OLR Report 2013-R-0279 gives examples of programs that community groups use to involve residents and property owners in solving a community's problems or improving a community's quality of life (i.e., civic engagement). Specifically, it gives examples of grassroots programs that have been used to improve residents' quality of life.
A table in the report describes five initiatives that foster civic engagement by placing residents at the center of a process aimed at improving a community's quality of life. Each stresses the importance of leadership and change from within a community and encourages community members to participate in making decisions that affect their community.
While all of these initiatives attempt to foster civic engagement, their methods vary. Some help residents develop the interpersonal skills to address a wide range of community issues (i.e., “network organizing” and “compassionate listening”). Others engage residents in addressing specific quality of life problems, such as blighted property or lack of social services (e.g., “community policing,” “participatory budgeting,” and “service exchanges”).
For more information, read the full report.
