One example of civic engagement I find interesting is the work being done by Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI). Particularly, their involvement and partnership in the Upham's Corner Art Place. This 501 (c)(3) has commissioned an artist to involve residents in their regional universe as a means of beautifying and livening up the neighborhood, to counteract the notion of the broken windows theory.

http://dsni.org/uphams-corner-artplace-0