What are the barriers to civic engagement?

Civic Engagement and Public Participation
“We are bound by ideals that teach us what it means to be
citizens. Every child must be taught these ideals. Every citizen must
uphold them…. I ask you to be citizens. Citizens, not spectators.
Citizens, not subjects. Responsible citizens building communities of
service and a nation of character.”
–George W. Bush
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, civic
engagement is “the process of working collaboratively with and through
groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest,
or similar situations to address issues affecting the well-being of
those people. It is a powerful vehicle for bringing about environmental
and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the community and
its members. It often involves partnerships and coalitions that help
mobilize resources and influence systems, change relationships among
partners, and serve as catalysts for changing policies, programs, and
practices” (CDC, 1997, p. 9).
The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation asserts that there are seven core principles for civic engagement:
Planning and preparation
Inclusion and demographic diversity
Collaboration and shared purpose
Openness and learning
Transparency and trust
Impact and action
Sustained engagement and participatory culture
Source: (Atlee, 2009)
An example of successful, community engagement was the formation of
the Jefferson County Historical Society (now known as the Evergreen,
Mountain Area Historical Society). In 1973, concerned residents of
Evergreen, Colorado, realized that even though their town was rapidly
expanding due to interstate highway access, they were losing touch with
the past. As a result, a group of citizens organized the non-profit,
historical society; and then the historical society petitioned the
county to purchase a historical dwelling that was home to one of the
town’s founders. Renamed the Hiwan Museum and managed by both the county
and the historical society, residents can tour the facility and learn
about Colorado’s pioneering days. In addition, the Evergreen Mountain
Area Historical Society continues to “protect, preserve, and promote the
history of Jefferson County” (EMAHS, 2019).
Yet, organizing civic engagement is not always easy. There are
obstacles which have to be overcome, which is why persistence and
passion for change are needed.
Directions: Using the required, academic readings,
and supplemental academic research, please address the following while
adhering to the Discussion Board Rubric:
Why is civic responsibility important?
What are the barriers to civic engagement?
How can citizens overcome these barriers?
Has the Internet and social media helped or hindered civic engagement?
References:
Atlee, T. (2009, May 1). Core Principles for Public Engagement.
Retrieved from
http://www.thataway.org/files/Expanded_Core_Principles_Public_Engagement.pdf
EMAHS. (n.d.). Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society. Retrieved from https://jchscolorado.org/
Principles of community engagement. (1997). Washington, DC.

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