Civic engagement is more than just a set of practices; it is also a set of conditions. The civic engagement environment is not only informed by what we practice, but by how we are positioned in our communities. This environment exists in the interconnection of our community and individual lives. How we practice civic engagement is tied to our access to resources and opportunities, which is dependent upon the (perceived and intended) motivations behind issue-specific public engagements.
Historically, people of color and low-income residents (and many others), have often not been invited to speak, assemble and associate in an authentic way. Their gifts have gone unappreciated.
In this guide, Kirwan Institute researcher and author Kip Holley shows how to transform the civic environment, from one of exclusion and mistrust to one of hope and endless possibility. Pulling from several case studies and real-world examples, The Principles for Equitable and Inclusive Civic Engagement provides a roadmap for communities that wish to spark real, transformative change.