Civic Engagement Research Paper

The book Soul of a Citizen by Paul Loeb makes a compelling case for civic engagement. The book emphasizes the need for people to get involved in civic life and it gives examples of people who made a huge impact just by deciding to do. These people saw something that was not right and they went out of their way to help. However, it was not size but they made up their mind that this was what they were going to do and went about doing it. They did not know that by doing that they were going to make a huge impact but they ended up making a huge impact and creating change. Just as these people did, I believe that everyone can engage in civic change and make a different. In this paper, I am going to discuss ways an average citizen can engage in civic life, ways that social worker can encourage others to get involved in civic life and why is it important for social workers to serve in this role.

Civic engagement is extremely important to our state to stay aware of what is happening in our state. However, Texas also has a low rate of civic engagement. Being a part of something is a big advantage. You have support and your voice is more likely heard. According to TCHI “working in a community organization, donating, and being in charities is great ” (Texas 4). It is good to give to the community and let them know you care about the community. Another form of civic engagement would be writing to your elected officials. If, there is something wrong with your community that you want improvement in it is your responsibilities and freedom to talk to a representative to fix it! There is no shame on asking for something you deserve for the community.

Voting is the foremost way to exhibit good citizenship and civil responsibility. People should get involved in elections and educated in all political measures. By this they become good and responsible participatory citizens. It should always be remembered that some people sacrifice their lives to preserve the freedom and voting opportunity as a sacred right. True democracy demands the involvement of the people otherwise in absence of that there is no democracy(Akande, 2011).

Civic participation is important since citizens are needed to help make a country run. Political participation is also necessary due to smart minds leading others, which brings me to Eleanor Roosevelt and why she should have her own holiday.

Citizens Participation- becoming informed, debating issues, and voting in elections. Document

The voter turnout rates can lead to a multitude of things like education and more accurate votes to the simple feel of completing a civic duty. The endgame of voter turnouts is the education of voters involved (Document F) as well as the accuracy of the vote being unquestionable (Document E). This increased voter turnout can lead to the connection of people through gathering, regardless of age (Document B). “...Civic virtue; it’s sentimentality,”(Document G). The previous quote shows that civic virtue can go a long way from not only yourself emotionally, but others too. Higher voter turnout rates cannot only improve a multitude of things in our country, but also can give our nation a legitimate name.

“A citizen is a political and moral agent who in fact has a shared sense of hope and responsibility to others and not just to him or herself” (Henry Giroux). A good citizen will not only wish for the better of themselves and their loved ones, but also of the entire world as well. A good citizen will stand up for what they consider important. As the quote by Giroux states, it is a responsibility to others as well, as the brave citizen is doing the entire community a favor as well. The analysis included in this paper will allow a reader to fathom what it means to bring change about, to get one’s voice heard, and to stand up for one’s beliefs, hopes and desires. This paper will be proceeded in a manner that not only summarizes the key ideas presented in Soul of Citizen, but also a connection to past events, along with present events and incidents.

There are many more ways people can participate in politics other than by voting. In the United States, the second highest form of activity is by participating in community work in local communities. The

I am writing to inform you of how important it is, in any free country or democratic republic, civic and political participation is absolutely crucial because without it, decisions about the affairs of the state would be left to a select few, who could enact laws that aren't in the best interests of the people.

Especially related to educational achievement, citizens must prevent and be cognizant of personal prejudice and stereotyping, in addition to raising awareness of racist policies and institutionalized predispositions against minorities. While it is difficult for one citizen to make a difference, an individual can address inequalities by participating in governmental events such as town hall meetings, conventions, and most importantly voting for political parties that prioritize helping minority communities and the impoverished. Additionally, with the right to speak freely, a democratic citizen can organize with others to raise awareness and influence the government to support their agenda of lowering the achievement gap. Lastly, a true democratic citizen will act for the common good, volunteering for students and families in need of support to make a helpful impact in the community instead of waiting for government action. Though unable to completely influence a democracy alone, individual citizens have many avenues to implement change through awareness, political participation, and community

Furthermore, citizens have indicated an unwillingness to engage in political activities. For instance, voter recruitment drives are fully-fledged social-political undertakings but they cannot guarantee civic engagement. On the other hand, politicians continue to be treated with suspicion by the American public. Consequently, Volgy and other political scholars have contributed to the debate on declining empathy and civic

Just like the government have the power to change the nation, citizens do as well by getting involved. However, in order to use any power beneficially citizens need to acknowledge the governmental system. For instance, when citizens realize that their votes matter they will for sure get involved. Furthermore, when citizens learn about the government they realize there are variety of ways to voice their opinions. For example, voting in the presidency election, joining a work union, or becoming a poll worker.

By making civic competence a central aim, the curriculum can emphasize the importance of educating students who are committed to the ideas and values of democracy. An understanding of civic ideals and practices is critical to full participation in society and is an essential component of education for citizenship. For example since civic competence has to rests on the commitment to democratic values, it requires that citizens have the ability to use their knowledge about their community, nation, and world to derive solution and solve real problems.

Civic engagement refers to the ways in which citizens participate in the life of a community in order to improve conditions for others or to help shape the community’s future. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Being an active citizen is something that everyone in the United States is required to be, yet not everyone actually is one. Many people may believe that just voting is enough to be a good citizen, but voting is actually the least of their duties. Citizens have a set of rights and responsibilities, including the right to participate in decisions that affect public welfare. Being an active citizen means that people get involved in their local communities and democracy at all levels, from their town to nationwide activity. This can be volunteering to clean up the park or street, or educating students on democratic values, skills and participation. Active citizenship is a mixture of knowledge, attitude, skills and actions that aim to contribute to building and preserving a democratic society. When citizens speak up about problems in their communities, public officials take notice and may take action to answer their concerns, which empowers the citizens of the community.