“ understanding and implementing civic inclusion and engagement ”

“ UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTING CIVIC INCLUSION

AND ENGAGEMENT ”

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the

world. Indeed it’s the

only thing that ever has”

Margaret Mead

‘Civic Engagement’ is the intentional action by individuals or groups to participate in democracy.

It involves acting upon your CARES and CONCERNS within your community.

BY..•Educating oneself on various issues•Using one’s gifts, talents and resources•Advocating for positive change

‘Civic Engagement’ entails…

Being an effective and responsible citizen.

Promoting the quality of life in a community.

Fulfilling your responsibility to humanity.

Contributing ideas focused on a common good.

Being actively involved in the political and

decision-making processes.

‘SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT’ refers to the social involvements, active participation and relationships formed within one’s various organizations.

Such Relationships Include:

Family membersPeersCommunity membersLocal institutionsAt the broadest level, with society

CITIZEN ACTIVISM Refers to participation in the furtherance of a

strong community / society and for deepening democratic governance.

A Morally and Civically Responsible Citizen•Sees themselves as part of a larger social fabric

•Considers social problems to be partly their own

Implementing Social and Civic Engagement

Social and Civic Engagement can take various forms and involve the following:

Individual Voluntarism

Organizational Involvement

Electoral Participation

Efforts to directly address issues

Political Activism

Affiliation with a Political Organization

Contribution to a Political Cause

Membership in a Local Board

Informal Community Work

Campaign Contributions

Contacting an Official

Campaign Work

Protests

Voting

OBSTACLES to Active Social and Civic Engagement

1. Limited Access to Educational Resources

2. Limited Access to Informational Resources

3. Lack of financial resources

4. Time Constraints

Building Inclusive Communities through Social Inclusion and Civic Engagement

Key Elements:

1. Understanding that all members of the community potentially gain.

2. Everyone can participate as a valued and contributing member.

An inclusive community or city is one that provides opportunities for the optimal development of all children, youth and adults.

(ICC, 2003)

Five Civic Dimensions of Social Inclusion

1. Commitment to Diversity Plans, policies and actions that provide valued recognition to all individuals and groups.

2. Opportunities for Human DevelopmentFocus on the development of skills, talents and capacities of everyone.

Five Civic Dimensions of Social Inclusion

3. Quality of Civic Engagement Actions to promote civic participation of

all individuals.

4. Cohesiveness of Living Conditions Provisions of basic necessities that

minimize disparities in community living

conditions.

5. Adequacy of Community Services

YOUR ROLE…

GET INVOLVED!!!

BECOME SOCIALLY

POLITICALLY

AND

CIVICALLY ENGAGED.

Contact InformationLIUNA Station, Lower Concourse360 James St. N. Hamilton, ONL8L 1H5

Tel: (905) 667-7502 Fax: (905) 667-7477 Tel: (905) 667-3088

E-mail: mnuyaba@hcci.ca Web: www.hcci.ca