Civic Engagement
Lecture 2
What is Civic Engagement?
Civic engagement or civic participation is any individual or group activity
addressing issues of public concern.
It also involves the connection of people within a society, often through common
interests or services.
Nothing is perfect in the that world.
There are various problems and issues faced majority of society.
These problems can be social (domestic violence), cultural (honor killing, acid
burning), political (social, injustice, corruption), religious (sectarianism),
economic (unemployment, poverty, inflation) or educational (school dropout, low
enrolment, illiteracy, unstable education system) by nature.
An individual or single stakeholder cannot solve these social problems but also
these problems can be solved the collaboration of government, business
community, local government (councilor, Nazim), Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) and as well as educational institutions.
All these sectors or institutions play a vital role to establish a health society with
smooth running.
To engage these different sectors or institutions to solve societal problems is
called civic engagement.
J.S Mill, a 19"h century philosopher, argued for active citizenship and civic
engagement as a means to prevent tyranny of the majority and ensure the
protection of individual liberties through participation in public discourse and
governance.
Defining Civic Engagement
Civic engagement, in short, is the participation of people in government and
democratic processes.
Civic engagement can be defined as under:
1. Aristotle:
Aristotle viewed civic engagement as integral to the concept of citizenship (politeia),
emphasizing participation in decision-making and public service as essential for the well-
being of the city-state (polis).
2. Diller (2001):
Civic engagement is any activity where people come together in their role as citizens.
3. Van Benshoten (2001):
Defined civic engagement by which an individual, through collective action, influences
the larger civil society.
Types of Civic Engagement
Civic engagement involves developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation
to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and promoting the quality of life in a
community through both political and non-political processes.
1. Activism/Advocacy
Activism refers to action take challenging those in power to bring about change in society and
benefit the greater good while, advocacy is the act of promoting and supporting the rights and well-
being of individuals, groups or communities. It involves organizing to bring about political or social
change or to show support for, bring awareness to, or promote a particular cause or policy.
2. Civic Learning
Civic Learning is a process which young people develop the knowledge, skills, and commitments to
interact effectively with fellow communities to interact effectively with fellow community members
to address shared problems. Acquiring knowledge of community, Government, social issues or
political issues with or without the application of the knowledge.
3. Community Service /Volunteerism
Community Service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people
for the benefit and betterment of their community without any form of
compensation. Engaging in activities to benefit others or one's community; such
activities may or may not involve structured training and reflection.
4. Philanthropy/ Fundraising
The term Philanthropy derives from the Ancient Greek phrase philanthropia,
means to love people. it means that philanthropy is the love of humanity or love
for mankind. Philanthropy refers to generosity in all its forms or the act of
voluntary giving by individuals or groups to promote the common good. While a
person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous
donation of money to good causes is called philanthropist. In this sense resources
or donations including money, food, clothing, etc. are collected for charitable
organizations or agencies to promote common good or common cause.
5. Community Engaged Internship
An internship program is a period of work experience. It provides students an
experiences that enhances their learning or understanding of social or political issues
relevant to a particular area of study.
6. Political engagement
Political engagement refers to the emotional and cognitive involvement in political
matters including political knowledge, interest, public opinion, political parties,
pressure group, voting, protesting and political. Developing one's own political
understandings and views that may be expressed by challenging political ideas of
others and/or influencing policies or political positions.
7. Community Engaged Research
Creation of new knowledge in collaboration with or on behalf of a community
partner that contributes to student learning within the academic discipline while
also strengthening the well-being of the community by working to solve or
How to Increase Civic Participation?
Civic participation encourages more people to get involved in their community
and government to address socio-economic issues. Here are some simple and
practical ways to increase civic participation in Pakistan:
• Educate the Public:
Teach people about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Schools can
include civics education in their curriculum. Workshops and seminars can help
adults learn how they can participate in their communities and government.
• Appropriate Use of Social Media:
Use social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information
about civic duties. Television and radio programs can also help educate people.
Media campaigns can motivate people to vote and take part in community
activities.
• Make Voting Easier:
Help people register to vote, especially in rural areas where it's harder to reach.
Make sure polling stations are easy to find and accessible for everyone, including
disabled and elderly voters. Simplifying the voting process will encourage more
people to participate.
• Engage Youth:
Support youth organizations that focus on community service and education about
civic duties. Create opportunities for young people to volunteer in community
projects. Engaging the youth ensures the next generation is active in civic
participation.
• Community Meetings:
Hold regular town hall meetings where people can discuss their concerns with local
officials. Strengthen local councils and encourage public participation in their
activities. Community meetings help people feel their voices are heard and matter.
• Digital Tools:
Develop websites and mobile apps to provide information on civic participation.
These platforms can allow people to report problems or give feedback to their
representatives easily. E-governance systems can make government services
more transparent and accessible.
