vics is the analysis of the research

and practice of citizenship,

including its rights and
responsibilities; citizens’
responsibilities to one another as
part of a larger political body and
to
the administration. It includes
vics is the analysis of the research
and practice of citizenship,
including its rights and
responsibilities; citizens’
responsibilities to one another as
part of a larger political body and
to
the administration. It includes
vics is the analysis of the research
and practice of citizenship,
including its rights and
responsibilities; citizens’
responsibilities to one another as
part of a larger political body and
to
the administration. It includes
vics is the analysis of the research
and practice of citizenship,
including its rights and
responsibilities; citizens’
responsibilities to one another as
part of a larger political body and
to
the administration. It includes
CIVICS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT –AN INTRODUCTION

Civics can be defined as the study of citizenship and government. It covers topics such as the history
of democracy, how laws are made, and how citizens can participate in their government. Why is
civics important? Learning about civics helps people understand their rights and responsibilities as
citizens. It also teaches them how to be active participants in their community and country.

Meaning of Civics

Civics is the analysis of the research and practice of citizenship, including its rights and
responsibilities; citizens’ responsibilities to one another as part of a larger political body and to the
administration. It includes the study of civil law and civil code, constitutional law, administration,
public administration, politics, diplomacy, and international relations. Civics is an important part of
education because it teaches people how to be good citizens. Good citizenship includes being
informed about the workings of government and participating in the democratic process. It also
includes understanding and respecting the rights of others, obeying the law, and being tolerant of
those who have different opinions. Being a good citizen is important not only for the individual, but
also for the community and the country as a whole. When everyone works together to uphold the
values of democracy and to participate in the political process, it makes for a strong and prosperous
nation.

Origin of Civics

The word “civics” comes from the Latin word “civitis,” which means “citizen.” Then civicus, which
means ‘’relating to citizen’’. then it became ‘’civics’’. The study of civics can be traced back to the
ancient Greeks, who developed the first democratic government. Plato and Aristotle were two of the
most famous Greek philosophers who wrote about civics and the importance of citizenship. In the
Middle Ages, the study of civics was part of the training of those who were going into the government
of the Church. In the Renaissance, scholars such as Niccolò Machiavelli and Jean Bodin wrote about
the relationship between citizens and rulers. In the 18th century, philosophers such as Voltaire and
Rousseau wrote about democracy and the rights of citizens. The study of civics has evolved, but the
basic principles remain the same: to promote good citizenship and to prepare people to participate in
the political process.

Importance of Civics

1. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. It helps us understand our
government and how it works. Civics also helps us understand how we can participate in our
government and make it work better.

2. Civics is important because it helps us be informed and active citizens. When we know our
rights and duties as citizens, we can participate in our government more effectively. We can
also work to make our government more responsive to the needs of its people.

3. Civics is also important because it helps us understand the issues that affect our community
and our country. When we know how our government works, we can better understand the
issues that concern us and take action to address them. Civics is an important part of a well-
rounded education. It helps us become informed and engaged citizens who can make a
difference in our community and our country.
4. Civics will continue to play an important role in the future, as it helps people to understand
their rights and duties as citizens. It also helps people to be informed and active participants in
their government. As the world becomes more complex, civics will become even more
important in helping people to understand the issues that affect their community and their
country.
5. Civics is an important part of a well-rounded education, and it should be taught in schools. It
is also important for people to continue to learn about civics throughout their lives. There are
many ways to do this, such as reading books, watching documentaries, and attending civic
events. By understanding civics, we can make our world a better place for everyone.

What is civic and community?

Citizenship in a civic community is characterized by active participation in public affairs. Being
interested in public issues and prepared to be involved in debates and common activities are important
signs of civic virtue.

What are the objectives of civic engagement?

working to address an array of cultural, social, political, and religious interests and beliefs. public
purposes, such as group problem solving, public speaking, petitioning and protesting, and voting.
responsibility, tolerance and respect, and belief in the capacity to make a difference.

Who is the father of civics?

Benjamin Franklin is known as the father of Civics. He acknowledged the complexity of cross-
cultural, diverse, and anticipatory interactions.

What is community engagement?

The word “community” describes groups of people, whether they are stakeholders, interest groups, or
citizen groups. A community may be based in a geographic location or formed around people of
similar interests, affiliations, or identities.
What is Civic Engagement ?

Civic engagement describes how individuals become involved in their community to make a positive
difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. Drawing on the ideology of communitarianism, the
active involvement of people through civic engagement seeks to secure the common good. The
success of civic engagement activities depends on the tendency of people to consider themselves to be
an integral part of society and therefore view problems facing society to be at least partly their own.

The activities of civic engagement seek to address issues in several major aspects of society including
family life, the economy, education, health, the environment, and politics. Similarly, acts of civic
engagement can take several forms including individual volunteerism, engaging in community wide
projects, and participation in the processes of democracy.

Types of Civic Engagement The act of civic engagement can be conducted in three main ways
including electoral participation, individual volunteerism, and advocacy, or activism.

1. Electoral Participation

The freedom of citizens to participate in the formation and procedures of their government through
the electoral process is the foundation of democracy. Besides the obvious and vital act of voting, civic
engagement in the electoral process encompasses activities including:

 Helping with voter registration drives, “get out the vote” campaigns, and other activities 
intended to increase voter turnout.
 Contributing money to candidates’ election campaigns
 Donating time and effort to candidates’ campaigns or party organizations

2. Volunteerism

Volunteerism is the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support a
nonprofit organization. It is the principle of donating time and energy towards a greater cause.
Volunteers help change the lives of those in their community as a social responsibility rather than
receiving a financial reward. A few common examples of volunteerism include:

 Collecting and donating food to food banks

 Helping groups like those providing relief goods to disaster struck areas
 Joining a neighborhood watch group
 Helping to grow food at community gardens
 Helping with recycling and cleanup efforts
3. Activism and Advocacy

Activism and advocacy involve working to bring about political or social change through
increasing public awareness of and support for particular causes or policies. Some common acts
of activism and advocacy include:

 Taking part in peaceful protest demonstrations and boycotts writing to or meeting

 with elected officials Contacting print, broadcast, and online media
 Petitioning the government or helping to gather signatures for petitions
 Many expressions of activism and advocacy take place at the community level and have
become for more common since the rise of the internet.