects a deep commitment to societal well-being, involves diverse voices, and is aimed at shaping societal decisions and policies. Civic engagement nurtures belonging and civic muscle and empowers people to tackle collective challenges and improve vital community conditions. Active participation in civic life builds essential civic infrastructure and facilitates collaboration and collective action across diverse groups and sectors.

Civic engagement encompasses a broad spectrum of activities individuals undertake to participate in and contribute to their communities, ranging from volunteering and voting to advocacy and activism. Its impacts are significant and far-reaching, shaping the fabric of society by promoting social cohesion, strengthening democratic processes, and driving positive change at local, national, and global levels. Through civic engagement, individuals exercise their rights and responsibilities and play a role in shaping the collective future of their communities.

Social and political movements like the Civil Rights Movement and the mobilization of labor unions have shaped the landscape of civic engagement in the U.S. Advocates have fought for and secured rights such as voting, freedom of speech, and assembly, laying the groundwork for current civic participation. Marginalized populations, including the BIPOC community, low-income communities, immigrants, and youth, are often disproportionately impacted by barriers to civic engagement, such as voter suppression, lack of access to information, and systemic inequalities, which has led to lower levels of civic engagement, as community members are marginalized and disenfranchised from government processes.

Decreased civic participation can exacerbate disparities in access to resources and representation and result in policies and decisions that do not reflect the needs or interests of marginalized communities.

Civic engagement in the U.S. faces challenges such as declining voter turnout, growing political polarization, and threats to civil liberties. These have been attributed in part to inadequate civic education in schools and significant disparities in civic learning opportunities for low-income and marginalized students. Civic education, which provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to participate in civic life actively, faces increasing controversy despite its critical importance, indicating the barriers to engaging youth.

Addressing barriers to civic participation can advance equity by ensuring access to resources and opportunities for engagement and amplifying historically marginalized or underrepresented voices in decision-making processes. Efforts to improve civic engagement should prioritize inclusive practices and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers.

High levels of civic participation contribute to a representative and responsive government, ensure that policies and decisions reflect communities' diverse needs and interests, and promote social justice. It fosters a sense of community ownership and accountability. It builds civic muscle, which contributes to the long-term stability and effectiveness of democratic systems and co-create a vibrant and transformative collective future.

Local communities and changemakers can leverage civic engagement to advance health equity by prioritizing community-driven approaches that address social determinants of health, promoting civic participation in decision-making processes related to health equity, and fostering partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and civic leaders to develop inclusive policies and programs that promote equitable health outcomes for all residents.