• Encourage Civil Society Organizations:
Support non-governmental organizations that promote civic participation. Foster
collaborations between the government and private sector to enhance civic
initiatives. NGOs can play a crucial role in mobilizing community action and
participation.
• Promote Transparency and Accountability:
Ensure government data and decisions are publicly available to build trust. Strengthen anti-
corruption efforts to increase public confidence in the political system. Transparency and
accountability in governance encourage more people to get involved.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN
Civic engagement in Pakistan takes various forms, each contributing to the
country's socio-political landscape and addressing diverse issues. Here are some
prominent forms of civic engagement in Pakistan, along with examples:
Political Participation: Political participation involves citizens engaging in
activities related to the political process, such as voting, joining political parties,
running for office, and participating in elections. Political participation in Pakistan
involves various forms of engagement by citizens and political entities in the
democratic process, governance, and decision-making.
Voting: Pakistani citizens participate in national and provincial elections to elect
representatives at various levels of government. Voter turnout varies across regions
and elections, reflecting varying degrees of civic engagement.
Volunteerism and Community Service:
Volunteerism is when people freely give their time and skills to help others or
their community, without expecting payment. It involves individuals choosing to
make a positive impact by volunteering at charities, cleaning up parks, tutoring
kids, or supporting causes they care about. It's about making a difference because
you want to contribute, not because you're obligated to do so. Volunteerism and
community service play crucial roles in Pakistan, fostering social cohesion,
addressing local needs, and promoting civic engagement.
i. Edhi Foundation: Edhi Foundation is known for its humanitarian work,
including providing emergency services, healthcare, and education to
underprivileged communities across Pakistan.
ii. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research
Centre: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre relies
heavily on volunteers for fundraising and patient support services.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
Civil society organizations include NGOs, community groups, and advocacy
organizations that work independently of the government to address social,
economic, and political issues
i. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP): HRCP is an independent
organization that monitors human rights violations and advocates for human rights
reforms in Pakistan.
Youth Activism: Youth activism involves young people organizing and
participating in activities aimed at addressing social issues, advocating for change,
and promoting civic engagement among their peers.
i. Pakistani Youth Parliament: This organization engages young Pakistanis in
debates, discussions, and projects related to national issues, aiming to foster
leadership and civic responsibility among youth.
Media and Journalism:
Media and journalism play a crucial role in civic engagement by providing
information, facilitating public discourse, and holding authorities accountable.
i. Dawn News: As one of Pakistan's leading English-language newspapers, Dawn
News provides investigative reporting, analysis, and coverage of political and social
issues, influencing public opinion and policy debates.
Community Development Initiatives: Community development initiatives
focus on improving local conditions through grassroots efforts, including education,
healthcare, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
i. The Citizens Foundation (TCF): TCF is a nonprofit organization that aims to
provide quality education to underprivileged children in Pakistan. They build and
operate schools in rural and urban areas, promoting community involvement and
empowerment.
Women’s Rights Activism:
Women’s rights activism addresses gender inequality, advocates for women's rights,
and works towards creating an inclusive society where women have equal
opportunities and protections.
i. Aurat March: Aurat March is a women's rights movement in Pakistan that
organizes annual marches on International Women's Day. It raises awareness about
issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and economic
empowerment.
Cultural Preservation and Heritage Conservation:
Cultural preservation and heritage conservation in Pakistan are critical
for safeguarding the country's rich cultural diversity, historical
landmarks, and traditional practices.
i. Lok Virsa Museum:
Located in Islamabad, Lok Virsa is a museum and cultural center dedicated to
showcasing Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage through exhibitions, workshops, and
events. It promotes awareness and appreciation of Pakistani traditions and arts.
Environmental Activism: Environmental activism focuses on conservation
efforts, sustainable development practices, and raising awareness about
environmental issues and climate change.
i. Pakistan Youth Climate Network (PYCN): PYCN is a network of young
activists and environmentalists working to raise awareness about climate change,
advocate for environmental policies, and promote sustainable practices among
youth and communities.
Digital Civic Engagement:
Digital civic engagement in Pakistan refers to the use of digital platforms and
technologies to facilitate and enhance citizen participation. in governance,
advocacy, and community activities.
Consumer Activism:
Consumer activism involves individuals and groups using their purchasing power
and consumer choices to advocate for ethical practices, sustainability, and social
responsibility from businesses. Consumer activism in Pakistan involves individuals
and groups taking action to influence business practices, promote ethical
consumerism, and advocate for consumer rights.
Healthcare Initiatives:
Healthcare initiatives in Pakistan encompass a variety of efforts aimed at
improving access to healthcare services, addressing public health challenges, and
promoting health education.
Legal Aid and Justice Advocacy:
Legal aid and justice advocacy initiatives in Pakistan play a crucial role in
promoting access to justice, protecting human rights, and ensuring legal
representation for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Technology and Innovation for Social Good:
Technology and innovation for social good in Pakistan involve leveraging digital
solutions to address social challenges, improve access to services, and foster
economic development.
