Introduction to Civics &

Community
Engagement
 Overview of the
course
Introduction
Definition
Importance
Key
concepts in
civics
Rights and responsibilities of
• Civics and community engagement encompass the active involvement
of individuals in their communities to address public concerns and
promote positive change. This includes working collaboratively with
others to influence decision-making, address social issues, and
improve the overall quality of life for all.
• Civic Engagement:
• Definition:
• The active participation of citizens in their communities, including voting,
running for office, volunteering, and participating in public discussions.
• Purpose:
• To influence government policies, promote social justice, and contribute to
the common good.
• Examples:
• Voting, attending public meetings, participating in community
organizations, volunteering for local charities.
• Community Engagement:
• Definition:
• The process of working collaboratively with community groups to
address issues impacting their well-being.
• Purpose:
• To build strong relationships, foster partnerships, and promote positive
change within a community.
• Examples:
• Participating in community events, volunteering for local organizations,
working with community leaders on shared goals.
• Key Concepts:
• Civic Responsibility:
• The duty of citizens to be informed, engaged, and involved in their communities.
• Public Participation:
• The involvement of the public in decision-making processes, providing opportunities for
citizens to express their views and influence policy.
• Social Justice:
• The belief that all people should have equal access to opportunities and resources,
regardless of their background or identity.
• Collective Action:
• The coordinated efforts of individuals or groups to achieve a common goal, often
addressing social or political issues.
Introduction
The Civic and Community Engagement course is designed to introduce
students to the principles and practices of engaging with communities and
participating in civic life. Here’s a brief overview:
Introduction to Concepts: Students learn about key concepts such as
civic engagement, community service, public service, and political
activism. The course often includes discussions on the history and models
of civic life, critiques of philanthropy and the role of volunteerism.
Practical Engagement: The course typically involves practical
experiences where students engage directly with community projects.
This can include service learning, internships with nonprofit
organizations, or collaborative projects with community partners
Introduction cont. ..
Skill Development: Students develop skills in self-awareness, relationship
building, dialogue, and reflection. These skills are applied in real-world
situations to understand and address social issues.
Critical Examination: The course encourages students to critically examine
social issues, systems of power, and their own roles as active, responsible
citizens. This includes identifying examples of power and privilege and
understanding their impact on everyday life.
Capstone Projects: Some programs include a capstone project where students
work on a significant community engagement project, often in
collaboration with a community partner1. Overall, the course aims to
prepare students to be engaged, socially-conscious citizens who can contribute
positively to their communities.
Definitions
 • Civic Engagement: The active participation of individuals in their
communities to address public concerns, influence decision-making,
and contribute to the common good. This can include activities
such as voting, volunteering, and advocacy.

• Community Engagement: The process of working collaboratively with

community groups to address issues that impact the well-being of
those groups. It involves building relationships and partnerships to
create sustainable changes in the community.

• Public Participation: The involvement of individuals and groups in the

Definitions related to decision-making processes of government and other public institutions.
This can include attending public meetings, providing feedback on

civic and community policies, and participating in public consultations.

• Volunteerism: The practice of offering time and services to others without

engagement can
financial gain. Volunteerism is a key component of civic engagement and
include activities such as helping at food banks, participating
in community clean-ups, and mentoring youth.

• Advocacy: The act of supporting or arguing for a cause, policy, or

proposal. Advocacy can involve activities such as writing to elected
officials, participating in protests, and using social media to raise
awareness about important issues

5
 Importance
Key concepts in civics
 Importance
Key concepts in
civics
•Strengthens Democracy: Civic engagement •Citizenship: Understanding the rights
Importance of Civic and Community Engagement
is crucial for a healthy democracy. Key Concepts in Civics
and responsibilities of citizens in a
It ensures that citizens’ voices are society, including participation in
heard, making governments the political process and
more representative and community service.
accountable.
•Democracy: The system of
•Builds Stronger Communities: Active
participation fosters a sense of government where power is vested
belonging and solidarity among in the people, who rule either
community members, enhancing directly or through freely elected
social cohesion and resilience. representatives.
•Empowers Citizens: Engaging in civic •Rule of Law: The principle that all
activities empowers individuals to members of a society, including
those in government, are equally
exercise their rights, advocate for subject to the law.
 Rights of Citizenship
Freedom of Expression: Citizens have the right to express their
opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship.
Right to Vote: Citizens can participate in the democratic process by
voting in elections for public officials.
Right to a Fair Trial: Citizens are entitled to a prompt and fair trial
by an impartial jury. Rights and
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Obeying Laws: Citizens must follow federal, state, and local laws.
responsibilities
Paying Taxes: Citizens are required to pay income and other taxes
honestly and on time to federal, state, and local authorities.
of citizenship
Serving on a Jury: When called upon, citizens must serve on a jury to
help ensure a fair judicial process.
Participating in the Democratic Process: Citizens should stay
informed about issues affecting their community and participate in
elections.
Defending the Country: If necessary, citizens may be called upon to
defend the country.
8
 Principles of
citizenship

1.Equality: All citizens are equal before the law and have equal access to rights
and
•opportunities. This principle ensures that no one is discriminated against based
on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.
2.Rule of Law: Citizens are governed by laws that are fairly applied and
enforced. This
•principle ensures that everyone, including government officials, is subject to
the law.
3.Participation: Active participation in civic and political life is encouraged and
•valued. This includes voting, engaging in public debates, and being
involved in community activities.
4.Responsibility: Citizens have a duty to contribute to the well-being of
their community
Thank you
Shafia Jamil
[email protected]
.pk
Dept. of Huamanities