The importance of real, ongoing, daily civic engagement.
The election is over and the purpose of this website has slightly shifted. As I talked to so many Edmontonians this past few months, something I heard over and over again was that people want to get involved, they just don't know-how. We are so busy and the task of looking for opportunities to make meaningful contributions can be a little daunting. Here is where I come in. I want this website to be a space filled with ideas that are practical and realistic. Opportunities that we envision here but put into practice in the real world. "Each one of us can make a difference, together we make change."
Voting and census participation are the two activities that usually come to people’s minds when thinking of civic engagement, although there are infinite ways for people to get involved.
The term civic engagement does not have a standard definition and it can be applied to a range of activities. I am defining civil engagement as any form of engagement that focuses on participating in either political activities or community activities with the intention of creating a better quality of life and unity in a society.
Examples of meaningful civic engagement include membership and participation in community leagues, local clean-ups, blood donation, volunteering with not-for-profit organizations, being part of a board, doing a good deed to a neighbor, and of course voting. The options are endless.
Why practice civic engagement?
Civic engagement comes with many benefits and is in the best interest of the community. We all have invested in Edmonton when we decided to live here and we all want that investment to pay off. What we don’t realize sometimes is that we have a part to play if we want that investment to pay off.
Here are some of the reasons why every person needs to be involved.
Improved relationships and social cohesion
Engaged community members develop stronger connections with one another. Knowing your neighbors creates a sense of community. It helps people to develop a sense of trust, belonging, and reciprocity.
Improved community
Engaged people actively work to improve their community and care for it through volunteering, education, and other activities.
Better education
Engaged citizens are more likely to be informed and discuss the successes and failures of the community, share information with others and be interested in seeking meaningful solutions.
Greater understanding
The right civic engagement opportunities can help keep the community informed about local events and opportunities.
Growth and development
Civic engagement can mean highlighting and taking advantage of community members with skills, information, and motivation to contribute and make a difference.
Individual responsibility
It encourages individuals to see themselves as part of a wider community and feel responsible for contributing to and improving that community for the benefit of all.
Better quality of life
Community members can address their concerns and influence decisions to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole.
Better government
Civic engagement is essential for a functioning democratic government
In order for democracy to succeed, public participation is essential. Civic engagement helps citizens to become aware of their community’s needs, how problems could be solved and encourage them to find the place where they fit in to help. This motivates people to become more involved in politics through voting, sharing their opinions, and encouraging political actions that support their values.
There is so much we all can do to make Edmonton a better place outside of City Hall. That is where I'll keep working from...for now. Who is ready to make Edmonton a better place one person at a time?