Civic engagement bonds youth to their communities, inviting them to participate in the power structures and decision-making processes that influence their daily lives. At Sociedad Latina we value and respect youth intelligence, passion, and leadership abilities. We work to combat the trend of disempowered, disengaged youth by creating space in our community for young people to effect meaningful change.
Civic Engagement is infused in all youth development programming at Sociedad Latina, as we train all youth to advocate for themselves and their communities. Youth learn the importance of civic engagement, and receive the tools and space they need to be active citizens while at Sociedad Latina.
According to the dictionary, civics is "the branch of political science that deals with civic affairs and the rights and duties of citizens"-in short, it is about citizenship, a bunch of citizens in the same boat. Civics encompasses our connectedness as members first of local communities and then of larger political groupings, such as particular towns, states, and nations.
Great video about civic engagement. To me, civic engagement means being socially responsible. It means recognizing the communities you are a part of, the needs of those communities, and how you can help. Everyone serves a different role, and everyone can help each other in different roles, strengthening the community's capabilities as a whole.
One of the readings this week discussed the lack of civic learning for a good portion of young adults. These students want civic education as a high school requirement, because they know that "civic engagement offers students a challenging, empowering, and authentic opportunity" in a time when many feel that they cannot make a difference.
Additionally,
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/06/19/these_teens_know_their_stuff/
"This may not mean anything to somebody who is accustomed to civic action or to somebody who has always recognized the power they have. But for me, being a poor black girl from Baltimore, knowing I helped pass two pieces of important legislation makes me feel invincible."-Taikira White, The Intersection
A young girl from Baltimore became active in civic engagement due to seeing kids like herself not go very far or even worse die. These two girls took a stand when most people just want to look the other way. It is easier to just leave things the way they are instead of standing up and trying to make a change for something that you believe in or think is right, What an inspiration these two young ladies are, they fought for what they wanted and are not only doing something for themselves they are helping their community and trying to make it a better place.
This Website talks about the goverment can engage people throught the media.Are you ready to effectively engage your community in 2013? Next year, local governments want online civic engagement that allows them to listen, encourage feedback, increase transparency, and improve their image within their community.
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