Civic engagement happens when citizens get active for the good of the community. It takes a broad spectrum of forms, and serves a variety of purposes.
Oftentimes the initiative is taken by the citizens themselves because they identify a certain problem in their community and thus become active to fix it. But more and more politicians recognise the potential of what citizens can contribute. They see the necessity to involve citizens in community decisions, as well as validate citizens’ need for encouragement and support in those matters. One way they do this is by providing the necessary infrastructure such as volunteer platforms or places to meet or store things, such as food, tools or other common resources. Another way is by starting comprehensive participatory processes where all steps, from brainstorming to project implementation are done in close collaboration between politicians (or civil servants) and citizens.
Taking civic engagement seriously is a key factor for political innovation, both by bringing politics and citizens closer together and by tapping into a larger and more diverse set of ideas.
In our showroom you can find numerous projects based on civic engagement. We have made a selection of inspiring projects that shows the diversity of forms it can take:
How to apply to become the European Capital of Democracy 2024/25
Becoming a European Capital of Democracy is a unique opportunity for cities within the Council of Europe member states and Kosovo.
Six projects that fight for gender equality
Gender inequality remains a persistent and pressing issue, despite the systematic efforts of the feminist movement over the past century.
CivicLine – a citizen-run innovative public space in a contested territory
Transforming a derelict area in northern Paris into a showcase of citizen governance opens up a new space for many activities in a formerly abandoned public space under the metro.
Facing Change with a Common Vision
The two cities foster cooperation in diverse dialogue formats with representatives from civil society, the Municipality, the private sector, and citizens, in order to overcome the economic changes affecting the region.
Feuding Youths Becoming Change-Makers
This programme counteracts conflict and radicalisation among youth from two feuding neighbourhoods in Tripoli, Lebanon’s northern capital, by creating an empowering counter-narrative that allows for positive actions, such as beautifying public spaces.
R-URBAN – Ecological Transition Movement involving Citizens in Civic Resilience Networks
This initiative looks to strengthen urban adaptability to climate change, build social resilience, create new green jobs, and connect municipalities with a hands-on attitude.
Engagement for Glarus!
Am online platform encourages civic and political engagement of children and adolescents in the Canton, and recognises them as citizens.
Frome Community Fridge
One community fridge saves 90,000 food items per year from being wasted whilst providing a unique opportunity for social connections to form.
In our Showroom we present exemplary political projects which successfully address today’s challenges. Each month, we offer you a carefully curated selection of best practices which impact global settings through local change-making.
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ANY OTHER GREAT PROJECTS THAT DO THEIR PART IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE?
Nominate them to the Innovation in Politics Awards here.
Have you implemented one such project yourself? Submit it here, to our fifth edition of Innovation in Politics Awards.
If you need more inspiration or some extra help with your application, check this guide for submitting your project!
